Keap1 Gene Variants (rs11085735) and Lipid Profile in Obese Individuals From Kurdistan, Iraq

Obesity is defined as excessive fat accumulation in the adipose tissue and peripheral organs. The Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) is involved in cellular protection in obesity.

The objectives of this study were to detect the association of Keap1 rs11085735 variants with the risk of obesity in relation to anthropometric parameters and lipid profile in a population from the Kurdistan of Iraq.

A total of 265 volunteers (134 females and 131 males) were randomly selected. According to the body mass index (BMI), individuals were divided into subjects with normal BMI (131 healthy individuals) and obese subjects (134 obese volunteers). Anthropometry and lipid profile parameters were measured in these volunteers and Keap1 rs11085735 variants were identified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by digestion with HinfI restriction enzyme.

Triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) serum levels were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the obese group compared to the control group. The serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly lower (P = 0.02) in the obese individuals than in the controls. Moreover, the waist, hip, and wrist circumferences and the waist to hip ratio in obese individuals were significantly higher than in controls (P < 0.001). The frequency of Keap1 AA genotype was 1.5% in the obese group and 0% in the controls (P = 0.36). The frequency of A allele was 4.9% and 3.1% in obese subjects and controls, respectively (P = 0.28). Considering all individuals, carriers of AA genotype of Keap1 had significantly higher BMI and waist and hip circumferences compared to the carriers of AC and CC genotypes.

The present study found abnormal lipid profile among obese individuals compared to individuals with normal BMI. Our findings indicated that the presence of Keap1 polymorphism influenced the anthropometric parameters, and the carriers of AA genotype of Keap1 had significantly higher BMI and waist and hip circumferences compared to the carriers of AC and CC genotypes.