The Interaction between <i>CD36</i> rs1761667 Polymorphism and Dietary Phytochemical Index on the Risk Factors Related to Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The aim of the study was to assess the interaction between <i>CD36</i> rs1761667 and the dietary phytochemical index (DPI) on the risk factors related to metabolic syndrome (MetS) among apparently healthy adults. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This cross-sectional study was conducted on 387 apparently healthy adults (aged 20–70 years) of the recruitment phase of the Yazd Health Study (YaHS). The DPI was calculated using data from a validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire. Genotyping of rs1761667 was performed by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. All participants were categorized into two categories, based on DPI scores. The interactions were tested using logistic regression in adjusted and unadjusted models. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There was no significant association between <i>CD36</i> gene polymorphism rs1761667 and MetS components, and also, the DPI score was not associated with the components of MetS. Significant interactions were observed between DPI and rs1761667 polymorphism on the odds of MetS (<i>p</i> = 0.05) and odds of abdominal obesity (<i>p</i> = 0.01) so that higher adherence to this index was associated with a low risk of MetS and abdominal obesity in individuals with AG genotype. In contrast, increased adherence to the DPI was associated with higher odds of abdominal obesity among the AA genotype. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The AG genotype appears to be a protective factor against the risk of MetS and abdominal obesity with greater adherence to DPI. However, additional research is needed to elucidate these interactions and the mechanisms behind these associations.