Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) is Conversely Correlated to LAMP-2 Gene Expression Level: A Predictor for Lysosomal Lipid Entrance System

Abstract

Background: Nutritional surveys focused on anthropometric measurements and gene profiles may present early predictors for atherosclerosis. Since lysosomal lipid entrance system is effectively related to the lysosomal membrane LAMP-1/-2 proteins thus the aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between their gene expression levels and anthropometric measurements. Methods: A total of 126 healthy volunteers participated in the study. The LDL-C, HDL-C, and TC values were measured by routine laboratory techniques. The WC, HC, BAI, HC and WHR measures were calculated on the basis of current anthropometric methods. The LAMP-1 and LAMP-2 expression levels were measured by Real Time qPCR technique. Results: The results showed that the HC, WC, WHR and BAI measures are significantly related to BMI value (r 0.6, p 0.0001; r 0.6, p 0.0001; r 0.1, p 0.006; r 0.55, 0.0001, respectively). The LAMP- 2 expression level was conversely related to LDL-C value, based on normal upper range (>130 mg/dl, p<0.005). Furthermore, the LAMP-2 expression level was conversely correlated to WHR (r - 0.35, p 0.009). Conclusion: We proposed that the lysosomal lipid entrance system relates conversely to abdominal adiposity. Furthermore, we suggested that the increase of WHR may indicate the increase of intracellular cholesterol synthesis due to the decrease of cholesterol uptake.