Hepatic lipase gene variant - 514C>T is associated with lipoprotein and insulin sensitivity response to regular exercise: The HERITAGE family study

We investigated the associations between the hepatic lipase gene (LIPC) -514C > T polymorphism and lipases, lipoproteins, and insulin sensitivity (S_i) responses to exercise training. Hepatic lipase and lipoprotein lipase activities, plasma lipoprotein levels, and S_i were measured in the sedentary state and post-exercise training in the Health, Risk Factors, Exercise Training, and Genetics (HERITAGE) Family Study (n = 662). The LIPC -514C allele frequency was 0.516 (blacks) and 0.796 (whites). Baseline and post-exercise training hepatic lipase activities were 40% higher in CC homozygotes (P < 0.0001) in both races. Black CC homozygotes had lower baseline lipoprotein lipase activity, HDL cholesterol, HDL₃, and apolipoprotein (apo)A-1 concentrations. White CC homozygotes had lower baseline HDL cholesterol, apoA-1, LDL cholesterol, and apoB levels that remained low post-exercise training. Baseline S_i was not associated with the LIPC genotypes. However, training-induced improvements in S_i both in blacks and whites were greater in CC homozygotes ( + 1.25 ± 0.2 and +0.22 ± 0.2 μU · min^-1 · ml^-1) than in the TT genotype (+0.27 ± 0.3 and -0.97 ± 0.3 μU · min^-1 · ml^-1) (P = 0.008 and P = 0.002, respectively). The LIPC -514C allele was associated with higher hepatic lipase activity in sedentary and physically active states and better S_i responses to regular exercise both in black and white individuals. The benefits from an exercise program on S_i are likely to be substantial in the general population given the high frequency of the LIPC -514C allele, particularly in whites.