Apolipoprotein E gene promoter -219G->T polymorphism increases LDL-cholesterol concentrations and susceptibility to oxidation in response to a diet rich in saturated fat.

Abstract

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene promoter polymorphism (-219G-->T) has been associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction, premature coronary artery disease, and decreased plasma apolipoprotein E concentrations. We aimed to determine in healthy subjects whether this polymorphism modifies the susceptibility of LDL to oxidation and the lipid response to the content and quality of dietary fat. Fifty-five healthy men with the APOE3/E3 genotype (7 GG, 38 GT, and 10 TT) completed 3 dietary periods, each lasting 4 wk. The first was a saturated fatty acid (SFA)-rich diet [38% fat-20% SFA and 12% monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-and 47% carbohydrates (CHO)], which was followed by a CHO-rich diet (30% fat- Compared with carriers of the G allele, TT subjects had a significantly (P The -219G-->T polymorphism may partially explain differences in individual responses to diet.