Molecular genetics of familial hypercholesterolaemia in Norway

Abstract

Objectives: To characterize mutations in the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene causing familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) amongst Norwegian patients.

Design: Molecular genetic analyses of the LDL receptor gene have been performed in patients with a clinical diagnosis of FH.

Subjects: A total of 742 probands have been studied. Of these, 476 had a diagnosis of definite FH. The rest had a diagnosis of possible FH.

Results: Twenty-three different mutations in the LDL receptor gene as well as the apolipoprotein B-3500 mutation have been found. Six of the mutations in the LDL receptor gene are novel mutations. A molecular genetic diagnosis was achieved in 295 of the probands with definite FH (62%) and in 317 probands total. Of the 317 probands, 3% carried the apolipoprotein B-3500 mutation. When family members were included, a total of 624 persons carried a mutation in the LDL receptor gene and 20 carried the apolipoprotein B-3500 mutation.

Conclusions: Approximately 5% of Norwegian FH patients have been provided with a molecular genetic diagnosis. Our data suggest that molecular diagnosis of FH in Norway is feasible and should be implemented in clinical medicine.