Apolipoprotein ε2 allele is associated with an anti-atherogenic lipoprotein profile in children: The Columbia University biomarkers study

Objective. We examined associations between allelic variation in the apo ε gene, which codes for apolipoprotein E, and plasma lipid levels in children. Materials and Methods. We analyzed genotype and fasting lipid levels, including lipid particle size by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, in 515 children from 297 families. Results. Children carrying the apo ε2 allele (1 or 2 ε2 alleles; n = 45) had higher mean high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level (49.5 ± 13.0 vs 42.4 ± 8.9 mg/dL) and lower mean low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level (82.2 ± 48.6 vs 105.9 ± 45.0 mg/dL) compared with apo ε3/ε3 children (n = 322). Mean HDL size was larger and mean level of the atheroprotective large HDL subpopulation was higher among apo ε2 carriers compared with ε3/ε3 children (9.5 ± 0.4 vs 9.3 ± .4 nm, and 32.8 ± 9.9 vs 27.6 ± 8.2 mg/dL). In multivariate models adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, family history, body mass index, and fasting triglyceride level, the apo ε2 allele was independently predictive of higher levels of HDL cholesterol and the large HDL subpopulation and of lower level of LDL cholesterol. Conclusion. The apo ε2 allele is associated with an anti-atherogenic lipid pattern in children.