Test ID: ADHP
Familial Hypercholesterolemia/Autosomal Dominant Hypercholesterolemia Genetic Testing Reflex Panel

Aiding in the diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia defective apoB-100 in individuals with elevated, untreated LDL cholesterol concentrations

Distinguishing the diagnosis of autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia from other causes of hyperlipidemia, such as familial combined hyperlipidemia

Genetic evaluation of hypercholesterolemia utilizing a cost-effective, reflex-testing approach

If APOB genotype is negative, LDLSP/29284 Familial Hypercholesterolemia, LDLR Full Gene Sequence will be performed at an additional charge.

If LDLR full gene sequence is negative, LELMP/29285 Familial Hypercholesterolemia, LDLR Large Deletion/Duplication, Molecular Analysis will be performed at an additional charge.

See Familial/Autosomal Dominant Hypercholesterolemia Diagnostic Algorithm in Special Instructions.

• Informed Consent for Genetic Testing
• Familial/Autosomal Dominant Hypercholesterolemia Diagnostic Algorithm
• Familial/Autosomal Dominant Hypercholesterolemia Patient Information Sheet
• Multiple Cardiovascular-Related Gene Sequencing Tests

APOBP/29283: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with Allele-Specific Primer Extension (ASPE)

LDLSP/29284: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Followed by DNA Sequence Analysis

LDLMP/29285: Dosage Analysis by Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA)

LDLPQ/29286: DNA Sequencing Analysis by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.)

Multiple cardiovascular-related gene sequencing tests can be performed on a single specimen after a single extraction. See Multiple Cardiovascular-Related Gene Sequencing Tests in Special Instructions for a list of tests that can be ordered together.

Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)

Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Collection Instructions: Send specimen in original tube.

Additional Information:

1. Include physician name and phone number with the specimen.

2. Transfusions will interfere with testing for up to 4 to 6 weeks. DNA obtained from white cells may not provide useful information for patients who received a recent transfusion of blood that was not leukocyte-reduced. Wait 4 to 6 weeks until transfused cells have left the patient's circulation before drawing the patient's blood specimen for genotype testing.

Forms:

1. Familial/Autosomal Dominant Hypercholesterolemia Patient Information Sheet (Supply T637) in Special Instructions.

2. New York Clients-Informed consent is required. Please document on the request form or electronic order that a copy is on file. An Informed Consent for Genetic Testing (Supply T576) is available in Special Instructions.

Autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia (ADH) is characterized by high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and associated with premature cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction. Approximately 1:500 individuals worldwide are affected by ADH. Most ADH is caused by genetic variants leading to decreased intracellular uptake of cholesterol. The majority of these cases have familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), which is due to mutations in the LDLR gene, which encodes for the LDL receptor. Approximately 15% of ADH cases have familial defective apolipoprotein B-100 (FDB) due to mutations in the LDL receptor-binding domain of the APOB gene, which encodes for apolipoprotein B-100.

ADH can occur in either the heterozygous or homozygous state, with 1 or 2 mutant alleles, respectively. In general, FH heterozygotes have 2-fold elevations in plasma cholesterol and develop coronary atherosclerosis after the age of 30. Homozygous FH individuals have severe hypercholesterolemia (generally >650 mg/dL) with the presence of cutaneous xanthomas prior to 4 years of age, childhood coronary heart disease, and death from myocardial infarction prior to 20 years of age. Heterozygous FH is prevalent among many different populations, with an approximate average worldwide incidence of 1:500 individuals, but as high as 1:67 to 1:100 individuals in some South African populations and 1:270 in the French Canadian population. Homozygous FH occurs at a frequency of approximately 1:1,000,000. Similar to FH, FDB homozygotes express more severe disease, although not nearly as severe as FH homozygotes. Approximately 40% of males and 20% of females with an APOB mutation will develop coronary artery disease. In general, when compared to FH, individuals with FDB have less severe hypercholesterolemia, fewer occurrences of tendinous xanthoma, and a lower incidence of coronary artery disease. Plasma LDL cholesterol levels in patients with homozygous FDB are similar to levels found in patients with heterozygous (rather than homozygous) FH.

The LDLR gene maps to chromosome 19p13 and consists of 18 exons spanning 45 kb. Hundreds of mutations have been identified in the LDLR gene, the majority of them occurring in the ligand binding and epidermal growth factor (EGF) precursor homology regions in the 5' region of the gene. The majority of mutations in the LDLR gene are missense, small insertion or deletion mutations, and other point mutations, most of which are detected by full gene sequencing. Approximately 10% to 15% of mutations in the LDLR gene are large rearrangements, such as large exonic deletions and duplications.

The APOB gene maps to chromosome 2p. The vast majority of FDB cases are caused by a single APOB mutation at residue 3500, resulting in a glutamine substitution for the arginine residue (R3500Q). This common FDB mutation occurs at an estimated frequency of 1:500 individuals of European descent. A less frequently occurring mutation at that same codon, which results in a tryptophan substitution (R3500W), is more prevalent in individuals of Chinese and Malay descent, and has been identified in the Scottish population as well. The R3500W mutation is estimated to occur in approximately 2% of ADH cases. Residue 3500 interacts with other apolipoprotein B-100 residues to induce conformational changes necessary for apolipoprotein B-100 binding to the LDL receptor. Thus, mutations at residue 3500 lead to a reduced binding affinity of LDL for its receptor.

Identification of 1 or more mutations in individuals suspected of having ADH helps to determine appropriate treatment of this disease. Treatment is aimed at lowering plasma LDL levels and increasing LDL receptor activity. FH heterozygotes and FDB homozygotes and heterozygotes are often treated with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase inhibitors (i.e., statins), either in monotherapy or in combination with other drugs such as nicotinic acid and inhibitors of intestinal cholesterol absorption. Such drugs are generally not effective in FH homozygotes, and treatment in these individuals may consist of LDL apheresis, portacaval anastomosis, and liver transplantation. Screening of at-risk family members allows for effective primary prevention by instituting statin therapy and dietary modifications at an early stage.

This test provides a reflex approach to diagnosing the above disorders. The tests can also be separately ordered:

-LDLRS/81013 Familial Hypercholesterolemia, LDLR Full Gene Sequence

-LDLM/89073 Familial Hypercholesterolemia, LDLR Large Deletion/Duplication, Molecular Analysis

-APOB/89097 Apolipoprotein B-100 Molecular Analysis, R3500Q and R3500W

See Familial/Autosomal Dominant Hypercholesterolemia Diagnostic Algorithm in Special Instructions.

An interpretive report will be provided.

An interpretive report will be provided.

Absence of a mutation does not preclude the diagnosis of autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia unless a specific mutation has been previously identified in an affected family member.

The APOB genotyping component of this test only detects the R3500W and R3500Q mutations; other APOB mutations are not detected.

The LDLR sequencing method will not detect LDLR mutations that occur in the introns (except in the splicing regions) and regulatory regions (except the sterol-regulated portion of the promoter) of the gene.   

Sometimes a genetic alteration of unknown significance may be identified. In this case, testing of family members may be useful to determine pathogenicity of the alteration.

1. Hobbs H, Brown MS, Goldstein JL: Molecular genetics of the LDL receptor gene in familial hypercholesterolemia. Hum Mut 1992;1:445-466

2. Goldstein JL, Hobbs H, Brown MS: Familial hypercholesterolemia. In The Metabolic Basis of Inherited Disease. Edited by CR Scriver, AL Beaudet, D Valle, WS Sly. New York, McGraw-Hill Book Company, 2006 pp 2863-2913

3. Whitfield AH, Barrett PHR, Van Bockxmeer FM, Burnett JR: Lipid disorders and mutations in the APOB gene. Clin Chem 2004;50:1725-1732

4. Innerarity TL, Mahley RW, Weisgraber KH, et al: Familial defective apolipoprotein B100: a mutation of apolipoprotein B that causes hypercholesterolemia. J Lipid Res 1990;31:1337-1349

Direct mutation analysis for APOB R3500W and R3500Q is performed following PCR amplification and allele-specific, single-base primer extension. If the sample is positive, testing stops and a report is issued. If the sample is negative for a mutation, then LDLR full gene sequencing is performed. All 18 exons, splice junctions, and a portion of the promoter and 3'untranslated region (UTR) of the LDLR gene are amplified by PCR and then subjected to direct bidirectional DNA sequence analysis. If the sample is positive for an LDLR sequencing mutation, testing is stopped and a report is issued. If the sample is mutation negative by LDLR sequencing, then LDLR large deletion/duplication analysis is performed. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (a PCR-based method) is utilized. (Unpublished Mayo methods)

Varies

81479 -Unlisted molecular pathology procedure