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A gene that influences blood levels of
triglycerides has been discovered.
Triglycerides are the chemical form in
which most fat exists in food, as well as in the
body. They are also present in blood plasma and, along with
cholesterol, form the plasma lipids. High
levels of triglycerides in plasma are a major risk factor
for heart disease.
Researchers found the new gene, APOA5,
by comparing mouse DNA with human DNA. To learn more about
how APOA5 affects triglyceride levels, the researchers first
studied mice that were genetically engineered to have an overly
active APOA5 gene. These mice had triglyceride levels
nearly 75% lower
than mice with the unaltered gene.
When another group of mice were genetically
altered to lack the APOA5 gene altogether, their triglyceride
levels rose four times above normal levels.
In another part of the investigation,
the researchers evaluated levels of a wide variety of blood
components, including triglycerides, in 500 men and women.
People who had less common versions of the gene were found
to have triglyceride levels 25% higher than those with the
more common form of the APOA5 gene.
Approximately one in five people carry
the variant form of APOA5.
Science
October 5, 2001;294:169-173
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