Influence of the -514C/T polymorphism in the promoter of the hepatic lipase gene on postprandial lipoprotein metabolism

The -514C/T polymorphism located in the promoter region of the hepatic lipase gene mediates changes in the plasma levels of the enzyme. The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of this polymorphism modifies the postprandial clearance of lipoproteins of intestinal origin. 51 normolipemic volunteers, homozygotes for the allele E3 of the apo E were selected (26 homozygotes for the C allele and 25 carriers of the T allele in both homozygote and heterozygote form). The subjects underwent a Vitamin A fat-loading test. Blood was drawn every hour until the 6th hour and every 2 h and 30 min until the 11th hour to determine cholesterol and plasma triglycerides as well as cholesterol, triglycerides (TG) and retinyl palmitate in triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins (chylomicrons and chylomicron remnants). Carriers of the T allele showed significantly lower postprandial levels of apolipoprotein B (P < 0.01), total TG in plasma (P < 0.05), small TRL-TG (P < 0.04), large TRL-TG (P < 0.04) and small TRL-cholesterol (P < 0.04) when compared to subjects homozygous for the C allele. Our data suggest that the T allele of the -514C/T polymorphism in the promoter region of the hepatic lipase gene is associated with a lower postprandial lipemic response.