SNP3 polymorphism in apo A-V gene is associated with small dense LDL particles in Type 2 diabetes

Excerpt

To the Editor: The −1131 T>C (SNP3) polymorphism of apo A-V gene has been associated in some studies to an increase in triglycerides and in few cases to a decrease in HDL-cholesterol. Its frequency is 12% in Afro-Americans, 16% in Hispanics, 6 to 16% in Caucasians and 7% in a Spanish control cohort [1, 2, 3, 4]. The heterozygote subjects for rare SNP3 allele (C/T) are related to an increase in triglycerides in Hispanic and Caucasian men, although these data were not observed in another study where the increase in triglycerides was only statistically significant in homozygotes for the mutated allele [3]. Hypertriglyceridaemia is the main factor in determining the size of the LDL. There are many causes that influence the metabolism of triglycerides, some are primary, such as the apo E genotype, and others secondary. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is linked to different lipid disorders such as hypertriglyceridaemia, a decrease in HDL-cholesterol and an increase in small, dense LDL. …