The Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is defined as a pattern of metabolic disturbances, which include central obesity, insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Milk has been promoted as a healthy beverage that can improve the management of MetS. Most human adults, however, down-regulate the production of intestinal lactase after weaning. Lactase encoded by the LCT gene is necessary for lactose digestion. The -13910C > T SNP (rs4988235) is responsible for the lactase persistence phenotype in European populations. We herein investigated whether the lactase persistence genotype is also associated with the MetS in subjects from a Brazilian population of European descent. This study consisted of 334 individuals (average age of 41 years) genotyped by PCR-based methods for the -13910C > T SNP. Clinical data were assessed and the genotypes were tested for their independent contribution to the MetS using chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analysis. Univariate analyses showed that hypertension and MetS prevalence were higher in individuals with the lactase non-persistence genotype than in lactase persistence subjects. Furthermore, lactase persistence was associated with a lower risk for MetS (OR = 0.467; 95% CI 0.264-0.824; p = 0.009). These results suggest that LCT genotypes can be a valuable tool for the management of MetS treatment.

Os níveis de lipídeos séricos são características multifatoriais determinadas por um grande número de fatores genéticos e ambientais. A identificação do componente genético dessas características tem sido intensamente investigada nos últimos anos. Esses estudos têm enfocado principalmente polimorfismos nos genes que codificam proteínas estruturais e enzimas relacionadas com o metabolismo de lipídeos. Estudos mais recentes mostraram que o efeito desses polimorfismos depende em parte das interações dos diferentes genótipos com os fatores de risco clássicos tais como tabagismo, sobrepeso ou sedentarismo. A variabilidade encontrada nesses genes parece também influir na resposta a fármacos comumente utilizados no tratamento das hiperlipidemias.

Serum lipid levels are multifactorial traits determined by a high number of genetic and environmental factors. The identification of the genetic component of this traits have been intensively investigated in the last years. These studies focused mainly on polymorphisms in genes coding for structural proteins and enzymes related to lipid metabolism. More recent studies showed that the effect of these polymorphisms depend in part on the interactions of different genotypes with classic risk factors like tabagism, overweight or physical inactivity. The variability observed in these genes seems to influence drug response of those commonly used in hyperlipidemia treatment.

Os níveis de lipídeos séricos são características multifatoriais determinadas por um grande número de fatores genéticos e ambientais. A identificação do componente genético dessas características tem sido intensamente investigada nos últimos anos. Esses estudos têm enfocado principalmente polimorfismos nos genes que codificam proteínas estruturais e enzimas relacionadas com o metabolismo de lipídeos. Estudos mais recentes mostraram que o efeito desses polimorfismos depende em parte das interações dos diferentes genótipos com os fatores de risco clássicos tais como tabagismo, sobrepeso ou sedentarismo. A variabilidade encontrada nesses genes parece também influir na resposta a fármacos comumente utilizados no tratamento das hiperlipidemias.

Serum lipid levels are multifactorial traits determined by a high number of genetic and environmental factors. The identification of the genetic component of this traits have been intensively investigated in the last years. These studies focused mainly on polymorphisms in genes coding for structural proteins and enzymes related to lipid metabolism. More recent studies showed that the effect of these polymorphisms depend in part on the interactions of different genotypes with classic risk factors like tabagism, overweight or physical inactivity. The variability observed in these genes seems to influence drug response of those commonly used in hyperlipidemia treatment.