Human plasma lipid modulation in schistosomiasis mansoni depends on apolipoprotein E polymorphism

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Metabolic Diseases
• Parasitology

Background:

• Schistosomiasis mansoni is a parasitic liver disease causing metabolic disturbances.
• Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphism influences lipid metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the influence of APOE gene polymorphism on plasma lipid levels in patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis.
• To investigate how schistosomiasis affects APOE's regulation of lipid metabolism.

Main Methods:

• APOE genotyping was performed on blood samples.
• Plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides were measured.
• Lipid levels and APOE allele frequencies were compared between schistosomiasis patients and controls.

Main Results:

• Schistosomiasis patients exhibited lower TC, LDL-C, and triglycerides, and higher HDL-C compared to controls.
• APOE allele frequencies were similar between patients and controls, indicating no effect on schistosomiasis susceptibility.
• Schistosomiasis disrupted the typical regulation of plasma lipids by APOE genotype, with altered lipid profiles observed in patients compared to controls for specific APOE alleles.

Conclusions:

• Schistosomiasis induces dyslipidemia.
• Plasma lipid and lipoprotein level alterations in schistosomiasis are influenced by APOE gene polymorphism.
• Schistosomiasis disrupts APOE's normal regulation of plasma lipids, highlighting potential new metabolic pathways and therapeutic targets.