Abstract
BackgroundThe SstI polymorphism in the apolipoprotein 3 gene (apoC3) has been identified in many ethnic groups. In addition, the S2 allele of the SstI polymorphism is shown to be associated with increased plasma triglyceride (TG) levels. Plasma apoCIII is an important atherogenic factor, which interrupts lipid metabolism and is positively associated with plasma TG levels. However, the existence of the SstI polymorphism in the Li ethnic group in China remains to be confirmed. The relationship between the S2 allele of the SstI polymorphism and plasma apoCIII or TG and their roles in atherosclerosis are also unknown.MethodsA cohort of 628 participants was recruited (316 atherosclerotic patients and 312 healthy controls) from both the Li and Han ethnic groups. Blood samples were obtained to evaluate the SstI polymorphism in the apoC3 and lipid profiles. Chi-squared and t-tests and multiple unconditional logistic regression were employed to analyze the genotypic and allelic frequencies and lipid profiles using SPSS version 20.0 software.ResultsThe SstI polymorphism in the apoC3 was identified in the Li ethnic group. The S2 allele and plasma apoCIII and TG levels were associated with the development of atherosclerosis (P < 0.01, S2 allele and apoCIII; P < 0.05, TG) in the Li ethnic group. The S2 allele was associated with increased plasma apoCIII levels in the atherosclerotic group (P < 0.01), but with increased plasma apoCIII and TG levels in control group (both P < 0.01). In addition to the increases in the S2 allele frequency and plasma TG and apoCIII levels, atherosclerotic patients in the Li ethnic group also exhibited increased apoB, decreased HDL-C and apoAI and a lower apoAI:apoB ratio (all P < 0.01).ConclusionsOur results indicate that the S2 allele of the SstI polymorphism in the apoC3 gene is associated with plasma apoCIII levels in the Li population. In combination with unfavorable lipid profiles, this might contribute to susceptibility to atherosclerosis.
Highlights
The SstI polymorphism in the apolipoprotein 3 gene has been identified in many ethnic groups
Demographic characteristics of atherosclerotic patients and healthy subjects There were no significant differences between the Li and Han populations included in the study in terms of the male:female ratio, mean age, height and body weight, body mass index (BMI), smoking status and drinking status
Our study confirmed the existence of the SstI polymorphism in the apolipoprotein C3 gene (apoC3) gene in the Li ethnic group, with increased frequencies of the S1S2 and S2S2 genotypes and the S2 allele found in atherosclerotic patients
Summary
The SstI polymorphism in the apolipoprotein 3 gene (apoC3) has been identified in many ethnic groups. The S2 allele of the SstI polymorphism is shown to be associated with increased plasma triglyceride (TG) levels. Several polymorphisms of the apolipoprotein C3 gene (apoC3) have been reported, the SstI polymorphism being the most well-known [1,2,3] This polymorphism is defined as a C to G conversion in the 3′ untranslated region of exon 4 in the apoC3 [4], and has been confirmed to exist in several ethnic groups, including African American, Caucasian, Taiwanese and Chinese populations. The existence of the SstI polymorphism in the apoC3 and the relationship between the S2 allele and plasma TG remain to be confirmed in the Li ethnic group
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