Serum Levels Of Apo Research Articles

Association of MYLIP rs3757354 SNP and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations

BackgroundThe association of rs3757354 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the E3 ubiquitin ligase myosin regulatory light chain-interacting protein (MYLIP, also known as IDOL) gene and serum lipid levels is not well known in the general population. The present study aimed to detect the association of rs3757354 SNP and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.MethodA total of 627 subjects of Bai Ku Yao minority and 614 participants of Han nationality were randomly selected from our stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotyping of the rs3757354 SNP was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing.ResultsThe levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein (Apo) AI and ApoB were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han (P < 0.05-0.001). The frequency of G allele was 49.92% in Bai Ku Yao and 56.27% in Han (P < 0.05). The frequencies of AA, GA and GG genotypes were 25.52%, 49.12% and 25.36% in Bai Ku Yao, and 19.87%, 47.72% and 32.41% in Han (P < 0.05); respectively. There were no significant differences in the genotypic and allelic frequencies between males and females in both ethnic groups. The levels of HDL-C in Bai Ku Yao were different among the genotypes (P < 0.05), the G allele carriers had higher serum HDL-C levels than the G allele noncarriers. The levels TC, HDL-C and ApoAI in Han were different among the genotypes (P < 0.05 for all), the participants with GA genotype had lower serum TC, HDL-C and ApoAI levels than the participants with AA genotype. These findings were found only in females but not in males. The levels of TG and HDL-C in Bai Ku Yao were correlated with the genotypes, whereas the levels of TC in Han, and TC, LDL-C in Han females were associated with the genotypes (P < 0.05 for all). Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with age, sex, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, blood pressure, and body mass index in both ethnic groups (P < 0.05-0.001).ConclusionsThe present study suggests that the MYLIP rs3757354 SNP is associated with serum TC, HDL-C and ApoAI levels in the Bai Ku Yao and Han populations. But the association is different between the two ethnic groups.

Correlation between mesenteric fat thickness and serum apolipoproteins in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease

BackgroundVisceral fat possesses the most detrimental potential for cardiovascular morbidity through the release of adipokines, as well as metabolic and proinflammatory mediators, which adversely affect metabolic and vascular homeostasis. Among the different types of visceral adipose tissue, mesenteric fat is considered particularly detrimental, due to its close proximity to the portal circulation, affecting directly the liver, which is the main regulator of body metabolic homeostasis. Mesenteric fat can be reliably estimated using abdominal ultrasonography, the only available imaging method able to depict individual mesenteric leaves. Aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation of mesenteric fat thickness (MFT) with serum apolipoprotein levels in patients undergoing digital subtraction angiography in a single center.Methods35 male patients with peripheral arterial disease were examined. After careful examination of the periumbilical area, the mesenteric leaves were identified. The maximal distance between each pair of sequential leaves was measured, and the mean value of the three thickest leaves was determined as the mesenteric fat thickness. Six apolipoprotein fasting serum concentrations were measured using a Luminex proteomics platform (xMAP Multiplex immunoassay): apolipoprotein A-I (apoAI), apolipoprotein A-II (apoAII), apolipoprotein B (apoB), apolipoprotein C-II (apoCII), apolipoprotein C-III (apoCIII) and apolipoprotein E (apoE).ResultsMFT correlated with apoAII and apoB serum concentrations. The correlations with apoAII and apoB remained significant following correction for BMI. No correlations were noted between MFT and serum apoAI, apoCII, apoCIII or apoE levels before or after adjustment for BMI.ConclusionsOur study indicates that MFT is significantly correlated with the concentration of atherogenic low density lipoproteins particles, as well as with apoAII, a determinant of free fatty acids levels. No correlation was observed between mesenteric fat thickness and very low density lipoprotein or chylomicron particles concentration.

Pleiotropy and allelic heterogeneity in the TOMM40-APOE genomic region related to clinical and metabolic features of hepatitis C infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) modulates host lipid metabolism as part of its lifecycle and is dependent upon VLDL for co-assembly and secretion. HCV dyslipidemia is associated with steatosis, insulin resistance, IL28B genotype and disease progression. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is an important lipid transport protein, a key constituent of VLDL, and is involved in immunomodulation. Our aims were to determine the role of APOE regional polymorphisms on host lipids, IL28B genotype and disease severity in chronic HCV (CHC) patients. The study cohort included 732 CHC patients with available DNA for genotype determination of four polymorphisms in the chromosome 19 region that encompasses the TOMM40, APOE and APOC1 genes. Serum lipid analysis and apolipoproteins levels were measured using an immunoturbidimetric assay. APOE rs7412 polymorphism (capturing the ε2 isoform) was significantly associated with serum ApoE levels in both Caucasians and African-American patients (p=2.3×10(-11)) and explained 7% of variance in serum ApoE. Among IL28B-CC patients (n=196), the rs429358 (defines ε4 isoform) and TOMM40 '523' S polymorphisms were associated with 12% of variance in ApoB levels. Patients homozygous for the APOE ε3 isoform had a greater than twofold increased odds of F2-F4 fibrosis (p=1.8×10(-5)), independent of serum lipid and lipoprotein levels. There were no associations between APOE polymorphisms and serum HDL-C, APO-CIII and triglycerides. In CHC patients, genetic heterogeneity in the APOE/TOMM40 genomic region is significantly associated with variation in serum ApoE and ApoB levels, and also with fibrosis suggesting a pleiotropic attribute of this genomic region.

Association of rs5888 SNP in the scavenger receptor class B type 1 gene and serum lipid levels

BackgroundBai Ku Yao is a special subgroup of the Yao minority in China. The present study was undertaken to detect the association of rs5888 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SCARB1) gene and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.MethodsA total of 598 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 585 subjects of Han Chinese were randomly selected from our stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotypes of the SCARB1 rs5888 SNP were determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing.ResultsThe levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein (Apo) AI were lower but ApoB was higher in Bai Ku Yao than in Han (P < 0.05-0.001). The frequencies of C and T alleles were 78.3% and 21.7% in Bai Ku Yao, and 73.7% and 26.3% in Han (P < 0.01); respectively. The frequencies of CC, CT and TT genotypes were 60.0%, 36.6% and 3.4% in Bai Ku Yao, and 54.2%, 39.0% and 6.8% in Han (P < 0.01); respectively. The subjects with TT genotype in both ethnic groups had lower HDL-C and ApoAI levels than the subjects with CC or CT genotype (P < 0.05 for all). Subgroup analyses showed that the subjects with TT genotype in Bai Ku Yao had lower HDL-C and ApoAI levels in males than the subjects with CC or CT genotype (P < 0.05 for all), and the T allele carriers had higher TC, LDL-C and ApoB levels in females than the T allele noncarriers (P < 0.05 for all). The participants with TT genotype in Han also had a lower tendency of HDL-C and ApoAI levels in males than the participants with CC or CT genotype, but the difference did not reach statistically significant (P = 0.063 and P = 0.086; respectively). The association of serum HDL-C and ApoAI levels and genotypes was confirmed by the multiple linear regression analysis in both ethnic groups. Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with several environmental factors.ConclusionsThe differences in serum lipid levels between the two ethnic groups might partially attribute to the differences in the SCARB1 rs5888 SNP and several environmental factors.

Association of ATP binding cassette transporter G8 rs4148217 SNP and serum lipid levels in Mulao and Han nationalities

BackgroundThe association of ATP binding cassette transporter G8 gene (ABCG8) rs4148217 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and serum lipid profiles is still controversial in diverse racial/ethnic groups. Mulao nationality is an isolated minority in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of ABCG8 rs4148217 SNP and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Mulao and Han populations.MethodsA total of 634 subjects of Mulao nationality and 717 participants of Han nationality were randomly selected from our previous samples. Genotyping of the ABCG8 rs4148217 SNP was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing.ResultsThe genotypic and allelic frequencies of ABCG8 rs4148217 SNP were different between the two nationalities (P < 0.01 for each), the frequency of A allele was higher in Mulao than in Han. The A allele carriers in Han had lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 levels than the A allele noncarriers (P < 0.05 for each), whereas the A allele carriers in Mulao had lower ApoA1 levels than the A allele noncarriers (P < 0.05). Subgroup analyses showed that the A allele carriers in Han had lower HDL-C and higher triglyceride (TG) levels in females but not in males than the A allele noncarriers (P < 0.05 for each), and the A allele carriers in Mulao had lower ApoA1 levels in females but not in males than the A allele noncarriers (P < 0.05). The levels of TG and HDL-C in Han, and ApoA1 in Mulao were associated with genotypes in females but not in males (P < 0.05-0.01). Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with several environmental factors (P < 0.05-0.001).ConclusionsThe ABCG8 rs4148217 SNP is associated with serum TG, HDL-C and ApoA1 levels in our study populations, but this association is different between the Mulao and Han populations. There is a sex (female)-specific association in both ethnic groups.

Evidence that Leptin Signaling in POMC Neurons Regulates HDL‐c

Mice lacking leptin or its receptor have elevated serum HDL‐c due to dysfunctional hepatic ApoA‐1 and ApoA‐2 regulation. Data from our lab suggests the brain's pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, a major target of leptin, are involved in mediating the affects of leptin on HDL‐c.Using cre‐Lox genetic recombination, we bred mice that lack leptin receptors (LepR) specifically on POMC neurons (LepRPOMC). We measured serum HDL‐c, LDL/vLDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and ApoA‐1 from LepRPOMC and littermate controls (LepRflox/flox).Serum HDL‐c and ApoA‐1 levels were significantly elevated in LepRPOMC compared to control mice. LepRPOMC mice also have elevated triglycerides, LDL/vLDL ratio, and exhibit obesity. Thus, the elevated HDL‐c and ApoA‐1 levels do not appear to act in a cardio‐protective manner. Instead, their elevation may be due to dysfunctional hepatic regulation of HDL‐c associated lipoproteins as demonstrated in mice lacking leptin or its receptor.We believe this is the first evidence for the contribution of specific leptin responsive neurons to the regulation of HDL‐c. Studies are ongoing to examine the mechanisms for leptin‐mediated regulation of HDL‐c.

Response to the Letter by Singh et al Regarding “Apolipoprotein Isoform E4 Does Not Increase Coronary Heart Disease Risk in Carriers of Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Mutations”

In our article, we show less increased coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) patients with a low-density lipoprotein receptor ( LDLR ) mutation and with the APOE4/E4 genotype.1 We give several possible explanations, including decreased trapping at the surface of hepatocytes when fewer LDL receptors are available. These scenarios could have been accompanied by higher serum ApoE levels, compared with the earlier described lower ApoE levels in APOE4/E4 genotyped individuals.2 However, in …

Letter by Singh et al Regarding Article, “Apolipoprotein Isoform E4 Does Not Increase Coronary Heart Disease Risk in Carriers of Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Mutations”

To the Editor: The article by Versmissen et al1 revealed the mutual influences of both low-density lipoprotein receptor mutation and apoE4 homozygosity in attenuating coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, but individually, both of these did not show any association with the CHD risk. Alterations of serum apoE levels significantly modify the relationship between APOE polymorphism and lipid levels.2 This study could not observe the higher CHD risk in the …

Sex-specific association of ACAT-1 rs1044925 SNP and serum lipid levels in the hypercholesterolemic subjects

BackgroundAcyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) is a key enzyme in cellular cholesterol homeostasis and in atherosclerosis. The cellular cholesterol efflux correlated with serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations has shown to be impaired in hyperlipidemic mice. The present study was carried out to clarify the association of ACAT-1 rs1044925 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and serum lipid levels in the hyperlipidemic subjects.MethodsA total of 821 unrelated subjects (hyperlipidemia, 476; normolipidemia, 345) aged 15-80 were included in the study. Genotyping of the ACAT-1 rs1044925 SNP was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the genotypic and allelic frequencies of ACAT-1 rs1044925 SNP between the normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic subjects. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C and apolipoprotein (Apo) AI in hyperlipidemic subjects were different between the AA and AC/CC genotypes in male but not in female (P < 0.05-0.01), the C allele carriers had higher serum TC, HDL-C and ApoAI levels than the C allele noncarriers. The association of genotypes and serum HDL-C and ApoAI levels in hyperlipidemia was found mainly in the male subjects with hypercholesterolemia but not in those with hypertriglyceridemia. There were no significant differences in serum lipid levels between the AA and AC/CC genotypes in the normolipidemic subjects.ConclusionsThe present study shows that the C allele carriers of ACAT-1 rs1044925 SNP in male hyperlipidemic subjects had higher serum TC, HDL-C and ApoAI levels than the C allele noncarriers. There is a sex (male)-specific association of ACAT-1 rs1044925 SNP and serum HDL-C and ApoAI levels in the hypercholesterolemic subjects.

Dysfunction of high-density lipoprotein and its apolipoproteins: New mechanisms underlying cardiometabolic risk in the population at large

We review the metabolic and residual cardiovascular risk existing in populations with prevailing metabolic syndrome (MetS) or in people prone to impaired glucose tolerance. Evidence is presented that enhanced systemic inflammation, or oxidative stress associated with elevated plasma triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and their remnants, and excess oxidized lipoprotein(a) phospholipids underlie this risk. The adverse risk profile is augmented by loss of the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and atheroprotective properties of high-density lipoprotein and its apolipoproteins (apo). Common clinical manifestations are atherogenic dyslipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia with elevated apoB or hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype. These manifestations are often accompanied by such inflammatory mediators/markers as elevated serum apoE, C-reactive protein, complement C3, and uric acid levels. Compared with men, peri- and postmenopausal women are more commonly and more strongly affected by multiple inflammation mediators. The long-term effects of cigarette smoking are not adverse in such women, but instead, serve as protection against obesity and other health issues. ApoA-I may become dysfunctional in either gender, even in the absence of MetS and diabetes. The public health implications of this cardiometabolic risk are huge. Much research is needed on this topic to further clarify the impact of apoA-I dysfunction, to elucidate the underlying genetics and mechanisms, and to determine preventive measures and optimal management. Avoiding (abdominal) obesity via lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, improving physical inactivity, and limiting smoking and alcohol consumption, are mainstay measures in the prevention and management of pro-inflammatory states and HDL dysfunction. Omega-3 fatty acids are a good adjunct to lower plasma triglycerides. When further treatment is needed, extended-release niacin or fibrates, with or without statins, are the best options.

Association between apolipoprotein E genotype, chronic liver disease, and hepatitis B virus

Background/AimsApolipoprotein E (ApoE) plays an important role in regulating lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, and ApoE genotypes are known to affect plasma lipoprotein concentrations. We investigated whether ApoE genotype determines the disease outcome in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected individuals, and verified the association between ApoE genotype and the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic liver diseases of various etiologies.MethodsThis hospital-based, case-controlled study enrolled 156 subjects (47 healthy controls, 50 HBV-related liver cirrhosis patients, and 59 HCC patients). ApoE genotypes were determined using PCR-based ApoE genotyping kits. The biological significance of ApoE genotype was verified by measuring serum ApoE levels using an ELISA kits.ResultsThe ε3 allele was the most common allele, with allele frequencies among the entire cohort of 5.8%, 84.3%, and 9.9% for the ε2, ε3, and ε4 alleles, respectively. Significantly more of those patients carrying the ε3/3 genotype had developed liver cirrhosis compared to the control subjects. Being an ApoE4 carrier was associated with a lower probability of developing liver cirrhosis. The allele frequencies and genotype distribution of ApoE did not differ significantly between the liver cirrhosis and HCC patients. The serum level of ApoE was significantly higher in patients with liver cirrhosis than in the healthy controls, but did not differ significantly with the ApoE genotype.ConclusionsThe ApoE ε3/3 genotype frequency was higher in patients with HBV-associated liver cirrhosis than in the controls.

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta +294T &gt; C polymorphism and alcohol consumption on serum lipid levels

BackgroundThe single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARD) gene affects serum lipid profiles, but to what extent alcohol consumption interferes with this association remains unknown. The present study was undertaken to compare the association of PPARD +294T > C (rs2016520) polymorphism and serum lipid levels in the nondrinkers and drinkers.MethodsA total of 685 unrelated nondrinkers and 497 drinkers aged 15-82 were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotyping of the PPARD +294T > C was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Interactions of the PPARD +294T > C genotypes and alcohol consumption on serum lipid levels were detected by using a factorial regression analysis after controlling for potential confounders.ResultsThe levels of triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein (Apo) A1, and the ratio of ApoA1 to ApoB were higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers (P < 0.05-0.001). There were no significant differences in the levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and ApoB between the two groups (P > 0.05 for all). The frequencies of TT, TC and CC genotypes were 56.0%, 36.4% and 7.6% in nondrinkers, and 57.2%, 38.0% and 4.8% in drinkers (P > 0.05); respectively. The frequencies of T and C alleles were 74.2% and 25.8% in nondrinkers, and 76.2% and 23.8% in drinkers (P > 0.05); respectively. There was also no significant difference in the genotypic and allelic frequencies between males and females in both groups (P > 0.05 for all). The levels of TC in nondrinkers were different among the three genotypes (P = 0.01), the C allele carriers had higher serum TC levels than the C allele noncarriers. The levels of all seven lipid traits in drinkers were not different among the three genotypes (P > 0.05 for all). The interactions of PPARD +294T > C genotypes and alcohol consumption on serum lipid levels were not detected in the drinkers (P >0.05 for all). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, ApoA1, and ApoB levels were correlated with genotypes in drinkers but not in nondrinkers (P < 0.05-0.01).ConclusionsThese results suggest that the great majority of our study populations are beneficial from alcohol consumption. But there is no interaction between the PPARD +294T > C genotypes and alcohol consumption on serum lipid levels in the drinkers.

The diagnostic value of apolipoprotein E in pediatric patients with invasive bacterial infections

To evaluate the potential diagnostic value of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) measurements in pediatric patients with invasive bacterial infections. A total of 185 pediatric patients were enrolled in this study, including 94 patients with confirmable infections and 91 patients without confirmable infections. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) ApoE levels were measured by immunoturbidimetry. The diagnostic values of ApoE were evaluated by the receiver operating curve (ROC) method. ApoE levels in CSF were significantly increased in patients with bacterial meningitis, and serum ApoE was markedly elevated in patients with sepsis or with bacterial meningitis compared with patients with other infections and uninfected children. The optimal ApoE cutoff value for CSF was >1.7 mg/L with 85% sensitivity and 100% specificity and was >42 mg/L in serum with 80% sensitivity and 93% specificity. ApoE detection provided a novel diagnostic marker for invasive bacterial infections in pediatric patients.

Interactions of the LIPG 584C > T polymorphism and alcohol consumption on serum lipid levels

Both endothelial lipase gene ( LIPG) 584C > T (rs2000813) polymorphism and alcohol consumption modulate serum lipid levels. But their interactions on serum lipid profiles are not well known. The present study was undertaken to detect the interactions of LIPG 584C > T polymorphism and alcohol consumption on serum lipid levels. Genotyping of the LIPG 584C > T was performed in 763 unrelated nondrinkers and 520 drinkers aged 15–85 years. The levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein (Apo) AI, and the ratio of ApoAI to ApoB were higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers ( P < .01 for all). There were no significant differences in the genotypic and allelic frequencies between nondrinkers and drinkers. The levels of TC, HDL-C, and ApoAI in nondrinkers were different among the three genotypes ( P < .05–.01), the subjects with CT genotype had higher TC, HDL-C, and ApoAI levels than the subjects with CC genotype. The levels of HDL-C and ApoAI in drinkers were different among the three genotypes ( P < .001 and P < .05; respectively), the individuals with TT genotype had higher HDL-C and ApoAI levels than the individuals with CT and CC genotypes. The interactions between LIPG 584C > T genotypes and alcohol consumption on serum HDL-C ( P < .01) and ApoAI levels ( P < .05) were also detected by using a factorial regression analysis after controlling for potential confounders. The levels of TC in nondrinkers were correlated with LIPG 584C > T alleles ( P < .05), whereas the levels of TG and HDL-C were associated with LIPG 584C > T alleles ( P < .05) and genotypes ( P < .05), respectively. These results suggest that the subjects with TT genotype benefit more from alcohol consumption than the subjects with CT and CC genotypes in increasing serum HDL-C and ApoAI levels.

Association of the serum apolipoprotein levels with the occurrence of coronary vasospasm

The relationship between the serum levels of atherosclerosis-related apolipoprotein (apo) and the risk of coronary spastic angina remains unknown. This study consists of 111 patients who were admitted to our facility with the chief complaint of chest pain, in whom coronary angiography showed no significant organic stenosis. The patients were divided into two groups according to the result of the acetylcholine test: the spasm group with a positive test result (n=71) and the nonspasm group with a negative test result (n=40). The serum apoA-I level in the spasm group was significantly lower than that in the nonspasm group (128±22 vs. 141±21 mg/dl, P=0.003). However, no significant differences in the serum levels of apoA-II, apoB, apoC-III, apoE, or the apoB/apoA-I ratio were observed between the two groups. In a multi-logistic regression analysis conducted using the traditional risk factors as covariates, current smoking, male sex, and a low serum apoA-I level were identified as variables that were independently related to the risk of coronary vasospasm. The plaque volume in the spasm group was larger than that in the nonspasm group [median (interquartile) 40.6% (31.3/45.7) vs. 13.1% (10.4/23.7), P<0.0001]. Furthermore, the plaque volume was negatively correlated with the serum levels of apoA-I (r=-0.333, P=0.015), but not to those of any other. These results showed that low serum levels of apoA-I may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of coronary spastic angina.

Alterations of lipid peroxide levels in the plasma and erythrocyte ghosts under treatment with simvastatin

Simvastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, was administered to nine patients with hypercholesterolemia, and changes in the serum lipid levels as well as erythrocyte ghost lipid peroxide levels were examined at 0, 16, 32, and 48 weeks. The serum TC, apo-B, LDL-C, and EG-LPO levels were reduced significantly at 16 and 48 weeks, whereas no remarkable changes were observed in the serum TG, HDL-C, Lp(a), apo-A1, A2, C2, C3, E, or serum lipid peroxide levels. These findings suggest that simvastatin not only improves serum lipid levels but also inhibits lipid peroxidation of the erythrocyte membranes, and might be useful for preventing the progression of atherosclerotic vascular lesions.

Depression in chronic hepatitis C is associated with low apolipoprotein e levels

IntroductionDepression and anxiety are prevalent in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and exacerbation during anti-viral treatment adversely effects compliance and treatment response. HCV affects cholesterol metabolism which is critical...

Relevance of the serum apolipoprotein ratio to diabetic retinopathy

To determine the correlations among apoA-1, apoB, and apoB/A-1, the ratio of the first two and their relation to the severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR). A total of 116 patients with type 2 diabetes, 34 with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and 82 with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), were included. The serum levels of apoA-1, apoB, and the apoB/A-1 ratio were compared. We performed multiple regression analyses to determine whether age, diabetes duration, glycohemoglobin level, estimated glomerular filtration rate, body mass index, or hypertension contribute to PDR. The apoB levels were lower in the NPDR group than in the PDR group (90.8 ± 21.4 versus 102.5 ± 25.3 mg/dl) (P = 0.02). The apoA-1 levels did not differ between the groups. The apoA-1 was lower in the PDR group than in the NPDR group (136.9 ± 24.9 versus 145.6 ± 21.2 mg/dl) mg/dl (P = 0.08). The apoB/A-1 ratio differed significantly between groups (NPDR versus PDR, 0.64 ± 0.20 versus 0.77 ± 0.24) (P = 0.004). Age, apoB/A-1, and diabetes duration were independent risk factors for PDR (R = -3.49, 3.06, and 2.44; standard regression coefficient, -0.33, 0.28, and 0.23; P = 0.0007, P = 0.003, and P = 0.02, respectively). The PDR group had significantly higher serum levels of apoB and apoB/A-1 than the NPDR group. The apoB/A-1 ratio may contribute to PDR progression in patients with DR. High apoB and apoB/A-1 values may be related to PDR development.

Low density lipoprotein receptor gene Ava II polymorphism and serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.

BackgroundSeveral common genetic polymorphisms in the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) gene have associated with modifications of serum total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, but the results are not consistent in different populations. Bai Ku Yao is a special subgroup of the Yao minority in China. The present study was undertaken to detect the association of LDL-R gene Ava Ⅱ polymorphism and serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.MethodsA total of 1024 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 792 participants of Han Chinese were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotyping of the LDL-R gene Ava Ⅱ polymorphism was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing.ResultsThe levels of serum TC, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-C, apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 and the ratio of ApoA1 to ApoB were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han (P < 0.01 for all). The frequency of A- and A+ alleles was 65.5% and 34.5% in Bai Ku Yao, and 80.7% and 19.3% in Han (P < 0.001); respectively. The frequency of A-A-, A-A+ and A+A+ genotypes was 42.6%, 45.9% and 11.5% in Bai Ku Yao, and 64.9%, 31.6% and 3.5% in Han (P < 0.001); respectively. There was also significant difference in the genotypic frequencies between males and females in Bai Ku Yao (P <0.05), and in the genotypic and allelic frequencies between normal LDL-C (≤ 3.20 mmol/L) and high LDL-C (>3.20 mmol/L) subgroups in Bai Ku Yao (P < 0.05 for each) and between males and females in Han (P < 0.05 for each). The levels of LDL-C in males and TC and HDL-C in females were different among the three genotypes (P < 0.05 for all) in Bai Ku Yao, whereas the levels of HDL-C in males and HDL-C and ApoA1 in females were different among the three genotypes (P < 0.05-0.001) in Han. The subjects with A+A+ genotype had higher serum LDL-C, TC, HDL-C or ApoA1 levels than the subjects with A-A+ and A-A- genotypes. Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed that the levels of LDL-C in Bai Ku Yao and HDL-C in Han were correlated with genotypes (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01; respectively).ConclusionsThe association of LDL-R gene Ava Ⅱ polymorphism and serum lipid levels is different between the Bai Ku Yao and Han populations. The discrepancy might partly result from different LDL-R gene Ava Ⅱ polymorphism or LDL-R gene-enviromental interactions.

Genetic variant of V825I in the ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 gene and serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations

BackgroundSeveral genetic variants in the ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) gene have associated with modifications of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and the susceptibility for coronary heart disease, but the findings are still controversial in diverse racial/ethnic groups. Bai Ku Yao is an isolated subgroup of the Yao minority in southern China. The present study was undertaken to detect the possible association of V825I (rs2066715) polymorphism in the ABCA1 gene and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.MethodsA total of 677 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 646 participants of Han Chinese were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism assay combined with gel electrophoresis were performed for the genotyping of V825I variant, and then confirmed by direct sequencing.ResultsThe levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, apolipoprotein (Apo) AI and ApoB were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han (P < 0.01 for all). The frequency of G and A alleles was 57.4% and 42.6% in Bai Ku Yao, and 57.7% and 42.3% in Han (P > 0.05); respectively. The frequency of GG, GA and AA genotypes was 33.7%, 47.4% and 18.9% in Bai Ku Yao, and 33.4%, 48.6% and 18.0% in Han (P > 0.05); respectively. There was no difference in the genotypic and allelic frequencies between males and females in the both ethnic groups. The subjects with AA genotype in Bai Ku Yao had higher serum TC levels than the subjects with GG and GA genotypes (P < 0.05). The participants with AA genotype in Han had lower serum HDL-C and ApoAI levels than the participants with GG and GA genotypes (P < 0.05 for each), but these results were found in males but not in females. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the levels of TC in Bai Ku Yao and HDL-C and ApoAI in male Han were correlated with genotypes (P < 0.05 for all). Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with sex, age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, and blood pressure in both ethnic groups (P < 0.05-0.001).ConclusionThe present study suggests that the V825I polymorphism in the ABCA1 gene is associated with male serum HDL-C and ApoAI levels in the Han, and serum TC levels in the Bai Ku Yao populations. The difference in the association of V825I polymorphism and serum lipid levels between the two ethnic groups might partly result from different ABCA1 gene-enviromental interactions.