Identification of novel genes associated with atherosclerosis in Bama miniature pig

Background:Atherosclerosis is a chronic cardiovascular disease of great concern.However,it is difficult to establish a direct connection between conventional small animal models and clinical practice.The pig's genome,physiology,and anatomy reflect human biology better than other laboratory animals,which is crucial for studying the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.Methods:We used whole-genome sequencing data from nine Bama minipigs to perform a genome-wide linkage analysis,and further used bioinformatic tools to filter and identify underlying candidate genes.Candidate gene function prediction was performed using the online prediction tool STRING 12.0.Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of proteins encoded by candidate genes.Results:We mapped differential single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)to genes and obtained a total of 102 differential genes,then we used GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis to identify four candidate genes,including SLA-1,SLA-2,SLA-3,and TAP2.nsSNPs cause changes in the primary and tertiary structures of SLA-I and TAP2 proteins,the primary structures of these two proteins have undergone amino acid changes,and the tertiary structures also show slight changes.In addition,immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence results showed that the expression changes of TAP2 protein in coronary arteries showed a trend of increasing from the middle layer to the inner layer.Conclusions:We have identified SLA-I and TAP2 as potential susceptibility genes of atherosclerosis,highlighting the importance of antigen processing and immune response in atherogenesis.

Hepatocyte growth factor enhances the ability of dental pulp stem cells to ameliorate atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice

BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis(AS),a chronic inflammatory disease of blood vessels,is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease.Dental pulp stem cells(DPSCs)are capable of exerting immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects by secreting cytokines and exosomes and are widely used to treat autoimmune and inflam-mation-related diseases.Hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a key role in many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.AIM To modify DPSCs with HGF(DPSC-HGF)and evaluate the therapeutic effect of DPSC-HGF on AS using an apolipoprotein E-knockout(ApoE-/-)mouse model and an in vitro cellular model.METHODS ApoE-/-mice were fed with a high-fat diet(HFD)for 12 wk and injected with DPSC-HGF or Ad-Null modified DPSCs(DPSC-Null)through tail vein at weeks 4,7,and 11,respectively,and the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms were analyzed by histopathology,flow cytometry,lipid and glucose measurements,real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at the different time points of the experiment.An in vitro inflammatory cell model was established by using RAW264.7 cells and human aortic endothelial cells(HAOECs),and indirect co-cultured with supernatant of DPSC-Null(DPSC-Null-CM)or DPSC-HGF-CM,and the effect and mechanisms were analyzed by flow cytometry,RT-PCR and western blot.Nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)activators and inhibitors were also used to validate the related signaling pathways.RESULTS DPSC-Null and DPSC-HGF treatments decreased the area of atherosclerotic plaques and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors,and the percentage of macrophages in the aorta,and DPSC-HGF treatment had more pronounced effects.DPSCs treatment had no effect on serum lipoprotein levels.The FACS results showed that DPSCs treatment reduced the percentages of monocytes,neutrophils,and M1 macrophages in the peripheral blood and spleen.DPSC-Null-CM and DPSC-HGF-CM reduced adhesion molecule expression in tumor necrosis factor-αstimulated HAOECs and regulated M1 polarization and inflammatory factor expression in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.CONCLUSION This study suggested that DPSC-HGF could more effectively ameliorate AS in ApoE-/-mice on a HFD,and could be of greater value in stem cell-based treatments for AS.

Long Non-coding RNA ANRIL in Gene Regulation and Its Duality in Atherosclerosis

The antisense transcript long non-coding RNA（lnc RNA）（antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus, ANRIL） is an antisense of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2 B（CDKN2B） gene on chromosome 9 p21 that contains an overlapping 299-bp region and shares a bidirectional promoter with alternate open reading frame（ARF）. In the context of gene regulation, ANRIL is responsible for directly recruiting polycomb group（Pc G） proteins, including polycomb repressive complex-1（PRC-1） and polycomb repressive complex-2（PRC-2）, to modify the epigenetic chromatin state and subsequently inhibit gene expression in cis-regulation. On the other hand, previous reports have indicated that ANRIL is capable of binding to a specific site or sequence, including the Alu element, E2 F transcription factor 1（E2F1）, and CCCTC-binding factor（CTCF）, to achieve trans-regulation functions. In addition to its function in cell proliferation, adhesion and apoptosis, ANRIL is very closely associated with atherosclerosis-related diseases. The different transcripts and the SNPs that are related to atherosclerotic vascular diseases（ASVD-SNPs） are inextricably linked to the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Linear transcripts have been shown to be a risk factor for atherosclerosis, whereas circular transcripts are protective against atherosclerosis. Furthermore, ANRIL also acts as a component of the inflammatory pathway involved in the regulation of inflammation, which is considered to be one of the causes of atherosclerosis. Collectively, ANRIL plays an important role in the formation of atherosclerosis, and the artificial modification of ANRIL transcripts should be considered following the development of this disease.

Inhibitory effect of the paraoxonase gene on the formation of rabbit coronary atherosclerosis

Objective:To observe the effect on the inhibition of coronary atherosclerosis hardening of the paraoxonase gene(PON-1) which transfected to the rabbit epicardial adipose tissue.Methods: Rabbit coronary atherosclerosis model was established by high-fat feeding,liposome-encapsulated recombinant plasmid pEGFP-PON-1 50μL was injected to the rabbit pericardial cavity,and was harvested 4 weeks after transfection.Results:The epicardial fat transfected PON-1 gene had effect on the high lipid level.It significantly increased expression of PON-1 in peripheral arterial vascular tissue(P【0.05);and significantly reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels(P【0.05).and the thickness ratio of coronary artery intima/ media(P【0.05).Conclusions:The injection of the PON-1 gene in the pericardial cavity can effectively suppress the formation of coronary atherosclerosis.

Analysis of Rb gene Xba Ⅰ polymorphism in Shaanxi aged atherosclerosis population

Objective:To investigate variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism of the 17th intron of Rb gene in Shaanxi aged population and the relationship between the polymorphism of Rb gene and atherosclerosis(AS) genetic suscepti- bility. Methods: VNTR polymorphism of the 17th intron of Rb gene were examined in 100 Shaanxi aged AS patients and 100 Shaanxi aged control individuals by PCR-Rb-Xba Ⅰ-RFLP. Results::Two alleles were found both in AS group and control group, which were separately 945 bp(S1) and 630bp + 315bp(S2). S1S2 genotype was the most frequent one in the two populations. Significant difference in allele frequency was not found between AS group and control group, and allele frequency was no significant difference between Chinese and Caucasian. Conclusion: Xba Ⅰ enzyme site of Rb gene could have been certainly stable in AS population, and it was inferred that the polymorphism locus was not liable to cause mutation, which might not implicated in the formation of AS.

Compilation and Analysis of Atherosclerosis Gene Expression Data

The objective of this project was to search for consensus in differential gene expression data and in regulation of differentially expressed genes among DNA microarray studies of atherosclerotic vessels and plaque. Seventeen DNA microarray studies of atherosclerosis were analyzed. Only 19 genes were found to be differentially expressed in 3 or more of the studies. The nineteen genes belong to classic gene ontologies known to be involved in atherosclerosis: immunity and defense, metabolism, proteases, receptors, and signal transduction. Four bioinformatics programs (TRED, rVISTA, JASPAR, and Ariadne Pathways) were used to further analyze the promoter regions and common upstream regulators of the 19 genes. Twelve of the genes shared nine common upstream regulators, many of them known to affect atherosclerosis, and one possible new pathway was identified that may be involved in this disease.

CREG reduces atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E deficient mice

Background Restenosis and atherosclerosis are two disorders characterized by abundant proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs).Previous studies have demonstrated a protective effect of the cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated genes(CREG) against restenosis. However,the role of CREG in atherosclerosis is undetermined. The aim of the present study is to examine the impact of CREG on the atherosclerosis.Methods Both immunofluorescence and western blotting were used in this experiment. Results The expression of CREG was decreased markedly in atherosclerotic lesions compared with normal areas of the vessels from both humans and mice species.We furthermore demonstrated that compared with the adenovirus-mediated-GFP control,intravenous administration of adenovirus-mediated CREG to apolipoprotein E deficient mice with six-week high-fat diet significantly reduced the relative area of atherosclerotic lesions in the mice aorta,accompanied by a decreased levels of Tumor necrosis factor(TNF) -αand Interleukin (IL)-1βmeasured by ELISA.Meanwhile,Western analysis revealed that NF-κB activation was also markedly reduced.Studies of cultured human VSMCs identified that overexpression of CREG abrogated the proliferation of human VSMCs stimulated by ox-LDL,along with a significantly decreased releasing of TNF-αand IL-1β.Conversely,down-regulation CREG expression contributed to cells proliferation stimulated by ox-LDL in cultured human VSMCs.Furthermore, overexpression of CREG suppressed the activations of NF-kB and ERK1/2 in cultured cells,while Furthermore, treatment with ERK inhibitor PD98059 reversed the CREG-mediated inhibition of human VSMCs proliferation.Conclusions CREG has a protective effect against atherosclerosis, which is related to inhibiting proliferation and inflammatory response of VSMCs.

XbaⅠpolymorphisms of apolipoprotein B gene:Another risk factor of gallstone formation after radical gastrectomy

AIM:To prospectively investigate the association between the XbaⅠpolymorphisms of apolipoprotein B (APOB)gene and gallstone formation following gastrectomy.METHODS:The study was conducted between January 2005 and December 2006.A total of 186 gastric cancer patients who had undergone radical gastrectomy were grouped according to XbaⅠpolymorphisms of APOB gene(X+X-group,n=24 and X-X-group,n =162)and compared.The XbaⅠpolymorphisms of APOB gene were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCRRFLP).RESULTS:The incidence of gallstone was significantly higher in the X + X-group than in the X-X-group[54.2% vs 9.3%,RR=5.85(2.23-15.32),P<0.001].The serum levels of total cholesterol(TC)and low-density lipoprotein(LDL)were higher in the X + X-than in the X-X-group(4.02±1.12 vs 3.48±0.88,P=0.004 before surgery and 3.88±1.09 vs 3.40±0.86,P=0.008 after surgery).LDL was 2.21±0.96 vs 1.89±0.84(P =0.042)before surgery and 2.09±0.95 vs 1.72±0.85 (P=0.029)after surgery in the two groups.No relationship was found between XbaⅠpolymorphisms and gallbladder motility.CONCLUSION:In Chinese patients after radical gastrectomy,X + allele of APOB gene is another risk factor for the development of gallstone besides the gallbladder motility disorder after surgery.

Effect of apolipoprotein E gene Hha Ⅰ restricting fragment length polymorphism on serum lipids in cholecystolithiasis

AIM To investigate the role of apolipoprotein E (apoE) polymorphism in the lithogenesis of gallstone and the hereditary pathogenesis of the disease.METHODS Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)was used to study apoE phenotypes and allelefrequencies in patients with gallstones and control, and the fasting serum lipids of subjectswere also measured by enzymatic methods.RESULTS The levels of triglyceride (TG) andvery low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDLC) were much higher in Ez/, patients than that inE,/, control. E,/, patients were accompanied withremarkably low levels of high density lipoproteincholesterol (HDLC) and its subforms. But in E,/#patients there were only slight changes in levelsof VLDLC and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL--C).CONCLUSION Different apoE phenotype patientswith gallstones have different cheracteristics ofdyslipidemia and the average level of serum lipids in patients with gallstones are higher thansubjects without gallstones in the same apoEgene phenotype. EZ allele is possibly one of thedangerous factors in the lithogenesis of cholecystolithiasis.

THE ASSOCIATION OF POLYMORPHISMS AT A VNTR LOCUS 3’TO THE APOLIPOPROTEIN B GENE WITH CORONARY HEART DISEASE IN CHINESE POPULATION

The polymorphisms of variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) 3’to the apolipoprotein B (apo B) gene were investigated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a sample of 103 patients with documented coronary heart disease (CHD) and 100 healthy individuals selected from Chinese Han nationality.Twelve segregating alleles (3’β29 -51) were observed in the pooled total of 203 subjects. The most common allele was 3’β 37. followed by 3’β39 with frequencies of 0. 362 and 0. 296, respectively. This model of allele distribution was coincident with the results form different ethnic groups, but the relative frequencies of alleles were different. In comparison with the allele frequencies between the patients and controls,alleles bigger than 3’β39 (3’VNTR-B) were significantly more common among the patients than among the controls (P<0. 001). Moreover. in the CHD group patients with plasma levels of TC≥3.88 mmol/L,LDL-C≥2. 59 mmol/L and HDL-C<l. 16mmol/L had significantly higher frequencies of 3’ VNTR-B allele (P<0. 01). Therefore,it is suggested that 3’ VNTR-B allele might be involved in the development of coronary atherosclerosis, presumably through their influences on lipid metabolism.This study supported by “8. 5” grant from Ministry of PublicHealth.

Association of Apolipoprotein E Gene Polymorphism with Lipid Profile in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome in Han Chinese: A Critical Review

This review paper focuses on the genetic contribution, in particular, the association of Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism to lipid abnormality and subsequent acute coronary syndrome in Han Chinese of China. Many researches have been published pertaining the influence of ApoE gene polymorphism on coronary artery disease, dyslipidemia and the response of statin in Han Chinese. Most of the studies in Han Chinese like other populations demonstrated that ApoE 4 allele genetically predisposes coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndrome, severity of occlusion of coronary artery and higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (In Han Chinese, ApoE allele carriers demonstrated 85% increase in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in six months follow up). In addition, ApoE4 allele carrier also showed both increased in LDL level and decrease response to statin therapy in dyslipidemic Han Chinese. On the other hand, ApoE2 carrier is scavenger of cholesterol and triglyceride from the blood;?thus it is cardiovascular-protective. Despite positive relationship between ApoE gene polymorphism and cardiovascular pathologies, prognostic outcome and resistance to intervention, this area of research still requires?extensive investigation in Han Chinese. Because, several other studies revealed either negative effect or showed no effect by ApoE gene polymorphism on cardiovascular disease. Some of the causes of such debatable results could be explained by factors such as diminutive frequency allele and expression of ApoE gene in coronary heart disease. This part of the research yet requires extensive study with bulkier sample size and retrospective in nature, in order to ascertain the influence of ApoE genotype on lipid, anti-hyperlipidemic agent and coronary heart disease. Such studies could assist us to confirm whether to test healthier subjects to predict genetic risk of coronary heart disease in Han Chinese population. The aim of this review paper is to critically analyze the effect of ApoE gene on the occurrence of coronary heart disease in Han Chinese.

Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism and susceptibility to intracerebral hemorrhage:A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the relationship between apolipoprotein E （ApoE） gene polymorphism and susceptibility to intracerebral hemorrhage （ICH） in Chinese population by a meta-analysis. METHODS： Related literature regarding control analysis between ICH and control groups was collected. Independent case-control studies published between 1989 and 2007 that had complete data were included; and articles not closely related to the topic were excluded. The meta-analysis software, RevMan 4.2, was applied to analyze the odds ratio （OR） value in those studies included in the analysis to assess the relationship between susceptibility to ICH and ApoE polymorphism. RESULTS： Eight papers which were in accordance with the inclusion criteria were selected, and a total of 1 249 ICH cases and 1 329 controls were involved. Meta-analysis results showed that with the wildtype E3/3 as a reference, the OR values （95% confidence interval） of intracerebral hemorrhage for subjects carrying E2/2, E3/2, E4/2, E4/3, and E4/4 were 1.15 （0.60–2.21）, 1.00 （0.79–1.28）, 3.01 （1.73–5.23）, 1.78 （1.41–2.24） and 1.94 （1.03–3.65）, respectively. The combined OR values （95% confidence interval） of intracerebral hemorrhage for ε4 and ε2 carriers were 1.53 （1.16–2.01）, and 0.93 （0.69–1.25）. CONCLUSION： The results suggest that ApoE polymorphism is significantly associated with susceptibility to intracerebral hemorrhage and that ε4 carriers have a higher risk for intracerebral hemorrhage than others.

Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism in cerebrovascular diseases of the Chinese Naxi populations from Yunnan province

Currently it is not well known whether apolipoprotein E （ApoE） is a genetic susceptibility factor for cerebrovascular diseases in the Chinese Naxi population. The present study detected and sequenced ApoE polymorphisms of 90 patients with cerebrovascular diseases （58 cases of cerebral infarction and 32 cases of intracerebral hemorrhage）, and 50 normal people of Naxi nationality from Yunnan province, China. The populations were used to analyze the relationship of ApoE polymorphisms with cerebral infarction and intracerebral hemorrhage. Results showed an association between ApoE gene polymorphism and the onset of cerebral infarction, and a possibility that the ε4 allele is a susceptibility locus for the risk of cerebral infarction. However, there was no evidence of a relationship between the ApoE gene polymorphism and cerebral hemorrhage.

Interactions of the apolipoprotein A5 gene polymorphisms and alcohol consumption on serum lipid levels

Objectives Apolipoprotein(Apo) A5 gene poly-morphisms and alcohol consumption have been associated with increased serum triglyceride(TG) levels,but little is known about their interactions on serum lipid levels.The present study was undertaken polymorphismsand alcohol consumption on serum lipid levels.Methods A total of 516 unrelated nondrinkers and 514 drinkers aged 15 -89 were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples.Genotyping of the ApoA5was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism,and then confirmed by direct sequencing.Interactions of the ApoA5alcohol consumption were assessed by using a cross-product term between genotypes and the aforementioned factor.Results The levels of total cholesterol (TC),TG,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), ApoA1 and ApoB were higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers (P【0.05-0.001).The genotypic and allelic frequencies of the three single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) were not different between the two groups.The levels of TG in non-drinkers, and TC,TG,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)and ApoB in drinkers were different among the three -1131T】C genotypes(P【0.05-0.001).The -1131C allele carriers had higher serum TC,TG,LDL-C and ApoB levels than the allele noncarriers.The levels of TG,HDL-C and ApoB in nondrinkers,and TG and HDL-C in drinkers were different between the two c.553G】T genotypes(P【0.05-0.01).The C.553T allele carriers had higher serum TG and ApoB levels,and lower HDL-C levels than the allele noncarriers.Serum lipid levels in nondrinkers were not different among the three c.457G】A genotypes(P【0.05 for all), but the levels of HDL-C,LDL-C,ApoA1 and ApoB in drinkers were different between the GG and GA/AA geno-types (P【0.05-0.001).The C.457A allele carriers had lower serum HDL-C,LDL-C,ApoAl and ApoB levels than the allele noncarriers.We also observed four haplotypes:G-G-T, G-G-C,G-A-T,and T-G-C with frequencies ranging from 0.06 to 0.87,representing 100%of all haplotypes in the both populations.The ApoA5 haplotypes were significantly(P【0.05) associated at the global level with TC,TG,HDL-C, LDL-C,Apo1,and ApoB,even after correction for multiple testing with permutation test.In particular,carriers of haplo-type G-G-C had significantly higher TC,TG,LDL-C,ApoB than noncarriers,whereas carriers of haplotype C-A-T had significantly lower TC,LDL-C,ApoAl and ApoB,and higher HDL-C than noncarriers.Serum TC levels in nondrinkers were correlated with -1131T】C genotype and allele(P【0.05 for each),whereas serum TC,TG and LDL-C levels in drinkers were associated with -1131 T】C and C.553G】T genotypes,or c.457G】A alleles(P【0.05-0.001).Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with several environmental factors in the both groups.Conclusions The differences in serum lipid profiles between the drinkers and nondrinkers might partly result from different interactions of ApoA5 gene polymor phisms and alcohol consumption.genotypes and -1131T】C, c.553G】T and c.457G】A to detect the interactions of the ApoA5

Effect of miR-467b on atherosclerosis of rats

Objective:To observe the effect of miR-467 b on the atherosclerosis(AS) of rats with apolipoprotein E(ApoE) gene knockout(ApoE^(-/-)).Methods:ApoE^(-/-) rats were fed with high fat and high cholesterol diet and were randomly divided into group A,group B and group C,with10 rats in each group.Group A:rats were injected with ApoE agonist through the caudal vein;Group B:rats were injected with ApoE antagonist through the caudal vein;Group C:as negative control group.Enzyme oxidation method was used to detect the blood lipid levels of rats.Western blotting method was used to detect the aortic lipoprotein lipase(LPL) cxprcssion IcvcLs of rats.HE staining and oil rod o staining were performed to observe the AS lesions and lipid accumulation state.Results:Compared with Group C,blood lipid level,aortic intima and aortic sinus lipid accumulation area ratio,aortic sinus lesion area and LPL expression level in Group A significantly reduced:while blood lipid level,aortic intima and aortic sinus lipid accumulation area ratio,aortic sinus lesion area,and LPL expression level in Group B significantly increased,with the statistical difference(P<0.05).Conclusions:miR-467 b can alleviate the AS lesions of ApoE^(-/-) rats,and its inhibiting effect on AS may be related to LPL expression.

Relationship between apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism and total cholesterol level in patients with kidney diseases

AIM： To evaluate the association between apolipoprotein E （apoE） gene polymorphism and total cholesterol （TC） level in patients with kidney diseases. METHODS： A predefined literature search was performed to collect data from the electronic databases of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library and eligible relevant studies reporting the association of apoE gene polymorphism with TC level in patients with kidney diseases were recruited for meta-analysis.RESULTS： Twenty-one studies were identifed for the analysis of association between apoE gene polymorphism and TC level in patients with kidney disease. Subjects with E3E4 had a higher TC than those with E3E3 [weighted mean differences （WMD）=2.14, P=0.01] and subjects with E2E3 had a lower TC than those with E3E3 （WMD=-1.93, P=0.01）. Subjects with ε2 had a lower TC than those with ε3 （ε2 vs ε3： WMD=-1.23, P=0.002; ε2 vs ε4： WMD=-2.77, P﹤0.0001） and subjects with 3 had a lower TC than those with 4 （WMD=-0.79, P=0.03）. CONCLUSION： Subjects with apoE E3E4 and ε4 had a higher TC level and subjects with apoE E2E3 and ε2 had a higher TC level in patients with kidney disease. However, more well-designed studies should be per-formed in the future to confrm these fndings.

Association of apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism with the occurrence and therapeutic effect of ischemic stroke

At present,ischemic stroke seriously affects people's life and health,and its occurrence,development and therapeutic effect are affected by many factors.With the deep research on ischemic cerebral apoplexy disease,people have a deeper understanding of its virulence genes.The apolipoprotein E genotype is the research focus recently,its genetic type is not only involved in the occurrence and development of ischemic cerebral apoplexy,but also causes different therapeatic effects.In this paper,we reviewed the relationship between apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism and lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis in ischemic stroke,as well as the differences in the therapeutic effects of thrombolysis,thrombectomy and lipid-lowering among different genotypes.

Advances in the relationship between apolipoprotein gene polymorphism and blood lipid and cardiovascular disease

Objective： Dyslipidemia is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. At present, studies have shown that theincidence of cardiovascular disease in our country increased year by year. According to WHO statistics in 2013, itshowed that about 17 million people worldwide die from coronary heart disease （CHD） every year. Currently, CHDis the first cause of death in western countries and the incidence of CHD also showed a trend of increasing. Inrecent years more experts and scholars at home and abroad found gene polymorphism is closely related tohigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDLC） gene and triglyceride （TG） levels. Apolipoprotein （APO） gene is akind of popular polymorphic proteins, whose genetic polymorphisms is through the impact of lipid metabolism,and then closely related to cerebrovascular diseases. But the results are different in different populations and races,or even the opposite. Methods： This review will summarize the gene polymorphism loci of commonapolipoprotein-ApoA1, ApoA5, Apo B, ApoC3, ApoE, which is associated with lipid levels and cardiovasculardisease. Conclusion： It is important for us to get a further understand and prevent the occurrence and developmentof cardiovascular disease from gene level..

Apolipoprotein A-V gene therapy for disease prevention/treatment:a critical analysis

Apolipoprotein（apo） A-V is a novel member of the class of exchangeable apo＇s involved in triacylglycerol（TG）homeostasis.Whereas a portion of hepatic-derived apoA-V is secreted into plasma and functions to facilitate lipoprotein Iipase-mediated TG hydrolysis,another portion is recovered intracellularly,in association with cytosolic lipid droplets.Loss of apo A-V function is positively correlated with elevated plasma TG and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.Single nucleotide polymorphisms（SNP） in the APOA5 locus can affect transcription efficiency or introduce deleterious amino acid substitutions.Likewise,rare mutations in APOA5 that compromise functionality are associated with increased plasma TG and premature myocardial infarction.Genetically engineered mouse models and human population studies suggest that,in certain instances,supplementation with wild type（WT） apoA-V may have therapeutic benefit.It is hypothesized that individuals that manifest elevated plasma TG owing to deleterious APOA5 SNPs or rare mutations would respond to WT apoA-V supplementation with improved plasma TG clearance.On the other hand,subjects with hypertriglyceridemia of independent origin（unrelated to apoA-V function） may not respond to apoA-V augmentation in this manner.Improvement in the ability to identify individuals predicted to benefit,advances in gene transfer technology and the strong connection between HTG and heart disease,point to apoA-V supplementation as a viable disease prevention / therapeutic strategy.Candidates would include individuals that manifest chronic TG elevation,have low plasma apoA-V due to an APOA5 mutation/polymorphism and not have deleterious mutations/polymorphisms in other genes known to influence plasma TG levels.

Atherosclerosis and the Cholesterol Theory: A Reappraisal

Atherosclerosis is the precedent to ischemic heart disease, which may lead to angina, myocardial infarct, or heart failure;or to ischemic cerebrovascular disease, which may lead to stroke. The prevailing belief underlying conventional approaches to treatment of atherosclerosis and its sequel is that a diet high in cholesterol and saturated fat is the main contributory factor, triggering cholesterol build up in the intima of the blood vessels. Over the last 60 years, the blame has shifted from fats, to saturated fats, to low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and finally to oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL). Therapy has been predominantly aimed at lowering cholesterol and control of risk factors. However, there is an alternative hypothesis about the cause of heart disease linking it to the weakening of the vascular collagen matrix at the sites of high hemodynamic stress (coronary arteries) which triggers the infiltration of lipoprotein(apo) [Lp(a)] and plaque development. Accordingly, the vascular deposition of large molecules such as Lp(a) and atherosclerosis is the result of the body’s endogenous protective mechanism to reinforce the weakened artery walls. Understanding this mechanism may guide the natural prevention of this disease and form the basis for developing effective therapeutic strategies aiming at natural reversal of atherosclerosis through the reinforcement of the vascular wall structure as its primary goal. This reappraisal of atherosclerosis and the cholesterol theory looked at the historical development of the theory, and the Rath and Pauling unified theory of cardiovascular disease.