CETP TaqIB genotype shows no link to plaque composition or neointima after carotid endarterectomy, unlike hepatic lipase variant (Atherosclerosis 2005)

Original title: Common hepatic lipase gene promoter variant predicts the degree of neointima formation after carotid endarterectomy: impact of plaque composition and lipoprotein phenotype

Atherosclerosis · 7 July 2005 · 4

Zambon A, Puato M, Faggin E, Bertocco S, Vitturi N, Polentarutti V, Deriu GP, Grego F, Bertipaglia B, Rattazzi M, Vianello D, Deeb SS et al.

In 68 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, LIPC -514 C-T and CETP TaqIB genotypes were tested against carotid plaque composition and post-surgical maximum intima-media thickness (M-IMT). LIPC CC carriers had denser LDL particles, more macrophages, fewer smooth muscle cells in plaque, higher pre-surgical cerebrovascular event prevalence (72% versus 28%, p=0.002), and lower M-IMT six months after surgery than CT/TT carriers (1.36 mm versus 1.76 mm, p=0.04). No association between the CETP TaqIB polymorphism and either plaque cellular composition or M-IMT was found, and M-IMT tracked with plaque cell composition but not with pre-operative lipid levels. The authors conclude the LIPC promoter variant, not CETP genotype, drives reduced neointima formation via plaque smooth muscle cell content.

Original abstract

Background: The common -514 C-T promoter polymorphism of the hepatic lipase gene (LIPC) and the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene TaqIB polymorphism affect atherogenesis. We investigated the potential relationship between these polymorphisms and the maximum-intima-media thickness (M-IMT) after carotid endarterectomy.

Methods: The LIPC and CETP genotypes were determined by PCR in 68 patients undergoing endarterectomy. Plaque specimens were analysed for cell composition by immunocytochemistry. Six month after surgery the M-IMT of the revascularized vessel was assessed by B-mode ultrasonography.

Results: The CC carriers had denser LDL particles (p<0.0005), an abundance of macrophages (p<0.0005), fewer SMCs in the carotid plaque (p<0.0005), and higher prevalence of cerebrovascular events (72% versus 28%, p=0.002) compared to CT/TT carriers. After endarterectomy, CC carriers showed a lower M-IMT than the CT/TT group (1.36 mm versus 1.76 mm, p=0.04). No association between the CETP polymorphism and either carotid plaque cellular composition or M-IMT was observed. In a multivariate analysis, M-IMT was associated with plaque cell composition (macrophages, r=-0.39; SMC, r=0.44; p<0.005 for both) but not with pre-operative LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, or LDL density.

Conclusions: The LIPC promoter -514 C-T polymorphism is associated with a significantly reduced development of neointima after surgery. This effect seems to be mediated by scarcity of SMC in the plaque of CC carriers who display an excess prevalence of cerebrovascular events prior endarterectomy but are at low risk for restenosis. The pre-operative lipid phenotype plays a marginal role in the neointima formation.

Summary written by cetpinhibition.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 19 August 2026. Methods.