Genetic epidemiology of differences in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration: possible involvement of variation at the apolipoprotein B gene locus in LDL kinetics.
Circulating levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) vary considerably within and between populations, paralleled by differing coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality rates. We have previously shown that variation in the apolipoprotein (apo) B gene as associated with certain restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) influences the metabolism of LDL in the U.K. population. To investigate a possible genetic contribution to variation in LDL levels in differing populations we have extended this original study. RFLPs of the apo B gene were determined in samples of individuals from the United Kingdom, Finland, Italy, Spain, and Africa. Significant associations of LDL fractional catabolic rate with the apo B EcoRI and XbaI RFLP genotypes were detected only in the two North European populations. In the African population sample, the XbaI RFLP displayed a significant association with LDL apo B synthesis. The data suggest that variation in the apo B gene influences the metabolism of LDL and that it is different in individuals of different ethnic background.
Houlston
R S
RS
Division of Chemical Pathology and Metabolic Disorders, United Medical School, St. Thomas' Hospital.
Turner
P R
PR
Lewis
B
B
Humphries
S E
SE
D000328:Adult; D000349:Africa; D001055:Apolipoproteins B / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D015139:Blotting, Southern; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012150:Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length; D013030:Spain; D006113:United Kingdom
D001055:Apolipoproteins B; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL