Genetic variation in serum low density lipoproteins and lipid levels in man.

Combined data from 10 different populations indicate that the serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels are higher in Ag(x-) than in Ag(x+) individuals. Although the differences were relatively small, they became more pronounced with increasing age. The Ag(x) antigen, which is associated with the serum low density lipoprotein, is genetically controlled and the present study therefore has revealed a small but significant effect of a single autosomal locus on lipids implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. No explanation of the higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels in Ag(x-) than in Ag(x+) persons is apparent.