Genetic Variability of SLCO1B3 and Its Influence on Lipid Levels and Statin Efficacy in Han and Uighur Populations

Abstract Background Lowering plasma LDL cholesterol levels reduces the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Genetic factors, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), affect lipid abnormalities. Statins are the main treatment for lipid disorders, but their effectiveness is influenced by genetics. Objective This study examines the impact of SLCO1B3 genetic variability on lipid levels and statin efficacy, particularly on statin sensitivity. Methods 780 coronary atherosclerotic heart disease patients on oral statins for ≥ 4 weeks were studied. Clinical data and SNP genotyping were collected. Results Statin therapy effectively reduces TC, TG, LDL-C, APOA1, and APOB in Han and Uighur populations, with limited impact on HDL-C and Lpa. In the Han population, rs2117032 significantly affects APOB levels, post-statin APOB, Lpa, AST levels, and rate of LDL-C reduction. In Uighurs, rs2117032 significantly affects Tbil levels. In Han individuals, rs3764006 significantly influences TBil, ALT levels, post-statin LDL-C, APOB, Lpa, AST levels, and rates of LDL-C and APOB reduction, correlating with statin sensitivity. In Uighurs, rs3764006 notably affects APOA1 levels. For Han population, rs4149117 significantly impacts LDL-C, TC, TG levels, post-statin TG, ALT, AST levels, and LDL-C reduction. In Uighurs, rs4149117 affects post-statin AST and correlates with statin sensitivity. Additionally, rs2417940 significantly affects Tbil, post-statin TG, and rate of LDL-C reduction in Han, and such effects in Uighurs. In Han population, H3 (C-G-G) haplotype frequencies are higher in statin-sensitive individuals (OR = 1.861, 95% CI: 1.178–2.939, p = 0.007). In Uighurs, H6 (T-A-T) haplotype frequencies are higher in statin-sensitive subjects (OR = 4.906, 95% CI: 1.549–15.541, p = 0.0029). Conclusion The genetic polymorphism of SLCO1B3 significantly impacts blood lipid levels, influences liver function to some extent, concurrently exerts a notable influence on the efficiency of statin-induced LDL-C reduction, and is also associated with statin drug sensitivity.