Background: Circulating fetuin-A (FetA) inhibits insulin receptor signaling and activates the toll-like receptor 4 proinflammatory cascade; thus, it may contribute to metabolic syndrome. Polymorphisms in alpha-2-Heremans-Schmid glycoprotein (AHSG), the gene which codes FetA, may influence metabolic syndrome progression in higher-risk ethnic groups. We aimed to identify whether individual variation in AHSG influences biomarkers of metabolic disease and obesity in young Mexican adults. Methods: The participants were Mexican college applicants (18-25 years, n = 641). Dietary intake, anthropometric data, and blood for the analysis of biomarkers and genetics were collected. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in AHSG (rs2518136 and rs4917) were genotyped. Results: Neither AHSG SNP was associated with body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference. rs4917 C allele carriers had lower triglycerides (TG) than T allele homozygotes (98.85 ± 2.3 vs. 112.2 ± 5.2 mg/dL, p = 0.0113). BMI was strongly associated with TG (p < 0.0001) regardless of genotype. The relationship between circulating TG and dietary intake of carbohydrates and saturated fat was significant in rs4917 CT allele heterozygotes only (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively). Conclusions: rs4917 T allele carriers had higher TG. This relationship was exaggerated in individuals with overweight and obesity. Dietary intake was significantly associated with TG in only those with heterozygosity at rs4917, suggesting that these individuals may be more susceptible to dietary interventions.

Keywords:
Triglycerides, Metabolic syndrome, Hispanics, Fetuin-A
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