Apolipoprotein B-100 gene Xba I polymorphism and cholesterol gallstone disease

The apolipoprotein (apo) B gene Xba I polymorphism is associated with alterations in serum lipids. Disturbances in serum lipids may be a risk factor for cholesterol gallstone disease. However, the relation between the Xba I polymorphism and cholesterol gallstones is unknown. This study was aimed at characterizing the polymorphism of the apo B gene Xba I in patients with gallbladder stones and the association of Xba I polymorphism with serum lipids. Xba I genotypes were measured by PCR-RFLP, and serum lipids assayed in 190 patients with gallbladder stones and 441 control subjects. The frequency of the X+/- genotype (20.63 vs. 7.94%) and X+ allele (10.79 vs. 3.97%) was significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group. Patients with the X+/- genotype had a significantly higher concentration of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, and apo B in serum than patients with the X-/- genotype. The X+ allele of the apo B gene is characterized by a higher cholesterol concentration and a higher LDL-cholesterol concentration in serum, and it may be a marker for increased risk of cholesterol gallstone disease.