The molecular basis of familial hypercholesterolemia in Lebanon: spectrum of LDLR mutations and role of PCSK9 as a modifier gene.

Autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia (ADH), a major risk for coronary heart disease, is associated with mutations in the genes encoding the low-density lipoproteins receptor (LDLR), its ligand apolipoprotein B (APOB) or PCSK9 (Proprotein Convertase Subtilin Kexin 9). Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) caused by mutation in the LDLR gene is the most frequent form of ADH. The incidence of FH is particularly high in the Lebanese population presumably as a result of a founder effect.