Genetics
CETP variants shape cerebral and peripheral cholesterol metabolism but not Alzheimer's disease risk (Brain Res 2008)
Original title: CETP polymorphisms influence cholesterol metabolism but not Alzheimer's disease risk
Researchers examined three putative functional CETP polymorphisms (-1946 VNTR, C-629A and I405V) for their effects on Alzheimer's disease risk and on cholesterol, lathosterol and 24S-hydroxycholesterol levels in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of Alzheimer's disease patients and controls. None of the CETP polymorphisms or haplotypes examined affected Alzheimer's disease risk. However, a three-marker CETP haplotype (L/C/V) influenced cerebrospinal fluid levels of lathosterol and 24S-hydroxycholesterol, as well as plasma total cholesterol, in controls but not in Alzheimer's disease patients, indicating CETP gene variation shapes cerebral and peripheral cholesterol metabolism without directly affecting Alzheimer's disease risk.
Original abstract
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is a component of the high density lipoprotein (HDL). Variations in the CETP gene may cause CETP deficiency, which is characterized by decreased mass and activity of the protein as well as altered HDL and LDL levels. We investigated the effect of three putative functional CETP polymorphisms (-1946 VNTR, C-629A and I405V) on the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and on cholesterol, lathosterol and 24S-hydroxycholesterol levels in CSF and plasma of AD patients and controls. None of the investigated CETP polymorphisms or haplotypes had any effect on the risk of AD. However, we found that a three marker CETP haplotype (L/C/V) influenced CSF levels of lathosterol and 24S-hydroxycholesterol as well as plasma levels of total cholesterol in controls but not in AD patients. Our data suggest that CETP gene variations influence cerebral and peripheral cholesterol metabolism, but not AD risk.
Summary written by cetpinhibition.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 19 August 2026. Methods.