Genetic lipoprotein variation and lipid levels in man

Abstract

Analyses of 12 population samples revealed that the total serum cholesterol level is significantly higher in lipoprotein antigen Lp(a+) than in Lp(a-) individuals. The difference is more pronounced in middle-aged and older people than in young persons, and the difference between Lp(a+) and Lp(a-) individuals is larger when LDL [low density lipoprotein] cholesterol rather than total serum cholesterol is considered. Lp(a-) individuals have a significantly higher triglyceride level than Lp(1+) individuals. The Lp(a) variation is genetically controlled, and the study revealed a small but significant effect of a single, autosomal locus on lipids implicated in atherosclerosis. An association between the phenotype Lp(a+) and coronary heart disease was demonstrated previously.