No abstract

The -1131T>C polymorphism in the newly identified apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) gene has been associated with elevated plasma triglycerides. We determined its incidence in 915 patients attending a lipid outpatient clinic. The frequency of the C allele was significantly higher in patients with triglycerides above the 90th percentile and patients with type III hyperlipidemia compared to those with hypercholesterolemia. The C allele was associated with increased plasma triglycerides and decreased plasma HDL cholesterol, conditions associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. The effects on plasma lipids were only observed in overweight (BMI>25) patients and were greater in patients who were also carriers of a least one epsilon4 allele in the APOE gene. Thus additional genetic and/or metabolic factors are required in order for the triglyceride raising and HDL lowering effect of the -1131T>C polymorphism in APOA5 to be expressed.

Background: Common genetic variants in the PCSK9 gene have been reported to be associated with both elevated and exceptionally low LDL levels. The association of a common haplotype, encompassing the E670G single nucleotide polymorphism, with LDL levels reported by Chen et al (J Am Coll Cardiol 2005; 45: 1644) was not confirmed by Kotowski et al (Am J Hum Genet 2006; 78:410-422).

Background: The +T294C polymorphism in PPARδ represents a functional SNP affecting transcriptional activity of the PPARδ gene. To address whether this polymorphism is associated with the risk for coronary heart disease and/or plasma lipid levels in women, we studied a group of 967 female patients with hyperlipidaemia in the presence (n=453) or absence (n=514) of coronary heart disease.Methods: 967 female patients with or without coronary heart disease were genotyped using mutagenically separated polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR). Statistical analysis was performed according to genotype with parameters of lipid metabolism as dependant variables.Results: A highly significant association between the rare C allele and lower plasma HDL concentrations was found in female subjects. The effect remained significant after correcting for multiparametric testing according to Bonferoni and was seen only in subjects with a BMI below the median. Moreover, a significant association of the C-allele with coronary heart disease and BMI was obtained. Regarding the entire group, trends towards higher VLDL and LDL levels were observed.Conclusions: Our data show for the first time that the PPARδ +T294C polymorphism is associated with lipid levels and coronary heart disease in women. However, the molecular mechanism of action remains to be elucidated.