Investigation of the Relationship Between Serum Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels with Genetic Polymorphisms, Gut Microbiota, and Nutrition.

Abstract

Background: To prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD), it is important to determine the factors that are associated with its development. High serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are a modifiable prevention and treatment target known to contribute to the development of CVD, but the factors affecting blood cholesterol levels, including LDL-C, remain controversial. Objective: In this study, the factors (genetic, nutritional, and gut microbiota) thought to be effective on serum LDL-C levels were discussed from a holistic perspective, and the effects of the relationship between these factors on LDL-C levels were examined. Methods: The study was carried out with 609 adults (48% male) who applied to a private health institution between 2016 and 2022. Results: It was observed that serum LDL-C levels were positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.000) and different ApoE alleles had significant effects on LDL-C levels. It was observed that the highest LDL-C levels were in the ɛ4+ group, followed by ɛ3+ and ɛ2+ groups, respectively (P = 0.000). Results showed that dietary cholesterol and fiber consumption did not significantly affect serum LDL-C levels (P = 0.705 and P = 0.722, respectively). It was also observed that enterotypes and the butyrate synthesis potential of intestinal microbiota did not cause significant changes in serum LDL-C levels (P = 0.369 and P = 975, respectively). Conclusion: Serum LDL-C levels are affected by modifiable factors such as BMI and nonmodifiable factors such as APOE genotype. By identifying these factors and conducting further studies on them, new ways to improve serum LDL-C levels, which is an important factor in the development of CVD, can be identified. In addition, no significant effect of gene-nutrient or microbiota-nutrient interactions on serum LDL-C levels was detected. Further research is needed, especially on the relationship between intestinal microbiota and serum LDL levels.