The Q/E27 polymorphism in the β2-adrenoceptor gene is associated with increased body weight and dyslipoproteinaemia involving triglyceride-rich lipoproteins

Objectives. To investigate whether a substitution of glutamine by glutamic acid at amino acid position 27 (Q/E27) and an arginine to glycine transition at amino acid 16 (R/G16) in the beta(2)-adrenoceptor gene are associated with lipid and lipoprotein disturbances and/or increased body weight in men. Design. Population-based study. Setting. Department of medicine at a university hospital. Subjects. A total of 180 healthy men, aged 30-45 years, were recruited at random from a register containing all permanent residents in Stockholm County (response rate of 70%). Main outcome measures. Frequency of beta(2)-adrenoceptor genotypes and alleles in relation to plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels and body mass index. Results. Individuals carrying the E27 allele and/or the G16 allele had significantly higher body mass index (BMI). Furthermore, carriers of the E27 allele had significantly higher plasma concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL cholesterol and VLDL triglycerides than did subjects homozygous for the Q allele. Conclusion. The E27 allele of the beta(2)-adrenoceptor gene is associated with slightly to moderately elevated BMI and dyslipoproteinaemia involving triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in healthy younger and middle-aged men.