[Gender, age and plasma lipids differences associated with apolipoprotein E polymorphism in school children]

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Biochemistry
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Apolipoprotein E (apoE) polymorphism is a known determinant of cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease risk.
• Investigating apoE's impact on lipid profiles in diverse populations, like Colombia, is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To associate apolipoprotein E (apoE) polymorphisms with lipid profiles in Colombian children.
• To examine the influence of age and sex on the relationship between apoE genotype and lipid levels.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed 500 children (aged 8-18) from Quindio Province, Colombia.
• Determined apoE genotypes using polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme analysis.
• Measured lipid profiles (total cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c, TAG, VLDL-c) using commercial kits.

Main Results:

• The most frequent apoE genotype was E3/E3 (90.8%), with allele E3 at 91.6%.
• ApoE genotype and gender significantly affected total cholesterol and LDL-c levels, with distinct patterns in boys and girls.
• Gender-specific effects were observed for HDL-c and TAG, with different apoE alleles showing protective effects.

Conclusions:

• Apolipoprotein E's influence on plasma lipids is modulated by gender and age in children.
• The findings highlight the importance of considering genetic and demographic factors in cardiovascular risk assessment.