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Apolipoprotein B gene polymorphism and plasma lipids and lipoproteins in a Canadian Caucasian population
G Ogbonna1, R M Cheung, G Wong
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
Insights
This study examined Hind III DNA polymorphism in the apolipoprotein B gene among Canadians with coronary artery disease. While specific genotypes were more common in patients, a strong association with lipid levels was not found.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is linked to lipid metabolism abnormalities.
- The apolipoprotein B (apoB) gene plays a role in lipid transport and CAD risk.
- Understanding genetic variations in apoB may offer insights into disease susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of Hind III DNA polymorphism in the human apolipoprotein B gene.
- To compare allele and genotype frequencies between Canadian Caucasian patients with CAD and a healthy control group.
- To explore potential associations between apoB gene polymorphisms and lipid profiles in CAD.
Main Methods:
- Restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis using Hind III.
- Genotyping of the apolipoprotein B gene locus.
- Comparison of allele and genotype frequencies between patient and control cohorts.
- Analysis of lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, apoAI, apoB).
Main Results:
- Patients with CAD exhibited significantly higher cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, and apoB levels, and lower apoAI levels compared to controls.
- Nine hybridizable fragments (H1-H9) were detected; alleles H1, H2, H3, and H7 were polymorphic.
- The [H4-H9] genotype was prevalent in controls (69%), while the [H1-H9] genotype was most frequent in patients (frequency = 0.68).
- No strong association was found between detected alleles/genotypes and specific lipid level changes.
Conclusions:
- The [H1-H9] genotype of the apolipoprotein B gene was more frequent in Canadian Caucasian patients with coronary artery disease.
- Observed differences in allele frequencies may suggest potential mutations at the 3' end of the apoB gene locus in the patient group.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise role of apoB gene variations in coronary artery disease pathogenesis and lipid metabolism.
Abstract:
We have investigated the frequency of Hind III DNA polymorphism of the human apolipoprotein B gene in a Canadian Caucasian population with coronary artery disease, as documented by angiography, and a healthy control population. Patients had significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and lower level of apoAI compared to the controls. Restriction fragment-length polymorphism analysis detected nine hybridizable fragments denoted as H1 to H9. The H1, H2, H3, and H7 alleles were polymorphic. The [H4-H9] genotype seems to be the normal genotype within the population studied since it was detected in 69% of the control group. The [H1-H9] genotype was most frequently observed in the patients (frequency = 0.68). We were unable to strongly associate any of the alleles or genotypes detected with the changes in lipids. The additional alleles observed in the patient group may indicate possible mutations at the 3' end of the apolipoprotein B gene locus.