Polymorphism of the Apolipoprotein B Gene and Association with Plasma Lipid and Lipoprotein Levels in the Mongolian Buryat

Allele frequencies at six RFLP sites ( Ins/Del , Apa LI, Alu I, Xba I, Msp I, and Eco RI) of the apolipoprotein B gene ( APOB ) and the relationship of genotypes with plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels in the Mongolian Buryat were investigated. Common alleles at these sites in 110 Buryat subjects were I , G, A −, X −, M +, and E +; the frequencies of 0.809–0.991 differed strikingly from those of a few Asians and most Europeans. Five unambiguous haplotypes of all sites were revealed at 74%; haplotype IGA − X − M + E + (000000) was the most frequent (67%), followed by IGA + X − M + E + (001000) (19%). The frequency constitution differed significantly from the Chinese, Malaysians, and Caucasians but resembled the Indians. No APOB polymorphisms were associated with cholesterol levels (total, HDL and LDL). Significant associations of genotypes were shown with the triglyceride level only at the Alu I and Xba I sites. The lipid level of A − A + females or X − X + males was higher than that of A − A − females or X − X − males, respectively.