Apolipoprotein E polymorphism and serum lipoprotein(a) concentrations in a Korean male population

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of apolipoprotein E polymorphism on lipoprotein(a) metabolism by comparing serum lipoprotein(a) concentration with apolipoprotein E genotype in a Korean male population whose high molecular weight (HMW) lipoprotein(a) frequency was 95-98%. Serum lipoprotein(a), total cholesterol, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations were measured and the apolipoprotein E genotype determined in 1189 healthy Korean males. The medians of serum lipoprotein(a) concentration in the apoE 2/3 group (0.105g/L) and the apoE 3/4 group (0·116g/L) were significantly lower than that in the apoE 3/3 group (0·155g/L; P<0·001). The medians of serum triglyceride were 1·497mmol/L in the apoE 2/3 group, 1·356mmol/L in the apoE 3/4 group, and 1·452mmol/L in the apoE 3/3 group ( P<0·05). With the significant difference in the serum lipoprotein(a) concentration in Korean males according to apolipoprotein E genotype, and with the negative correlation between serum triglyceride concentration and serum lipoprotein(a) concentration, it is suggested that apolipoprotein E polymorphism and serum triglyceride participate in the metabolism of lipoprotein(a) with HMW.