Physical activity modulates the effect of a lipoprotein lipase mutation (D9N) on plasma lipids and lipoproteins

We investigated interactions between a mutation (D9N) in the lipoprotein li pase (LPL) gene and physical activity, as well as other lifestyle factors, on lipid traits in a population-based sample of Dutch men and women (n = 37 9). We used questionnaire information to classify physical activity, alcoho l consumption, and smoking habits; while overweight was defined as a body m ass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m(2). Non-fasting blood samples were used for the d etermination of lipid traits and the D9N genotype. Fifteen subjects (4%) ca rried the mutation, They presented with higher levels of total cholesterol, apolipoprotein (apo) B and triglycerides compared to non-carriers. While n o interactions with overweight, alcohol consumption, and smoking were found , a strong interaction between the D9N mutation and physical activity becam e apparent. Physically inactive D9N carriers (n = 5) had considerably highe r total cholesterol (+2 mmol/l, p less than or equal to 0.0001) and apo B l evels (+63 mg/dl, p less than or equal to 0.0001) compared to non-carriers of this mutation, whereas their high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol concentrations were lower (-0.22 mmol/l, p < 0.05). This was not the case f or physically active D9N carriers (n =10). In conclusion, a common variant of the LPL gene (D9N) adversely affects pla sma lipid and lipoprotein profiles. However, the unfavorable consequences m ay be counteracted by physical activity.