Common variants associated with changes in levels of circulating free fatty acids after administration of glucose–insulin–potassium (GIK) therapy in the IMMEDIATE trial

Glucose–insulin–potassium (GIK) therapy may promote a shift from oxygen-wasteful free fatty acid (FFA) metabolism to glycolysis, potentially reducing myocardial damage during ischemia. Genetic variation associated with FFA response to GIK was investigated in an IMMEDIATE (Immediate Myocardial Metabolic Enhancement During Initial Assessment and Treatment in Emergency care) sub-study (n=117). In patients with confirmed acute coronary syndromes, associations between 132 634 variants and 12-h circulating FFA response were assessed. Between initial and 6-h measurements, three LINGO2 variants were associated with increased levels of total FFA (P-value for 2 degree of freedom test, P2df ⩽5.51 × 10−7). Lead LINGO2 single-nucleotide polymorphism, rs12003487, was nominally associated with reduced 30-day ejection fraction (P2df=0.03). Several LINGO2 signals were linked to alterations in epigenetic profile and gene expression levels. Between 6 and 12 h, rs7017336 nearest to IMPA1/FABP12 showed an association with decreased saturated FFAs (P2df=5.47 × 10−7). Nearest to DUSP26, rs7464104 was associated with a decrease in unsaturated FFAs (P2df=5.51 × 10−7). Genetic variation may modify FFA response to GIK, potentially conferring less beneficial outcomes.