Identification of putative beneficial mutations for lipid transport.

To determine the effect of a common mutation (Ser447-Ter) of the human LPL gene upon serum lipid and lipoprotein levels and coronary artery disease (CAD) within a representative adult male population, we analyzed subjects from the Caerphilly Prospective Heart Disease Study (n = 1273). The possession of this mutation associates with protective lipid and lipoprotein profiles. Subjects possessing the mutation have significantly higher HDL-C (p = 0.002) and apo AI (p < 0.04) levels, lower triglycerides (p = < 0.04) and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratios (p < 0.02); all established previously to reduce risk of CAD. We also find that this mutation is significantly less frequent amongst CAD subjects (p < 0.05). These associations provide evidence for a common mutation that appears to confer beneficial lipid and lipoprotein profiles amongst an adult male population with regard to risk of CAD.