[DNA polymorphism in the region of APOB100, APOCIII, APOE, and angiotensin-converting enzyme genes and indicators of the lipid spectrum in children and adolescents in St. Petersburg].

Polymorphisms of 3 apolipoprotein genes Xba I apoB, Sstl apoCIII, and apoE and the insertion-deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene (I/D ACE) and lipid levels were studied in a random sample of 403 children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years living in St. Petersburg. The children were divided in 4 age groups with consideration for the relative body weight index: group 1.6 to 9 years; II, 10-12; III, 13-15; and IV, 16-18 years. The first three groups were divided by sex, the fourth was not because it was the smallest. Relationships between lipid levels and DNA polymorphisms of the above genes were analyzed in all groups. Effects of apoB Xbal, apoCIII Sstl, apoE, and ACE genotypes on the levels of the blood basic lipids were analyzed using Statgraphics software. A marked effect of the apoE (E3/E4) genotype on the total and LDL-cholesterol variability was observed in group IV. The individuals carrying the E4 apoE allele had increased levels of total and LDL-cholesterol (p < 0.02 and p < 0.03, respectively). The level of triglycerides was higher in the subjects carrying the S2 apoCIII allele in the third group (p < 0.04). A statistically reliable difference was however observed only in girls (p < 0.01). We failed to detect reliable correlations between lipid levels and various apoB and ACE genotypes. Hence, the genetic variants of apoCIII and apoE genes affect the blood lipid levels as early as in adolescence.