Apolipoprotein A-V variant (T-1131>C) affects plasma levels of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in Caucasians.

BACKGROUND

The importance of apolipoprotein A-V (APOAV) gene variants in the determination of plasma triglyceride levels in humans has been proven in several population studies.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether APOAV gene variants are associated with the different plasma cholesterol fractions.

METHODS

The influence of APOAV polymorphisms (T-1131>C, Ser19>Trp and Val153>Met) on plasma cholesterol fractions was evaluated in 1191 men and 1368 women representatively selected from the Czech population. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels were analyzed.

RESULTS

The T-1131>C variation in the APOAV gene was found to affect plasma non-HDL cholesterol, showing significantly higher levels in C-1131 carriers than in T/T-1131 homozygotes. This association was observed in both men (4.61+/-1.09 mmol/L in C-1131 carriers versus 4.47+/-1.07 mmol/L in T/T-1131 homozygotes; P<0.01) and women (4.46+/-1.22 mmol/L in C-1131 carriers versus 4.24+/-1.17 mmol/L in T/T-1131 homozygotes; P<0.01). Interestingly, when low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (obtained by the Friedewald formula) or HDL cholesterol levels were analyzed, no significant association was detected.

CONCLUSION

The APOAV gene variant T-1131>C may play a role not just in the genetic determination of triglyceride levels but may also influence plasma levels of non-HDL cholesterol.