Association between TaqI vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism and LDL‐C in Cuban Americans

Abstract

The study investigated the association between TaqI vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphism (rs 731236) and LDL cholesterol (LDL‐C) in Cuban Americans (CA). This cross‐sectional study included CA (n=253) with (n=111) and without (n=142) type 2 diabetes (T2D). Participants were recruited from multiple sources from Miami‐Dade and Broward Counties, Florida. TaqI VDR polymorphism was genotyped by the RFLP‐PCR method. Plasma LDL‐C was assayed by an enzymatic method. Analysis included descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Participants without T2D had significantly higher LDL‐C levels than those with T2D (P=.015). ANOVA showed that after controlling for confounding variables, participants without T2D carrying the tt genotype had significantly higher LDL‐C levels compared to those carrying the genotypes TT (P=.006) and Tt (P=.028). Findings provide a better understanding of the relationship between TaqI polymorphism and LDL‐C in this minority group. A need for further exploration as to how TaqI VDR polymorphism (rs 731236) is associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors and diabetes status is recommended. Funding for this research was provided through an NIH/NIDDK sponsored grant.