Genetics
CETP is one of only four genes confirmed to affect HDL cholesterol, with no evidence its effect depends on alcohol intake (Atherosclerosis 2010)
Original title: No interaction between alcohol consumption and HDL-related genes on HDL cholesterol levels
This cross-sectional population-based study (the CoLaus study) assessed relationships and possible interactions between HDL-related genetic polymorphisms and alcohol consumption in 2863 women and 2546 men aged 35-75, examining nineteen candidate genes known to influence HDL levels, with alcohol intake assessed by reported consumption over the last 7 days. Alcohol consumption increased HDL-cholesterol in both genders. After multivariate adjustment, APOA5, CETP, LIPC, and LPL gene polymorphisms were significantly related to HDL-cholesterol levels (at a 10 to the power of minus 5 threshold), while no gene by alcohol intake interaction was found for any of the SNPs studied, including CETP. ABCA1 polymorphisms were related to HDL-cholesterol only in bivariate analysis, losing significance after multivariate adjustment. The authors conclude alcohol's effect on HDL-cholesterol is not mediated through modulation of HDL-related genes including CETP.
Original abstract
Objective: To assess the relationships and possible interactions between polymorphisms related to HDL levels and alcohol consumption.
Methods: Cross-sectional population-based study including 2863 women and 2546 men aged 35-75 years (CoLaus study). Alcohol intake was assessed by the reported alcohol consumption of the last 7 days. Nineteen candidate genes known to influence HDL levels were studied.
Results: Alcohol consumption increased HDL cholesterol levels in both genders. After multivariate adjustment for gender, age, body mass index, smoking, hypolipidaemic drug treatment, physical activity and alcohol consumption, APOA5, CETP, LIPC and LPL gene polymorphisms were significantly (10(-5) threshold) related with HDL cholesterol levels, while no genexalcohol intake interaction was found for all SNPs studied. ABCA1 polymorphisms were related to HDL cholesterol levels on bivariate analysis but the relationship was no longer significant after multivariate analysis.
Conclusion: Our data confirm the association of alcohol consumption and of APOA5, CETP, LIPC and LPL gene polymorphisms with HDL cholesterol levels. Conversely, no genexalcohol consumption interactions were found, suggesting that the effect of alcohol consumption on HDL cholesterol levels is not mediated via a modulation of HDL related genes.
Summary written by cetpinhibition.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 19 August 2026. Methods.