TY - JOUR
T1 - APOC3 Loss-of-Function Mutations, Remnant Cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, and Cardiovascular Risk
T2 - Mediation- and Meta-Analyses of 137 895 Individuals
AU - Wulff, Anders B
AU - Nordestgaard, Børge G
AU - Tybjærg-Hansen, Anne
N1 - © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.
PY - 2018
Y1 - 2018
N2 - OBJECTIVE: Loss-of-function mutations in APOC3 associate with low remnant cholesterol levels and low risk of ischemic vascular disease (IVD). Because some studies show an additional association with low levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), low LDL-C may explain the low risk of IVD in APOC3 loss-of-function heterozygotes. We tested to what extent the low risk of IVD in APOC3 loss-of-function heterozygotes is mediated by low plasma remnant cholesterol and LDL-C.APPROACH AND RESULTS: In APOC3 loss-of-function heterozygotes versus noncarriers, we first determined remnant cholesterol and LDL-C levels in meta-analyses of 137 895 individuals. Second, we determined whether the association with LDL-C was masked by lipid-lowering therapy. Finally, using mediation analysis, we determined the fraction of the low risk of IVD and ischemic heart disease mediated by remnant cholesterol and LDL-C. In meta-analyses, remnant cholesterol was 43% lower (95% confidence interval, 40%-47%), and LDL-C was 4% lower (1%-6%) in loss-of-function heterozygotes (n=776) versus noncarriers. In the general population, LDL-C was 3% lower in loss-of-function heterozygotes versus noncarriers, 4% lower when correcting for lipid-lowering therapy, and 3% lower in untreated individuals (P values, 0.06-0.008). Remnant cholesterol mediated 37% of the observed 41% lower risk of IVD and 54% of the observed 36% lower risk of ischemic heart disease; corresponding values mediated by LDL-C were 1% and 2%.CONCLUSIONS: The low risk of IVD observed in APOC3 loss-of-function heterozygotes is mainly mediated by the associated low remnant cholesterol and not by low LDL-C. Furthermore, the contribution of LDL-C to IVD risk was not masked by lipid-lowering therapy. This suggests APOC3 and remnant cholesterol as important new targets for reducing cardiovascular risk.
AB - OBJECTIVE: Loss-of-function mutations in APOC3 associate with low remnant cholesterol levels and low risk of ischemic vascular disease (IVD). Because some studies show an additional association with low levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), low LDL-C may explain the low risk of IVD in APOC3 loss-of-function heterozygotes. We tested to what extent the low risk of IVD in APOC3 loss-of-function heterozygotes is mediated by low plasma remnant cholesterol and LDL-C.APPROACH AND RESULTS: In APOC3 loss-of-function heterozygotes versus noncarriers, we first determined remnant cholesterol and LDL-C levels in meta-analyses of 137 895 individuals. Second, we determined whether the association with LDL-C was masked by lipid-lowering therapy. Finally, using mediation analysis, we determined the fraction of the low risk of IVD and ischemic heart disease mediated by remnant cholesterol and LDL-C. In meta-analyses, remnant cholesterol was 43% lower (95% confidence interval, 40%-47%), and LDL-C was 4% lower (1%-6%) in loss-of-function heterozygotes (n=776) versus noncarriers. In the general population, LDL-C was 3% lower in loss-of-function heterozygotes versus noncarriers, 4% lower when correcting for lipid-lowering therapy, and 3% lower in untreated individuals (P values, 0.06-0.008). Remnant cholesterol mediated 37% of the observed 41% lower risk of IVD and 54% of the observed 36% lower risk of ischemic heart disease; corresponding values mediated by LDL-C were 1% and 2%.CONCLUSIONS: The low risk of IVD observed in APOC3 loss-of-function heterozygotes is mainly mediated by the associated low remnant cholesterol and not by low LDL-C. Furthermore, the contribution of LDL-C to IVD risk was not masked by lipid-lowering therapy. This suggests APOC3 and remnant cholesterol as important new targets for reducing cardiovascular risk.
KW - Adult
KW - Aged
KW - Apolipoprotein C-III/genetics
KW - Cardiovascular Diseases/blood
KW - Cholesterol, LDL/blood
KW - Chylomicron Remnants/blood
KW - Denmark/epidemiology
KW - Dyslipidemias/blood
KW - Female
KW - Genetic Predisposition to Disease
KW - Heterozygote
KW - Humans
KW - Loss of Function Mutation
KW - Male
KW - Middle Aged
KW - Phenotype
KW - Risk Assessment
KW - Risk Factors
U2 - 10.1161/ATVBAHA.117.310473
DO - 10.1161/ATVBAHA.117.310473
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 29348120
SN - 1079-5642
VL - 38
SP - 660
EP - 668
JO - Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
JF - Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
IS - 3
ER -
