The association of Sort1 expression with LDL subfraction and inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease

Background: Controversial effect of sortilin on lipoprotein metabolism in the development of atherosclerosis reveals the need for more extensive researchObjectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between Sort1 gene expression and lipids, lipoprotein subfractions, and inflammation in CAD.Methods: The study population included 162 subjects with CAD and 49 healthy individuals. The Sort1 gene expression level was determined by qRT-PCR using Human Sortilin TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. Lipoprotein subclasses were analysed by the Lipoprint system. Serum levels of apolipoprotein and CRP were measured by autoanalyzer.Results: Sort1 gene expression and atherogenic subfraction (SdLDL) levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001) while atheroprotective subfraction (LbLDL) was lower in the subjects with CAD (p < 0.050). Also, increased Sort1 gene expression levels were observed in those with higher CRP values.Conclusions: Our findings reveal that the high Sort1 gene expression has a prominent linear relationship with both the atherogenic LDL phenotype and proinflammation, thereby might contribute to the occurrence of CAD.