Apolipoprotein genetic variation in the assessment of atherosclerosis susceptibility.

Apolipoproteins are the protein constituents of lipoproteins, the particles that transport cholesterol and triglycerides in the plasma. Numerous epidemiologic studies have associated variations in plasma levels of lipoproteins and apolipoproteins with the development of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, genetic variations in lipoproteins and apolipoproteins have been associated with disorders of lipid metabolism. Recent advances in biochemical and molecular genetic methods have resulted in an increased understanding of interindividual variations in lipoprotein metabolism and of their relationship to atherosclerosis and the dyslipoproteinemias. In particular, certain DNA restriction fragment length polymorphisms of the apolipoprotein genes have, in the last few years, been associated with atherosclerotic diseases and dyslipoproteinemias. We believe that genetic markers, when used in conjunction with traditional clinical and biochemical determinations, may one day be useful in predicting atherosclerosis susceptibility in the general population.