Interaction of common sequence variants and selected risk factors in determination of HDL cholesterol levels

ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to assess the association of common sequence variants, and selected interactions, with HDL-c plasma levels.Design and methodsWe analysed 743 individuals (340 men and 403 women) with high mean triglyceride and LDL-c levels. The association of five polymorphic sites (ABCA1 g.1051G>A, APOA1 g.­75G>A, CETP g.­629C>A, HNF1A g.102A>C, and LIPG g.584C>T), apoE isoforms and selected interactions with HDL-c levels were evaluated using linear regression models.ResultsAfter adjusting for triglycerides, sex, and BMI the only genotype with a statistically significant effect on HDL-c levels (p-value = 0.004) was the CETP promoter variant. Further, linear regression model with interactions included indicated possible interplay between APOA1 genotype and menopause (p-value = 0.002) and ABCA1 and APOE isoforms (p-value = 0.017) on HDL-c plasma concentration.ConclusionsOur study indicated that not only the CETP variant but also apoE isoforms and menopause could operate as potent modulators of HDL-c concentrations.