Investifating PLA2G2A SNPs and cardiometabolic diseases in South Africa

While single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) gene have been associated with cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), such associations are yet to be demonstrated in the African population. Therefore, we investigated the association between SNPs of the PLA2 gene and CMDs in a South African population with HIV.This cross-sectional study included 716 participants, recruited across HIV clinics in Cape Town. Hardy Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was performed on the SNPs investigated. CMDs were compared across the genotypes of the SNP in HWE. Linear and logistic regressions, adjusting for age and gender were used to assess the risk of CMDs across the genotypes.Amongst the SNPs investigated, rs4744 with GG (dominant) and AA (recessive) genotypes was in HWE. HDL cholesterol was significantly higher and BMI ≥30kg/m2 higher in participants with the dominant genotype compared to those with the recessive genotype of the rs4744 SNP. Moreover, the rs4744 recessive genotype was associated with dyslipidemia characterized by low HDL cholesterol in linear regression (β = 0.366, p = 0.024) and logistic regression (OR = 0.19, p = 0.049) and also associated with MetS in logistic regression (OR = 0.14, p = 0.036).PLA2G2A gene has a potential utility for CMDs risk assessment in African people with HIV.