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Fat Mass and Apolipoprotein E Genotype Influence Serum Lipoprotein Levels in Early Adulthood, whereas Birth Size Does Not

Department of Pediatrics (R.W.J.L., G.F.K., A.C.S.H.-K.), Subdivision of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children’s Hospital, 3015 GJ Rotterdam, The Netherlands; and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (T.S.), Leids University Medical Centre, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: R. W. J. Leunissen, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children’s Hospital, Room number: Sb 2670, Dr. Molewaterplein 60, 3015 GJ Rotterdam, The Netherlands. E-mail: r.leunissen{at}erasmusmc.nl.

Background/Objectives: An association between an unfavorable lipid profile and low birth weight has been reported, although this association remains controversial. We hypothesized that birth size does not have any influence on serum lipid levels but fat accumulation during childhood has.

Methods: In the PROgramming factors for GRowth And Metabolism study, a cohort of 297 young adults, aged 18–24 yr, the influence of clinical parameters on total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, lipoprotein a, and apolipoprotein (apo) A-1 and apoB was analyzed with multiple regression modeling. In addition, differences in these lipid levels and ApoE genotype prevalence were analyzed in four subgroups: young adults either born small for gestational age with short stature or with catch-up growth, or born appropriate for gestational age with idiopathic short stature or with normal stature (controls).

Results: Birth length SD score (SDS) and birth weight SDS were no significant determinants of the serum lipid levels, whereas gender, ApoE genotype, adult height SDS, adult weight SDS, and fat mass were. Comparison of the subgroups showed that small for gestational age with short stature subjects had a significantly higher apoB than controls. There were no other significant differences in lipid levels or ApoE genotype prevalence among the four subgroups.

Conclusions: ApoE genotype is an important genetic determinant of lipid levels in young adulthood. Furthermore, fat accumulation during childhood significantly determines serum lipid levels, whereas birth size has no significant contribution. For public health practice, this means that parents and their children need to be informed about the risks of fat accumulation during childhood.

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				R. W. J. Leunissen, G. F. Kerkhof, T. Stijnen, and A. Hokken-Koelega Timing and Tempo of First-Year Rapid Growth in Relation to Cardiovascular and Metabolic Risk Profile in Early Adulthood JAMA, June 3, 2009; 301(21): 2234 - 2242. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]