Affiliations: Center for Post Polio Rehabilitation (A non-profit
organization), KS, USA | Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and
Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, KS, USA | Department of Biostatistics, University of Kansas
Medical Center, KS, USA
Note: [] Correspondence: Sunita Dodani, MD, PhD, FAHA, P O Box 25246
Shawnee Mission, KS 66225, USA. Tel.: +1 913 663 2803; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Objectives: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of
death globally with increasing burden in South Asians in the US. Specific
genetic variants that influence CAD have not been fully assessed in South Asian
Immigrants. The goal is to identify Apo lipoprotein A1 (APOA1) gene
polymorphisms and their association with CAD risk factors, metabolic syndrome
and dysfunctional HDL (Dys-HDL). Methods: A community-based study on
South Asians aged 35--65 years without CAD was conducted. APOA1 gene
sequencing was performed and genotypes compared with cardiovascular findings. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and dysfunctional-HDL was
29.7% and 26%, respectively. Six novel APOA1 gene single nucleotide
peptides ({SNPs}) were analyzed. Three of the six SNPs (G2, G3, and G5) were
found to be associated with metabolic syndrome; G2 (T655C) (p=0.044), G3
(T756C) (p=0.037) and G5 (T1001C) (p=0.037). APOA1 gene SNP G1
(T319C) was highly correlated with low HDL levels (p=0.001). In our study,
both associations of APOA1 SNPs with metabolic syndrome and low HDL
remained after age-adjustment. Conclusion: Discovery of novel gene
polymorphisms will help to understand further the causes of excess CAD risk in
South Asians so that preventative strategies targeted to high-risk group can be developed.
Keywords: Coronary artery disease, risk factors, South Asian immigrants, polymorphisms, Apo Lipoprotein A1, dysfunctional high density lipoprotein
