Common hepatic lipase gene promoter variant predicts the degree of neointima formation after carotid endarterectomy: Impact of plaque composition and lipoprotein phenotype

Background The common −514 C-T promoter polymorphism of the hepatic lipase gene (LIPC) and the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene TaqIB polymorphism affect atherogenesis. We investigated the potential relationship between these polymorphisms and the maximum-intima-media thickness (M-IMT) after carotid endarterectomy. Methods The LIPC and CETP genotypes were determined by PCR in 68 patients undergoing endarterectomy. Plaque specimens were analysed for cell composition by immunocytochemistry. Six month after surgery the M-IMT of the revascularized vessel was assessed by B-mode ultrasonography. Results The CC carriers had denser LDL particles (p < 0.0005), an abundance of macrophages (p < 0.0005), fewer SMCs in the carotid plaque (p < 0.0005), and higher prevalence of cerebrovascular events (72% versus 28%, p = 0.002) compared to CT/TT carriers. After endarterectomy, CC carriers showed a lower M-IMT than the CT/TT group (1.36 mm versus 1.76 mm, p = 0.04). No association between the CETP polymorphism and either carotid plaque cellular composition or M-IMT was observed. In a multivariate analysis, M-IMT was associated with plaque cell composition (macrophages, r = −0.39; SMC, r = 0.44; p < 0.005 for both) but not with pre-operative LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, or LDL density. Conclusions The LIPC promoter −514 C-T polymorphism is associated with a significantly reduced development of neointima after surgery. This effect seems to be mediated by scarcity of SMC in the plaque of CC carriers who display an excess prevalence of cerebrovascular events prior endarterectomy but are at low risk for restenosis. The pre-operative lipid phenotype plays a marginal role in the neointima formation.