OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of the -12238T/C polymorphism of apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) gene with coronary heart disease (CHD) and the influence of serum lipid levels in Chinese Uygur population of Xinjiang.

METHODSThe -12238T/C polymorphism of APOA5 gene in 344 patients with CHD and 408 controls was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism; the serum lipid levels were detected as well.

RESULTSThe frequencies of CC, TC and TT genotype were 6.69%, 43.31% and 50.00% in the CHD group, while they were 14.95%, 45.10% and 39.95% in the control group. There was significant difference in the distribution of genotypes between the two groups (P < 0.01). Logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, gender, smoking, serum total cholesterol, presence of hypertension and diabetes revealed that individuals carrying CC genotype had an increased risk of CHD compared with TT genotype (OR = 0.328, 95%CI: 0.154-0.700). There was also significant difference in serum triglyceride level in genotypes between these two groups (P < 0.01). Patients in CHD group who carried CC and TC genotypes had lower serum triglyceride level than the TT genotype carriers.

CONCLUSIONThe -12238T/C polymorphism of APOA5 gene has influence on the serum triglyceride level in Uygur population of Xinjianxg. This polymorphism might be associated with development of CHD, and the CC genotype might be a protective factor in the development of CHD.