XBAI POLYMORPHISM OF THE APOLIPOPROTEIN-B GENE IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERLIPIDEMIA AND ECHO-DOPPLER EVIDENCE OF ARTERIAL LESIONS

This study was designed to assess whether the XbaI restriction fragmen t lenght polymorphism (RFLP) for apolipoprotein B (apo B) gene Could b e related with a genetic predisposition to develop hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. Relationships between XbaI RFLP and serum cholesterol were evaluated by comparing hyperlipidemic patients with healthy cont rols. Statistical analysis (chi-square test) showed no significant dif ference in either genotype distribution or allele frequencies. Hyperli pidemic patients were then divided according to triglycerides, either above or below 200 mg/dl and XbaI genotype frequencies were measured. No significant differences in genotype distribution or allele frequenc ies were found. The hyperlipidemic patients were tested for the presen ce of arterial disease by echo-Doppler and angina questionnaire. The X baI genotype frequencies were determined in patients with arterial dis ease and compared to those without evidence of disease. No significant differences were found between the two groups.