Relationship of human paraoxonase-1 serum activity and genotype with atherosclerosis in individuals from the Deep South.

OBJECTIVE Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is synthesized in the liver and bound to high density lipoprotein (HDL) particles in blood. PON1 protects against the development of atherosclerosis by metabolizing pro-atherogenic oxidized lipids. The Southeastern United States (excluding Florida) has the country's highest age-adjusted mortality rate from cardiovascular disease. The current study determines the association of PON1 status with atherosclerosis (ATH) in individuals from the Southeastern United States.