Genetics
Review concludes the link between CETP and atherosclerosis risk depends on gene-environment interaction, unlike the direct effects of APOA1 and ABCA1 (Curr Opin Lipidol 2007)
Original title: Genetic factors affecting HDL levels, structure, metabolism and function
This review examines approaches to establishing the genetic determinants of HDL concentration, structure, and function, given that HDL is a recognized negative cardiovascular risk factor. While many genes collectively account for about half the variability in HDL concentration, individual candidate gene polymorphisms contribute little on their own, and strong interactions exist between environmental and genetic influences. Recent findings confirmed that APOA1 and ABCA1 exert the strongest influence on HDL concentration and atherosclerosis risk. CETP and lipases also affect HDL concentration and functionality, but their connection to atherosclerosis risk is conditional on interaction between environmental and genetic factors. The authors suggest analyzing genetic determinants of HDL-cholesterol in specific disease states or environmental conditions may better clarify the mechanisms underlying variation in HDL concentration and functionality.
Original abstract
Purpose Of Review: HDL is a recognized negative risk factor for the cardiovascular diseases. Establishing the genetic determinants of HDL concentration and functions would add to the prediction of cardiovascular risk and point to the biochemical mechanisms underlying this risk. The present review focuses on various approaches to establish genetic determinants of the HDL concentration, structure and function.
Recent Findings: While many genes contribute to the HDL concentration and collectively account for half of the variability, polymorphism of individual candidate genes contributes little. There are strong interactions between environmental and genetic influences. Recent findings have confirmed that APOA1 and ABCA1 exert the strongest influence on HDL concentrations and risk of atherosclerosis. CETP and lipases also affect the HDL concentration and functionality, but their connection to the atherosclerosis risk is conditional on the interaction between environmental and genetic factors.
Summary: Analysis of genetic determinants of HDL-cholesterol in patients with specific disease states or in response to the environmental condition may be a more accurate way to assess variations in HDL concentration. This may result in defining the rules of interaction between genetic and environmental factors and lead to understanding the mechanisms responsible for the variations in HDL concentration and functionality.
Summary written by cetpinhibition.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 19 August 2026. Methods.