CLOCK 3111TT Genotype Is Associated with Increased Total Cholesterol and Low-Density Lipoprotein Levels in Menopausal Women with a Body Mass Index of at Least 25 kg/m(2)

Lipid profile comparative analysis was performed to reveal the interdependence of lipids with Circadian locomoter output cycles protein kaput (CLOCK) 3111T/C gene polymorphism in menopausal women with/without a body mass index (BMI) of ≥25 kg/m(2). Methods: A total of 193 female volunteers aged 45 to 60 years were divided into two groups: Those with BMI < 25 kg/m(2) (control) and those with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2). Each group was then divided into two subgroups: Those with the CLOCK TT-genotype and those with the CLOCK TC-, CC-genotypes. Lipid metabolism parameters were determined by the enzymatic method. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected via polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism technology. Results: There were no differences in CLOCK 3111T/C genotypes or allele frequency between the control and main groups. In addition, there were no differences in lipid profile parameters between women of the control group and different CLOCK 3111T/C genotypes. The total cholesterol (p = 0.041) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.036) levels were higher in the subgroup of women with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) and CLOCK TT-genotype as compared to the subgroup with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) and minor allele 3111C. Conclusions: SNP 3111T/C of the CLOCK gene is not associated with BMI however, data suggest that the minor allele of the CLOCK 3111T/C gene polymorphism may have a protective role in atherogenic lipid levels in women with a BMI greater than or equal to 25 kg/m(2).