Apolipoprotein H gene polymorphisms and risk of primary cerebral hemorrhage in a Chinese population

Apolipoprotein H (ApoH) has been implicated in several physiologic pathways including lipid metabolism, coagulation and the production of hypertension, which are related to the pathogenesis of primary cerebral hemorrhage (PICH). The gene coding for ApoH is polymorphic, with the occurrence of several common alleles in the general population. This genetically determined variation can effect lipid metabolism and the production of hypertension. We determined the distribution of ApoH gene polymorphisms in Chinese people and investigated whether these polymorphisms were associated with increased risk of PICH in a Chinese population.

We studied polymorphisms of the ApoH gene by the polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism technique and DNA sequencing in 140 PICH patients and 100 healthy control subjects. Serum antiphospholipid antibodies and lipid levels were also examined in all subjects.

Four polymorphisms of the ApoH gene have been identified in Chinese people. No difference in genotype frequencies of G817T (Leu247Val) polymorphism, G1025C (Try316Ser) polymorphism and C1080T polymorphism was observed between PICH patients and control subjects (p > 0.05). The G341A (Ser88Asn) polymorphism correlated significantly with PICH. The frequencies of the A allele were significantly higher in PICH patients than in controls, especially in PICH patients with hypertension and a family history of stroke.

Our results suggest that the G341A (Ser88Asn) polymorphism might be associated with increased risk of PICH in a Chinese population. The association appeared to be mediated by the generation of hypertension.