XbaI polymorphism in the APOB gene and its association with increased cholesterol in children and adolescents: Ouro Preto Study

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Atherosclerotic vascular changes can begin during childhood, providing a favorable environment for the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adulthood. Identifiable risk factors such as dyslipidemia accelerate this process for some children. The apolipoprotein B (APOB) gene could help explain the inter-individual variability in lipid levels among young individuals and identify groups that require greater attention to prevent cardiovascular problems in adulthood. However, there is few research on genetic risk factors for dyslipidemia in young individuals from mixed-race groups. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with elementary school students aged 6 to 17 in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, between April and December 2021. The study evaluated sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical, and biochemical variables and XbaI polymorphism in the APOB gene for associations with increased cholesterol. Results: The study found that the prevalence of increased cholesterol was notably high, reaching 68.9% in the study population. Carriers of the variant T allele were 1.45 times more likely to develop increased cholesterol in a dominant model (CI: 1.09-1.94). After adjustments, excess weight and a family history of dyslipidemia interacted significantly with XbaI polymorphism in increased cholesterol, resulting in Odds Ratio of 1.74 (CI: 1.11-2.71) and 2.04 (CI: 1.14-3.67), respectively. Conclusions: The results suggest that XbaI polymorphism in the APOB gene may affect the lipid profile of Brazilian children and adolescents living in urban areas and could contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and, consequently, CVD in adulthood.