Association of the VDR rs1544410 Polymorphism with Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiometabolic Traits in Institutionalized Older Adults

Background and aim: The rs1544410 (BsmI) polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene has been implicated in metabolic regulation, although its role in metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related phenotypes remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate associations between rs1544410, MetS status, and anthropometric and biochemical pa-rameters in institutionalized older adults. Methods: A total of 95 participants were included, of whom 40% met the criteria for MetS. Anthropometric and biochemical profiles were assessed, and rs1544410 genotyping was performed. Differences between MetS and non-MetS groups were analyzed, and two-way ANOVA was used to evaluate genotype, MetS status, and their interaction effects. Results: Participants with MetS showed an adverse cardiometabolic profile, characterized by higher triglycerides (TG), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), as well as lower HDL-C levels compared with non-MetS individuals. No differences were observed for total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, or non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) be-tween groups. Genotype distributions did not differ between MetS and non-MetS partici-pants. However, significant genotype × MetS interactions were observed for TG and NEFA, with a borderline interaction for WHR that was not confirmed in post hoc analyses. Carri-ers of the rs1544410 AA genotype within the MetS group exhibited higher TG and NEFA levels compared with other genotypes, whereas no genotype-dependent differences were observed in the non-MetS group. Importantly, AIP was higher in participants with MetS, with the highest values observed in AA genotype carriers. In conclusion, the rs1544410 polymorphism was not associated with MetS status but was linked to MetS-related differences in TG, NEFA, and AIP, suggesting selective effects on lipid metabolism.