Association of the rs688 Polymorphism in the Gene Encoding Low‐Density Lipoprotein Receptor in Bangladeshi Population With Coronary Artery Disease

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is among the leading causes behind the morbidity and mortality of the world population. Among others, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is one of the main drivers behind the development of CAD, and the LDL receptor (LDLR) plays a central role in cholesterol homeostasis by facilitating the clearance of LDL cholesterol from the blood. The LDLR rs688 single-nucleotide polymorphism in exon 12 has been reported to influence mRNA splicing efficiency, potentially modifying receptor function and lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to assess the association between LDLR rs688 polymorphism and CAD susceptibility among CAD patients in the Bangladeshi population and to determine its relationship with serum LDL level. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted involving 225 participants, including 150 CAD patients and 75 healthy controls. High-density lipoprotein, LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol were measured by biochemical tests using appropriate kits. The LDLR genotype was identified using the allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) technique. RESULTS: Relative to the control group, the CAD group showed a higher distribution frequency of the TT genotype (17.33%) and a lower frequency of the CC genotype (15.33%). The LDLR rs688 TT genotype showed significant association with CAD among Bangladeshi patients (OR = 3.617, 95% CI: 1.089-10.05; p = 0.0352). Furthermore, individuals carrying the TT and CT genotypes exhibited higher LDL levels compared with those carrying the CC genotype (p < 0.05). Finally, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the LDLR rs688 TT genotype remained significantly associated with CAD after adjustments for covariates (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This hospital-based case-control study provides preliminary evidence of an association between the LDLR rs688 TT genotype and CAD in a Bangladeshi population. These findings are preliminary and require validation in larger, population-based studies.