Investigation of LRP8 gene in 1p31 QTL linked to LDL peak particle diameter in the Quebec family study

The small, dense LDL phenotype is associated with an increased cardiovascular disease risk. A genome-wide scan performed on 236 nuclear families of the Quebec Family Study (QFS) revealed a quantitative trait locus affecting LDL peak particle diameter (LDL-PPD) and density on the 1p31 region. This region contains the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 8 (LRP8) gene. LRP8, a receptor for apolipoprotein (apo) E, modulates apoE levels, thus contributing to plasma cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) concentrations. We investigate the effects of LRP8 polymorphisms on LDL-PPD, on the relative proportion of small LDL (< 255 Å) and the absolute concentration of cholesterol among the small LDL particles. LRP8 rs5174 was associated with LDL-PPD and estimated cholesterol concentrations in the small LDL particles adjusted for the effects of age and sex (p = 0.008, p = 0.04, respectively). LRP8 rs3820198 was associated with total and LDL-cholesterol levels as well as with apoB concentrations adjusted for the effects of age and sex (p = 0.005, p = 0.004 and p = 0.01, respectively) but not with LDL size-related variables. These results suggest that LRP8 gene polymorphisms influence plasma cholesterol levels as well as size and composition of LDL particles.