Genetics
CETP B1B1 genotype tracks with lower HDL cholesterol from birth through age 5-6 in children at cardiovascular risk (Med Sci Monit 2013)
Original title: Cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) gene polymorphism and selected parameters of lipid metabolism in children from families with history of cardiovascular system diseases
This three-stage longitudinal study examined lipid parameters and the CETP gene G279A (TaqIB) polymorphism in 30 children with a family history of cardiovascular disease, selected from an initial cohort of 137 newborns and followed through ages 18-30 months and 5-6 years. At all measured ages, blood triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, apolipoproteins AI and B, and lipoprotein(a) were determined alongside CETP genotype. Children with the B1B1 genotype had significantly lower HDL cholesterol both after birth and at age 5-6 years compared with those carrying B1B2 or B2B2 genotypes, while other lipid parameters did not differ significantly by genotype. The authors conclude that CETP gene polymorphism determines lower HDL cholesterol in children with a family history of cardiovascular disease, with B1B1 homozygotes showing a phenotype tendency favoring atherosclerosis development.
Original abstract
Background: Children from families with a history of cardiovascular system diseases are especially predisposed to early development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the selected lipid parameters and polymorphisms of G279A located in the cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) gene.
Material/Methods: This longitudinal study was performed in 3 stages. During stage I the tests were carried out on 137 newborns after birth. Of these, we selected 30 children with a family history of cardiovascular system diseases. During stage II of the study the same children were evaluated at the age of 18-30 months, and during stage III at the age 5-6 years. Gestational age and the birth weight were evaluated in newborns. The older children were examined physically, and nutritional status was assessed. In all of the children examined, we determined the blood concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, apolipoproteins (AI and B), lipoprotein(a) and polymorphisms, and the G279A locus of the CETP gene.
Results: In children with genotype B1B1 (after birth and aged 5-6 years), a significantly lower cholesterol concentration in the HDL fraction was found compared to those with genotype B1B2 and B2B2. Other biochemical parameters of lipid metabolism were not significantly different between these genetic polymorphisms.
Conclusions: A lower cholesterol concentration in the HDL fraction in children with a family history of cardiovascular system diseases was determined by polymorphism of the CETP gene. Homozygotes (genotype B1B1) show a tendency towards the phenotype favoring the development of atherosclerosis.
Summary written by cetpinhibition.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 19 August 2026. Methods.