Rs599839

rs599839 is a SNP found to be associated with heart disease by the German MI (Myocardial infarction) Family Study group, over several populations. The odds ratio for the (common) risk allele, rs599839(A), is 1.29 (CI: 1.18-1.40, adjusted p=0.0006).

rs599839 and rs4970834 explain about 1% of the variation in circulating LDL-cholesterol levels. "When we look at this particular genetic variance, of all the cholesterol variation among the population, 1% of it can be attributed to this particular locus," said Sandhu. "This is equivalent to more established genes for LDL regulation, particularly APOE."

Another study also reports an association between rs599839(A) and higher LDL levels, in over 4,000 Caucasian Europeans. In one study, the (A) allele is associated with a 6% increase in nonfasting serum LDL, and in another, with a 25% increase in fasting serum LDL.

rs646776 is a surrogate for rs599839, with linkage r2=0.88. rs599839, rs4970834 and rs17228212 associated with non-HDL