Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is an important protein involved in the transport of lipids throughout the blood, and is encoded for by the APOB gene. APOB encodes for two isoforms of ApoB; ApoB-48 and ApoB-100. ApoB-100 is synthesized in the liver and is the only type of apolipoprotein for LDL and functions to maintain the structural integrity of LDL particles and allows the binding of LDL to its receptor 1.
Through mechanisms only partially understood, high levels of ApoB, especially associated with the higher LDL particle concentrations, are thought to be a major driver of plaque and clot formation in coronary artery disease 2.
| rsID Number | Major Allele | Minor Allele | Minor Allele Frequency (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| rs515135 | c | t | 25 |
Risk Description
The risk ‘C’ allele of rs515135 in the APOB gene has been associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease in a variety of population screening studies 3,4. In each instance rs515135 was associated with elevated lipid levels, however the studies also reported on multiple other SNPs, so the mechanism remains unclear.
Indirect Nutrients:*
| Ingredient | Active Ingredient | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Nattō | Nattokinase | Nattokinase is an enzyme which is extracted and purified from a Japanese food called nattō, which is made from fermented soybeans. The nattokinase itself is secreted from a bacteria involved in the fermentation process and has a very strong ability to break down blood clots 5, whilst also demonstrating a beneficial effect on blood pressure 6 and general cardiovascular health 7. As such supplementation may prove beneficial for those carrying the risk ‘C’ allele who are more likely to feature an elevated lipid profile and be at increased risk of clot formation. |
| Bromelain | Bromelain is extracted from plants of the Bromeliaceae family, such as pineapples. This extract is rich in two enzymes called stem and fruit bromelain which have able to strongly digest blood clots preventing their fomation 8. Supplementation may therefore prove beneficial to those carrying the risk ‘C’ allele who are more likely to feature an elevated lipid profile with the associated increased risk of clot formation. | |
Discuss this information with your doctor before taking any course of action.
Citations:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11551138/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21784371
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23098650
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19951432
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8280151
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18971533
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28264497
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3287010