rs17238540

rs17238540, also known as SNP 29, is located in the HMG-CoA reductase HMGCR gene. The protein encoded by this gene is the target for drugs designed to inhibit its action, in order to lower cholesterol levels. SNPs in the HMGCR gene may affect how well such drugs (typically statins) work. In a study of ~1,500 patients treated with 40mg/d of pravastatin, rs17238540(G;T) heterozgyotes had a mean decrease in total cholesterol of 32.5 mg/dL (0.85 mmol/L), while the mean change for rs17238540(T;T) homozygotes was 41.8 mg/dL (1.09 mmol/L), a reduction in overall efficacy of 22.3% (absolute difference, 9.3 mg/dL, CI: 3.8-14.7 mg/dL, p 2 >0.90) with another, rs17244841, so practically speaking, they are equivalent to each other. Alternative splicing of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase is associated with plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol response to simvastatin. Common genetic variation in six lipid-related and statin-related genes, statin use and risk of incident nonfatal myocardial infarction and stroke. The HMG-CoA reductase gene and lipid and lipoprotein levels: the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis. The role of HMGCR alternative splicing in statin efficacy. A single nucleotide polymorphism in the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase gene ( HMGCR) influences the serum triacylglycerol relationship with dietary fat and fibre in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition in Norfolk (EPIC-Norfolk) study.