[Association between lipid profile and Apo E genotype in Spanish children (8-15 years old)]

Different studies conclude that apoprotein E (Apo E) is a genetic determinant of lipid levels and cardiovascular risk, although these studies have been carried out principally in adults, with scarce and variable results available in children. The aim of our study was to analyze the association between lipid profile and the different Apo E isoforms (E2, E3 and E4) in a group of Spanish children.

In a transversal study, apo E genotypes and the lipid profile [total cholesterol (TC), LDL-c, HDL-c, triglycerides (TG), Apo A1, apo B and Lp(a)] were determined in 191 children (110 boys and 81 girls) between 8 and 15 years of age. Apo E genotyping was performed by means of polymerase chain reaction and subsequent digestion with the restriction enzyme HhaI.

The relative frequency for the E3, E4 and E2 alleles were 0.87, 0.09 and 0.04, respectively. Total cholesterol, LDL-c and Apo B serum levels were highest in the group of individual with the genotypes E3/E4 and lowest in the group E2/E3, while E3/E3 individuals had intermediate levels. When analyzed according to gender, we only found statistical significance in the group of girls (p < 0.004).

The apo E genotype was significantly associated with lipid differences observed in the childhood population and this is modulated by gender.