Abstract: A single point mutation in the human lipoprotein lipase gene which results in an A→G nucleotide change at codon 291 (nucleotide 1127) of the lipoprotein lipase gene, and a substitution of serine for the normal asparagine in the lipoprotein lipase gene product is seen with increased frequency in patients with coronary artery disease, and is associated with an increased susceptibility to coronary artery disease, including in particular premature atherosclerosis. This is expressed as a diminished catalytic activity of lipoprotein lipase, lower HDL-cholesterol levels and higher triglyceride levels. Thus, susceptibility of a human individual to premature atherosclerosis can be evaluated by: (a) obtaining a sample of DNA from the individual; and (b) evaluating the sample of DNA for the presence of nucleotides encoding a serine residue as amino acid 291 of the lipoprotein lipase gene product. The presence of a serine residue is indicative of increased susceptibility in the patient.

Abstract: For avoidance of cell aggregation and damage to the cells as well as for a reduction of the risk of contamination, an apparatus for the cultivation and concentration of non-adherent cells as well as for the co-culture of two different cell species consists of an elongate hollow vessel comprising a resting surface extending in parallel with the longitudinal axis of said vessel for positioning the hollow vessel for cell culture operation, a standing surface provided orthogonally on the longitudinal axis for positioning the hollow vessel for cell-harvesting operation or for the co-culture of two cell species, at least one closable charging and discharging opening formed on the hollow vessel on the section of the latter which is opposite to said standing surface, and a partitioning wall extending inside the hollow vessel from the standing surface thereof, which partly subdivides the interior space of the vessel, with this partitioning wall being formed at least in parts with a liquid-permeable, however cell-imper

Abstract: A single point mutation in the human lipoprotein lipase gene which results in an A.fwdarw.G nucleotide change at codon 291 (nucleotide 1127) of the lipoprotein lipase gene, and a substitution of serine for the normal asparagine in the lipoprotein lipase gene product is seen with increased frequency in patients with coronary artery disease, and is associated with an increased susceptibility to coronary artery disease, including in particular premature atherosclerosis. This is expressed as a diminished catalytic activity of lipoprotein lipase, lower HDL-cholesterol levels and higher triglyceride levels. Thus, susceptibility of a human individual to premature atherosclerosis and other forms of coronary artery disease can be evaluated byevaluating the sample of DNA for the presence of nucleotides encoding a serine residue as amino acid 291 of the lipoprotein lipase gene product. The presence of a serine residue is indicative of increased susceptibility in the patient.