Genetics
CETP TaqIB genotype distinguishes a longevity syndrome of simultaneously high HDL and LDL cholesterol (Open Cardiovasc Med J 2010)
Original title: Cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene polymorphisms and longevity syndrome
Researchers studied 136 men and women with no personal or family history of coronary heart disease, comparing 69 who met criteria for a proposed longevity syndrome, defined by high HDL cholesterol (above 70 mg per dL) alongside high LDL cholesterol, with 67 who had normal HDL cholesterol. All were genotyped for the CETP TaqIB and I405V polymorphisms. The B2 allele of TaqIB was significantly more frequent in the longevity syndrome group than the non-longevity-syndrome group (P = 0.03), while the B1 allele was more frequent in the non-longevity-syndrome group (P = 0.03). The authors suggest favourable CETP gene polymorphisms, alongside very high HDL cholesterol, could help identify individuals with this longevity syndrome.
Original abstract
Purpose: High levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Subjects with high levels of HDL cholesterol (>70 mg/dl; 1.79 mmol/l) as well as high levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, could represent a group with longevity syndrome (LS). Since HDL particles are influenced by cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity, it is worth studying the CETP polymorphism. The aim of the study was to detect whether 2 genetic variants of the CETP are associated with the LS.
Subjects And Methods: The study population consisted of 136 unrelated men and women with no personal and family history of CHD; 69 met the criteria for LS and 67 did not meet these criteria and had "normal" HDL cholesterol (>40 and <70 mg/dl; >1.03 and <1.79 mmol/l). All patients were genotyped for the TaqIB and I405V polymorphisms.
Results: The B2 allele frequency of TaqIB polymorphism was higher in the LS in comparison with the non-LS group (p=0.03) whereas B1 allele frequency was higher in the non-LS group (p=0.03).
Conclusions: Gene polymorphisms could help decide whether individuals who have increased levels of both LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol require treatment. Some of the prerequisites could include that subjects with LS should not only have very high levels of HDL cholesterol but also favorable gene polymorphisms. However, further investigations with a larger sample and including other gene polymorphisms, are needed.
Summary written by cetpinhibition.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 19 August 2026. Methods.