[Gene polymorphisms in atherosclerotic diseases and lipoprotein metabolism disorders]

Atherosclerosis results from complex inflammatory-fibroproliferative responses. Among the factors that could affect atherogenesis, the genes involved in regulation of the plasma lipoprotein levels are believed to play central roles. This paper focuses on the genes regulating the metabolism of the three major atherogenic lipoproteins, i.e. LDL, remnants, and Lp (a), and discusses the clinical significance of studying their polymorphism.