Relation of G1359A polymorphism of the cannabinoid receptor (CB1) gene with metabolic syndrome by ATP III classification

Background A polymorphism (1359 G/A) of the cannabinoid type-1 receptor gene was reported as a common polymorphism in Caucasian populations. Some metabolic disorders are related to this polymorphism. Objective The aim of our study was to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome and this polymorphism. Design A population of 917 obese patients was analysed in a cross-sectional survey. Bioimpedance, blood pressure, an assessment of nutritional intake and biochemical analysis were recorded. Results Five hundred and twelve patients (55.8%) had the genotype G1359G (wild-type group), whereas 344 (37.5%) had genotype G1359A and 61 (6.7%) patients had A1359A. (G1359A and A1359A were included in the mutant-type group; 44.2% total). In wild type patients, metabolic syndrome prevalence was higher (54.9% versus 45.1%; p < 0.05) than no metabolic syndrome prevalence. In patients with mutant genotypes, metabolic syndrome prevalence was lower (43.7% versus 56.3%; p < 0.05). Glucose, insulin and homeostasis model assessment levels were higher in patients with the wild genotype than in those with the mutant type. Adiponectin levels were lower in patients with the wild genotype than in those with the mutant type. Conclusion The novel finding of this study is the association of the G1359A and A1359A cannabinoid type-1 genotypes with a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome than the G1359G genotype. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.