A G- to A-DNA sequence change in exon 26 of the human apolipoprotein B (apo B) gene leads to a glutamine substitution for arginine at codon 3611 of the mature apolipo-protein B100 and causes a loss of an MspI site. In 106 Finnish individuals, a complete correspondence exists between this MspI polymorphic site and the Ag (h/i) immunochemical polymorphism. Linkage disequilibrium was found between this MspI polymorphic site and the apo B XbaI and EcoRI variable sites and the Ag (al/d) and (c/g) epitope pairs; there is apparent linkage equilibrium with the apo B PvuII variable site. Based on three population studies (samples from London. Finland and Italy), no significant association was found between this RFLP and serum cholesterol and apo B levels. These data suggest that the arginine 3611----glutamine 3611 substitution has no significant effect on apo B function.

The rearing method of bison and the nutrient content of the meat may make bison a healthier alternative to beef. We hypothesized that the acute and chronic effects of bison consumption, in comparison to beef, will result in a less perturbed blood lipid panel and a reduced inflammatory and oxidative stress response which will minimize the detrimental effect on vascular function. A double-blind, cross-over randomized trial was employed to examine the consequence of a single 12 oz serving (N=14) and 7 weeks of chronic consumption (N=10) (12 oz per day, 6 days/week) of each meat. Measurements included: blood lipids, interleukin-6 (IL-6), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), c-reactive protein (CRP), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), protein carbonyl, hydroperoxides, flow mediated dilation (FMD) and FMD/shear rate. Following a single beef meal: triglycerides (TG) and Ox-LDL were elevated (67±45% and 18±17% respectively), there was a tendency for hydroperoxides to be elevated (24±37%), and FMD/shear rate was reduced significantly (30±38%). Following a single meal of bison: there was a smaller increase in TG (30±27%), and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress and FMD/shear rate were unchanged. Chronic consumption of either meat did not influence body weight, % body fat, or blood lipids. Protein carbonyl (24±45%), PAI-1 (78±126%), IL-6 (59±76%) and CRP (72±57%) were significantly elevated and FMD/shear rate was significantly reduced (19±28%) following 7-weeks of beef consumption, but not bison consumption. Based on our findings, the data suggest that bison consumption results in a reduced atherogenic risk compared to beef.

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