Background: To investigate the associations of genetic polymorphism with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in Iranian adolescents. Methods: This multicentre study was conducted on 10 - 18 year-old students from 27 provinces in Iran. Logic regression approach was used to determine the main effects and interactions of polymorphisms related to HDL-C levels. Results: The rs708272 polymorphism was significantly related to HDL-C levels. Moreover, rs708272 increased HDL-C levels and had a protective effect on HDL-C. The interaction of rs2230808 and rs5880 polymorphisms as well as the interaction of rs320 and rs708272 polymorphisms were associated with lower HDL-C levels. Furthermore, the interaction of rs320 and rs1801177 polymorphisms was associated with lower HDL-C levels. Conclusions:We found that not only single SNPs, but also interactions of several SNPs affect HDL-C levels. Given the high prevalence of low HDL-C in Middle Eastern populations, further genetic studies are required for detailed analysis.

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