ABSTRACT
A variety of factors under genetic control are involved in the production and metabolism of serum lipids and lipoproteins (Table 52.1).
Nutrients in the diet may affect one or more steps of gene regulation of lipoproteins, resulting in abnormal lipid or lipoprotein levels and predisposition to atherosclerosis. The factors affected are listed in Table 52.1. Examples of effects of diet and lifestyle on genetic mechanisms are included in Table 52.2.
These lipid disorders reflect abnormal increase in one or another serum lipid component and/or lipoprotein carrier (Tables 52.3, 52.4). The abnormalities often are inherited and are strongly influenced by the diet. Their management requires accurate diagnosis and evaluation, searching for other diseases that may induce secondary hyperlipidemia.
