Open Access Research

SCARB1 single nucleotide polymorphism (rs5888) is associated with serum lipid profile and myocardial infarction in an age- and gender-dependent manner

Daiva Stanislovaitiene1*, Vaiva Lesauskaite2, Dalia Zaliuniene1, Alina Smalinskiene2, Olivija Gustiene3, Diana Zaliaduonyte-Peksiene3, Abdonas Tamosiunas2, Dalia Luksiene2, Janina Petkeviciene4 and Remigijus Zaliunas3

Author Affiliations

1 Department of Ophthalmology, Medicine Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania

2 Intitute of Cardiology, Medicine Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania

3 Department of Cardiology, Medicine Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania

4 Faculty of Public Health, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania

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Lipids in Health and Disease 2013, 12:24 doi:10.1186/1476-511X-12-24

Published: 5 March 2013

Abstract

Background

Mutation in SCARB1 gene, exon 8 rs5888, has been associated with altered lipid levels and cardiovascular risk in humans though the results have been inconsistent. We analysed the impact of SCARB1 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs5888 with plasma lipid profile and association with coronary artery disease (CAD) in a Lithuanian population characterized by high morbidity and mortality from CAD and high prevalence of hypercholesterolemia.

Methods

The study included 1976 subjects from a random sample (reference group) and an myocardial infarction (MI) group of 463 patients. Genotyping of SCARB1 (rs5888) was carried out using the real-time polymerase chain reaction method.

Results/principal findings

Analysis of rs5888 C/T gene polymorphism in the reference group revealed that male TT genotype carriers (25–74 years) had significantly higher total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations (5.70 mmol/l vs. 5.49 mmol/l; p = 0.036, and 1.70 mmol/l vs. 1.40 mmol/l, p = 0.023, respectively) than CT carriers and the oldest males (65–74 years) TT carriers had significantly higher high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations in comparison to heterozygous (1.52 mmol/l vs. 1.36 mmol/l, p = 0.033). The youngest female (25–44 years) TT genotype carriers had significantly lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations in comparison to C homozygous (2.59 mmol/l vs. 2.92 mmol/l, p = 0.023). The frequency of the SCARB1 TT genotype in the oldest male MI group (65–74 years) was significantly lower than in the corresponding reference group subjects (9.4% vs. 22.3%, p = 0.006). SCARB1 TT genotype was associated with decreased odds of MI in males aged 65–75 years (OR = 0.24, 95% CI 0.10-0.56, p = 0.001).

Conclusions/significance

SCARB1 polymorphism is associated with lipid metabolism and CAD in an age- and gender- dependent manner. Analysis of SCARB1 SNP rs5888 C/T genotypes revealed an atheroprotective phenotype of lipid profile in older men and in young women TT genotype carriers in the reference group. SCARB1 TT genotype was associated with decreased odds of MI in aged men.

Keywords:
Coronary artery disease (CAD); Myocardial infarction (MI); Scavenger receptor Class B Type 1 gene (SCARB1); Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)