title: Cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene polymorphisms and longevity syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  High levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Subjects with high levels of HDL cholesterol (>70 mg/dl; 1.79 mmol/l) as well as high levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, could represent a group with longevity syndrome (LS). Since HDL particles are influenced by cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity, it is worth studying the CETP polymorphism. The aim of the study was to detect whether 2 genetic variants of the CETP are associated with the LS.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study population consisted of 136 unrelated men and women with no personal and family history of CHD; 69 met the criteria for LS and 67 did not meet these criteria and had "normal" HDL cholesterol (>40 and <70 mg/dl; >1.03 and <1.79 mmol/l). All patients were genotyped for the TaqIB and I405V polymorphisms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The B2 allele frequency of TaqIB polymorphism was higher in the LS in comparison with the non-LS group (p=0.03) whereas B1 allele frequency was higher in the non-LS group (p=0.03).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gene polymorphisms could help decide whether individuals who have increased levels of both LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol require treatment. Some of the prerequisites could include that subjects with LS should not only have very high levels of HDL cholesterol but also favorable gene polymorphisms. However, further investigations with a larger sample and including other gene polymorphisms, are needed.
authors.affiliation: 1st Cardiology Department, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Genovefa
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kolovou
authors.forename: Marianna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stamatelatou
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Anagnostopoulou
authors.forename: Peggy
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kostakou
authors.forename: Vana
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kolovou
authors.forename: Constantinos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mihas
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Vasiliadis
authors.forename: Olga
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Diakoumakou
authors.forename: Dimitri P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Mikhailidis
authors.forename: Dennis V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Cokkinos