OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene Ser447Ter polymorphism and atherosclerotic cerebral infarction (CI), and to investigate the effect of Ser447Ter polymorphism on plasma lipids, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and carotid artery plaque (CAP) in patients with CI.

METHODSPCR-restriction fragment lengh polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique was used to detect LPL gene Ser447Ter polymorphism in 166 patients with CI (CI group) and 72 healthy subjects (control group). Carotid IMT and CAP were measured with carotid color ultrasonographic doppler for the patients and the controls.

RESULTSCG+GG carriers had lower plasma triglyceride (TG) levels and higher high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels than CC carriers in CI group (P=0.001 and P=0.007 respectively). CG+GG carriers had lower plasma TG levels than CC carriers in control group (P=0.041). The frequency of G allele in CI patients was significantly lower than that in control subjects (P= 0.014). There was no statistical correlation between LPL Ser447Ter gene polymorphism and carotid IMT and CAP.

CONCLUSIONThe Ser447Terls polymorphism of LPL gene is significantly associated with plasma lipids and CI. G allele genotype may lead to decrease of plasma TG and increase of plasma HDL-C. G allele may be a protective genotype of CI.