Variant rs9644568 in the intergenic region downstream of the LPL gene is associated with high LDL cholesterol levels among Filipinos

High blood level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Although genetic variants linked to high LDL-C have been studied in other populations, there have been no previous studies among Filipinos. This study aims to determine the association of candidate genetic variants to high LDL-C. We performed an age- and sex-matched case-control study that compared Filipino participants with high LDL-C levels (n=60) with controls (n=60). DNA was extracted from blood samples and genotyped for candidate SNPs using a customized microarray chip. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the composite association of genetic and clinical variables to the condition. Of the initial eleven SNPs associated with high LDL-C in univariate analyses, only the variant rs9644568 in the intergenic region downstream of the LPL gene remained significantly associated with high LDL-C levels on multiple regression analysis and variable selection after adjustment for hypertension.  The G allele was observed as the risk allele in a recessive model. The variant rs9644568-G in the LPL gene was associated with high blood LDL-C levels among Filipinos. In combination with hypertension, this genetic profile may identify individuals who are susceptible to develop high LDL-C in this population. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Funding Statement Yes ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: This study complied to the Principles of the Declaration of Helsinki (2013) and all experimental protocols in this study were approved by the University of the Philippines Manila- Research Ethics Board (Study protocol code UPMREB- 2012-0186-NIH). The investigators confirm that the methods complied with the relevant guidelines and regulations of UPMREB. I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable. Yes All relevant data are within the manuscript and its Supporting Information files.