LIPOPROTEIN GENE POLYMORPHISM IN NON-INSU LIN-DEPENDENT DIABETICS - PRELIMINARY-STUDY

Background: Lipoprotein lipase plays a crucial role in plasma lipoprot ein metabolism. Several lipoprotein lipase gene polymorphisms have bee n found associated with, lipid levels premature atherosclerosis and ca rdiovascular disease. Aim: To investigate in the Chilean population, t he genotype distribution of lipoprotein lipase polymorphisms and its p ossible association with lipid levels and obesity. Patients and method s: Hind III and Pvu II polymorphism was determined in 45 non-insulin-d ependent diabetic patients and in 52 non diabetic controls from Santia go, Chile. Results: Hind III (+/+) polymorphism had a higher frequency in diabetics as compared to controls (0.6 and 0.29 respectively p=0.0 09). The frequency of heterozygous distribution was higher in non diab etic subjects. Controls and diabetics had comparable gene frequencies for the Pvu Il genotype distribution. Analyzing the impact of these po lymorphisms on plasma lipid levels Hind III genotype was associated wi th high levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides in both groups. The heterozygote (+/-) or homozygote (-/-) state for Hind III was effe ctively associated with high levels of HDL cholesterol levels, as comp ared to the (+/+) genotype. There was no relationship between these ge notyes and body mass index and waist to hip ratio. Conclusions: An ass ociation between genetic variation at the lipoprotein lipase locus wit h high levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol teas confirmed. H owever, no association of these genetic markers with anthropometric me asurements was found.