Apolipoprotein E polymorphism and serum lipoprotein(a) concentrations in aKorean male population

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of apolipoprotein E polymorphism on lipoprotein(a) metabolism by comparing serum lipoprotein(a ) concentration with apolipoprotein E genotype in a Korean male population whose high molecular weight (HMW) lipoprotein(a) frequency was 95-98%. Seru m lipoprotein(a), total cholesterol, triglyceride and high-density lipoprot ein-cholesterol concentrations were measured and the apolipoprotein E genot ype determined in 1189 healthy Korean males. The medians of serum lipoprote in(a) concentration in the apo E 2/3 group (0.105 g/L) and the apo E 3/4 gr oup (0.116 g/L) were significantly lower than that in the apo E 3/3 group ( 0.155 g/L: P< 0.001). The medians of serum triglyceride were 1.497 mmol/L i n the apo E 2/3 group, 1.356 mmol/L in the apo E 3/4 group, and 1.452 mmol/ L in the apo E 3/3 group (P < 0.05). With the significant difference in the serum lipoprotein(a) concentration in Korean males according to apolipopro tein E genotype, and with the negative correlation between serum triglyceri de concentration and serum lipoprotein(a) concentration, it is suggested th at apolipoprotein E polymorphism and serum triglyceride participate in the metabolism of lipoprotein(a) with HMW.