In terms of new information, three topics are presented: (1) new findings related to classical candidate genes, such as apolipoprotein E, cholesteryl ester transfer protein and hepatic lipase; (2) recent reports related to new loci that have joined the growing list of cardiovascular disease candidate genes (i.e.
Since the identification of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), its role in the modulation of HDL levels and cardiovascular disease has been debated.
In the field of lipoprotein metabolism and cardiovascular disease several gene polymorphisms for key proteins, such as apoproteins (apo) E, B, A-IV and C-III, LDL receptor, microsomal transfer protein (MTP), fatty acid-binding protein (FABP), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase, have been identified and linked to variable responses to diets.
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is an important modulator of high density lipoprotein cholesterol in humans and thus considered to be a therapeutic target for preventing cardiovascular disease.
To better understand the role of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) in cardiovascular disease, nine polymorphisms spanning the gene from the upstream promoter region to beyond the 3'UTR were genotyped in 2553 individuals from multiple ethnic groups and with different cardiovascular disease profiles.
These results replicate some earlier findings and also help to explain some of the apparent contradictions in the literature surrounding the role of CETP in modulating HDL-C and cardiovascular disease.
Polymorphisms in the hepatic lipase (LIPC -514C > T) and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETPI405V) genes affect high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels, but their relationship with cardiovascular disease and their combined effect is unclear.
A cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) genotype (V/V homozygosity for I405V, NCBI dbSNP rs5882) has been associated with preservation of cognitive function in old age, in addition to its associations with exceptional longevity and cardiovascular disease.
Previously, the beneficial effect of an advantageous cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP-VV) genotype on lipoprotein particle size in association with decreased metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, as well as with better cognitive function, have been demonstrated.
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays a key role in the metabolism of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), a strong, inverse, independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein genetic polymorphisms, HDL cholesterol, and subclinical cardiovascular disease in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.
Further studies are necessary for understanding of the role of CETP in lipid metabolism and the development of novel therapies involving a combination of strategies for treatment of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
The concept that HDL cholesterol raising through inhibition of CETP may ameliorate CVD risk has been challenged by the failure of the CETP inhibitor, torcetrapib.
LPL polymorphism (D9N) predicts cardiovascular disease risk directly and through interaction with CETP polymorphism (TaqIB) in women with high HDL cholesterol and CRP.