Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 gene polymorphism and its serum level have an impact on anthropometric and biochemical risk factors of metabolic syndrome in Indian population

Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), encoded by gene CCL‐2 (Chemokine C‐C motif 2), is the ligand of chemokine receptor CCR‐2. Concurrent clinical alteration in several metabolic aspects, including central obesity, dysglycemia, dyslipidemia and hypertension, is clinically characterized as metabolic syndrome (MetS). Role of MCP‐1 in each of these aspects has been established in vitro and in animal studies as well. We here report genetic association of ?2518 A>G MCP‐1 (rs 1024611) gene polymorphism and level of MCP‐1 with MetS in North Indian subjects. We analysed (n = 386, controls and n = 384, MetS subjects) for MCP‐1 gene polymorphism using PCR‐RFLP, its serum level using ELISA, anthropometric (body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, waist–hip ratio and blood pressure) and biochemical (serum lipids, plasma glucose and insulin levels) variables in a genetic association study. The body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist–hip ratio, blood pressure, serum lipids, insulin and fasting plasma glucose level were significantly high in MetS subjects. Regression analysis showed significant correlation of body mass index, waist and hip circumference, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein fasting insulin and HOMA‐IR with MetS. MCP‐1 allele and genotype were significantly associated with MetS. Serum MCP‐1 level was high in overall cases. In conclusions, the MCP‐1 2518A>G (rs 1024611) polymorphism has significant impact on risk of MetS, and MCP‐1 level correlates with anthropometric and biochemical risk factors of MetS.