Evaluation of links between high-density lipoprotein genetics, functionality, and aortic valve stenosis risk in humans.

Objective: Studies have shown that high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-raising compounds induce regression of aortic valve stenosis (AVS) in animal models. However, whether patients with AVS have an impaired HDL metabolism is unknown.

Approach And Results: A total of 1435 single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes associated with HDL cholesterol levels (in or around GALNT2, LPL, ABCA1, APOA5, SCARB1, LIPC, CETP, LCAT, LIPG, APOC4, and PLTP) were genotyped in 382 patients with echocardiography-confirmed AVS (aortic jet velocity ≥2.