Study of common variants of the apolipoprotein E and lipoprotein lipase genes in patients with coronary heart disease and variable body mass index

Logic Regression Analysis of Gene Polymorphisms and HDL Levels in a Nationally Representative Sample of Iranian Adolescents: The CASPIAN-III Study

BACKGROUND

To investigate the associations of genetic polymorphism with high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in Iranian adolescents.

METHODS

This multicentre study was conducted on 10 - 18 year-old students from 27 provinces in Iran. Logic regression approach was used to determine the main effects and interactions of polymorphisms related to HDL-C levels.

RESULTS

The rs708272 polymorphism was significantly related to HDL-C levels. Moreover, rs708272 increased HDL-C levels and had a protective effect on HDL-C. The interaction of rs2230808 and rs5880 polymorphisms as well as the interaction of rs320 and rs708272 polymorphisms were associated with lower HDL-C levels. Furthermore, the interaction of rs320 and rs1801177 polymorphisms was associated with lower HDL-C levels.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that not only single SNPs, but also interactions of several SNPs affect HDL-C levels. Given the high prevalence of low HDL-C in Middle Eastern populations, further genetic studies are required for detailed analysis.

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) Compounds Improve the Biochemical Indices of the Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Danshen was able to reduce the risk of the patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), but the mechanism is still widely unknown. Biochemical indices (lipid profile, markers of renal and liver function, and homocysteine (Hcy)) are closely associated with CHD risk. We aimed to investigate whether the medicine reduces CHD risk by improving these biochemical indices. The patients received 10 Danshen pills (27 mg/pill) in Dashen group, while the control patients received placebo pills, three times daily. The duration of follow-up was three months. The serum biochemical indices were measured, including lipid profiles (LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-C, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein (Apo) A, ApoB, ApoE, and lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a))); markers of liver function (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), total bilirubin (TBil), indirect bilirubin (IBil), and direct bilirubin (DBil)); marker of renal function (uric acid (UA)) and Hcy. After three-month follow-up, Danshen treatment reduced the levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, Lp(a), GGT, DBil, UA, and Hcy (P < 0.05). In contrast, the treatment increased the levels of HDL-C, ApoA, ApoB, ApoE, TBil, and IBil (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Danshen can reduce the CHD risk by improving the biochemical indices of CHD patients.