Association of polymorphisms with lipid-lowering efficacy of statins in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

Introduction: The apolipoprotein E () gene is a promising candidate for the diagnosis of hyperlipoproteinaemia and atherosclerosis. Polymorphisms in have been reported to result in differential efficacies of statin drugs in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Methods: We classified the genotypes of 225 patients treated with atorvastatin, and analysed the relation between genotypes and serum lipid levels.

Results: The baseline serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly lower in carriers of ε3 than of ε4 genotypes. The serum levels of TC and LDL-C decreased significantly after 1 month of atorvastatin treatment. Atorvastatin has a higher significant effect in reducing serum TC and LDL-C levels in patients with the ε4 genotype.

Conclusion: Polymorphism in the gene is related to the efficacy of atorvastatin in reducing the serum levels of TC and LDL-C.