PLASMA APOLIPOPROTEIN CONCENTRATIONS IN YOUNG-ADULTS WITH A PARENTAL HISTORY OF PREMATURE CORONARY HEART-DISEASE AND IN CONTROL SUBJECTS - THE EARS STUDY

The European Atherosclerosis Research Study (EARS) is a multicenter co llaborative project within the European community. Its main objective is to study in young individuals the biological expression of a patern al history of premature coronary heart disease and to analyze the rela tive contribution of genetic and environmental factors to this express ion. This study was carried out in 14 centers in 11 European countries , where the offspring of fathers who suffered a documented myocardial infarction before the age of 55 years (cases) were compared with age- and sex-matched control subjects. Plasma apolipoproteins A-I, B, A-II, A-IV, and E and lipoprotein (Lp) A-I lipoparticles were measured in t his studen population. Comparison of the values between cases and cont rol subjects showed significantly higher apo B levels in cases compare d with control subjects, and these differences were homogenous through out Europe. Regional differences were observed for apo E levels with a n increasing north-south gradient, which was inversely related to that observed for triglycerides. A stepwise regression analysis including the lipid and apolipoprotein variables showed that apo B and triglycer ides were the strongest discriminators between offspring of fathers wi th permature coronary heart disease and control subjects.