Influence of arsenic exposure and TGF-β gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (gene-environment interaction) on cardiovascular risk biomarkers levels in Mexican people from San Luis Potosi, Mexico

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the primary cause of death worldwide. Therefore, this investigation aimed to evaluate the effect of arsenic exposure and genetic polymorphism (rs1800469) on cardiovascular risk biomarkers levels in a Mexican adult population.

Then, a cross-sectional study was completed, including 155 adults. Urinary arsenic (UAs) levels were analyzed as an exposure biomarker, and assessed cardiovascular risk biomarkers were: serum ADMA and FABP4 concentrations and atherogenic indices (Castelli risk index and atherogenic index of plasma). Gentrification of TGF-β C509T polymorphism (rs1800469) was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using TaqMan probes.

UAs levels ranged from 11.5 to 175 µg/g creatinine. The allele frequency for TGF-β C509T polymorphism was 0.37 and 0.63 for the C and T alleles, respectively. Mean serum ADMA and FABP4 levels were 1.35 ± 0.35 µmol/L and 22.0 ± 9.50 ng/mL, respectively. Also, statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) were detected between the exposure biomarker (UAs) and the cardiovascular risk biomarkers (ADMA and FABP4). Similarly, a strong relationship was detected between the TGF-β C509T polymorphism and assessed cardiovascular risk biomarkers (ADMA and FABP4). In addition, a gene-environmental interaction was found.

Our findings suggest a gene-environment interaction with an enhanced effect on CVD biomarkers.