Apolipoprotein (APO)E Genotype, Meal Fatty Acids, Postprandial Lipaemia

Effects of Meal Fatty Acid Composition on Postprandial Lipaemia in Men According to APOE Genotype

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the greatest cause of morbidity and mortality in the UK. Abnormalities in the concentration and/or composition of lipoproteins (the lipid carrying particles), in particular low density lipoproteins (LDL) in circulation, is one of the most important physiological defects contributing to the development of CVD.

The LDL cholesterol (LDLC) response to fatty acid change is in part mediated by the APOE genotype, with E4 individuals (25% of the UK population) being most responsive to changes in dietary fats, showing greater reductions when low levels of saturated fats or fish oils are consumed and greater increases when high levels of these fats are consumed. Therefore the aims of the present study is to understand the mechanism that regulates the higher LDLC response associated with saturated fatty acids and fish oil consumption in healthy men prospectively recruited based on their APOE genotype.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Gender Male
• Age 18-70 years
• Body Mass Index (BMI) < 32 kg/m2
• Plasma triglycerides 1-4 mmol/l
• Plasma cholesterol < 8 mmol/l
• Glucose < 7 mmol/l
• Haemoglobin > 11 g/dl
• ApoE E3/E3, E3/E4

Exclusion Criteria:

• Blood pressure > 200/95 mmHg
• Had suffered a myocardial infraction or stroke in previous 2 years.
• Diabetes mellitus
• Liver disease
• Other endocrine disorders
• Unstable angina
• Familial hyperlipidaemia
• Any dietary restrictions or an a weight reducing diet
• On fatty acid supplements e.g. evening primrose oil or fish oils
• Vigorous exercise e.g. competitive athletes
• ApoE2/E2, apoE2/E3 and apoE2/E4
• Any other parameter on which the investigators felt an individual was unsuitable