TRIB3 Functional Q84R Polymorphism Is a Risk Factor for Metabolic Syndrome and Carotid Atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVE To determine the association of TRIB3 Q84R polymorphism with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and carotid atherosclerosis. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A case-control study enrolled 513 Chinese subjects in three groups: control, MetS, and obese. The functional TRIB3 Q84R polymorphism was genotyped among subjects undergoing carotid ultrasonography. The clinical and biochemical characteristics were determined. RESULTS For individuals with the TRIB3 R84 allele, the odds ratio for developing MetS was 2.349 (P = 0.018), abdominal obesity 2.351 (P = 0.012), hypertriglyceridemia 2.314 (P = 0.00003), and insulin resistance 1.697 (P = 0.023). Likewise, the odds ratio for individuals with the TRIB3 R84 allele to develop thickened intima-media thickness was 2.208 (P = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS Individuals with the functional TRIB3 Q84R polymorphism are at risk for MetS. The TRIB3 R84 allele especially predisposes to carotid atherosclerosis in part through the effects of abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and insulin resistance.