Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) enzyme plays a central role in lipid metabolism. The primary function of LPL enzyme is the hydrolysis of the core triglycerides of circulating chylomicrons and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). It releases monoglycerides and free fatty acids, which are taken up by skeletal muscle or adipose tissue.

Aim: The present work aimed to study the association of the common variant of LPL HindIII (H⁺) and hypertension.

Method: HindIII (H⁺) variant allele of LPL were determined by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay in 150 hypertensive patients and 150 normotensive subjects as a control group. Serum lipoproteins were also observed in both groups.

Results: Allele frequencies were H⁺=0.733 and H⁻=0.267 for LPL HindIII in the hypertension group compared to H⁺=0.683 and H−=0.317 in the control group. Individuals with homozygous (H^+/+) genotype were at high risk of developing hypertension compared to the (H^−/−) genotype (OR=2.13, 95% confidence interval CI=0.937–4.8). Serum triglyceride (TG) level were also higher in the individual with the (H^+/+) genotype compared to (H^−/−) genotype, while HDL showed negative correlation with the presence of (H^+/+).

Conclusion: It can be concluded that the LPL HindIII (H⁺) variant allele of LPL may influence the blood lipid metabolism and increase risk for hypertension.