CETP Gene and Its Role in Diabetes Mellitus Type II - A Review

Wamique M and Ali W

Abstract

Plasma lipoproteins are continuously remodelled through the actions of enzymes and lipid transfer proteins. In particular, the transfers of cholesteryl esters (CE) and triglycerides (TG) are facilitated by a specialized protein known as the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP). Genetic polymorphisms of the enzymes and proteins involved in lipid metabolism like cholesteryl ester transfer protein CETP have been shown to affect plasma lipid concentrations. CETP modifies HDL, LDL and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels. It transfers cholesterol esters (CE) from CE rich particles (HDL and LDL) to triglyceride rich particles (VLDL) in exchange of triglyceride from the latter. Several genetic polymorphisms have been reported which may be associated with alteration in CETP activity. TaqI B polymorphism has been most widely studied, which results from a silent mutation in nucleotide 277, in intron 1 of the gene. The polymorphism has been associated with decreased CETP mass and an increase in HDL-cholesterol. The TaqI polymorphism B1 allele of CETP has been shown to be an independent risk factor for development of cerebral vascular disease, in patients with T2DM.