The Relationship between MCR4 and Lipid Profile in Metabolic Syndrome

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial disorder marked by obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance, which increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Genetic factors, including polymorphisms in the Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) have been linked to its development, especially regarding lipid metabolism and obesity. This study aimed to investigate the association between the MC4R (rs17782313) C/T polymorphism and lipid profile in individuals with MetS compared to healthy controls.
Methods: A case-control study was conducted with 150 Iraqi participants including 75 MetS patients and 75 healthy controls. Anthropometric measurements and lipid profile were recorded. Genotypic distribution of the MC4R (rs17782313) polymorphism was analyzed using ARMSPCR. Statistical analyses assessed the correlation between MC4R
polymorphisms, lipid profile, and risk of MetS.
Results: Patients with MetS showed significantly higher BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels when compared to controls. The TT genotype of MC4R (rs17782313) was more prevalent among patients (24%) than controls (12%), associated with increased risk of MetS (OR=2.81, p=0.024). The T allele was also more common in patients (40.7%) than in controls (26%) (p=0.007, OR=1.95).
Conclusion: Findings suggest a strong association between MC4R (rs17782313) polymorphism, lipid abnormalities, and MetS. The T allele and TT genotype may serve as genetic markers for increased susceptibility. Further studies are needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms behind therapeutic interventions targeting this receptor