Lipoprotein lipase genetic variation and gender-specific ischemic cerebrovascular disease risk

The lipoprotein lipase gene is highly polymorphic, and several common mutat ions have been associated with an increased atherogenic lipid profile. One of these, Asn291Ser, was also found to be associated with increased ischemi c heart disease in women. More recently, this same mutation, present in app roximately 5% of the population, was also associated with increased ischemi c cerebrovascular disease risk. The magnitude of this increase is less than or equal to that attributed to other modifiable risk factors, such as hype rtension, smoking, and hypercholesterolemia. A prudent diet and lifestyle s hould therefore attenuate the higher genetic predisposition to atherosclero sis observed in women carrying this mutation.