Genetics
CETP I405V, not Taq1B, predicts smaller LDL particle size in Japanese patients (Atherosclerosis 2002)
Original title: Differential effect of two common polymorphisms in the cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene on low-density lipoprotein particle size
Researchers examined the CETP I405V and Taq1B polymorphisms in relation to LDL particle size, measured by gradient gel electrophoresis, in 136 Japanese patients undergoing routine check-ups. The I405V VV genotype was associated with lower plasma CETP concentration, higher HDL-C, and significantly smaller LDL size than the II+IV genotypes (26.0 versus 26.3 nm, P<0.05). The Taq1B B2B2 genotype was similarly associated with lower CETP concentration and higher HDL-C but had no effect on LDL size (26.2 versus 26.3 nm, P=0.73). Stepwise multiple regression identified the I405V VV genotype, along with triglycerides, age, HbA1c, and BMI, as determinants of LDL size, while no relationship was found between Taq1B and LDL size. The authors conclude the I405V polymorphism, but not Taq1B, likely influences LDL particle size distribution, which may explain their differential effects on coronary heart disease risk.
Original abstract
This study was performed to determine the relationship between the two common polymorphisms of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene and LDL size in Japanese individuals. The LDL size was determined by gradient gel electrophoresis in 136 patients undergoing routine check-ups. The presence of two polymorphisms (I405V and Taq1B) was determined using PCR-based methods. The VV genotype for the I405V polymorphism was associated with both a lower plasma CETP concentration and a higher plasma HDL-C concentration. Further, the LDL size in patients with the VV genotype was significantly smaller than that in patients with the II+IV genotype (26.0 +/- 0.8 vs. 26.3 +/- 0.7 nm, P<0.05). Although the B2B2 genotype for the Taq1B polymorphism was also associated with both a lower plasma CETP concentration and a higher plasma HDL-C concentration, it had no effect on the LDL size (26.2 +/- 0.7 vs. 26.3 +/- 0.8 nm, P=0.73). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the VV genotype, as well as plasma TG concentration, age, HbA1c concentration, and BMI, were determinants of LDL size, while no significant relationships were seen between any of the Taq1B polymorphisms and LDL size. These data suggest that the I405V polymorphism but not the Taq1B polymorphism may be responsible for the distribution of LDL size. This may explain the differential effects of these two polymorphisms on the risk of CHD.
Summary written by cetpinhibition.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.