With advances in molecular genetics, functional polymorphisms of various lipid-related genes have been investigated, to discern their metabolic effects and role in gene-diet interactions. New interdisciplinary concepts have emerged; while nutrigenetics examines genetic variation and associated responses to nutrients, in order to generate individual dietary recommendations, nutrigenomics focuses on the effects of nutrients on regulatory functions of genes and their products. This review summarizes recent knowledge concerning common polymorphisms of candidate genes for some apolipoproteins, transfer proteins, cell receptors, and enzymes, which presumably modulate cardiovascular risk. Most studies investigate isolated single nucleotide polymorphisms and nutrients, while only few try to elucidate complex interrelationships between coexistent multiple gene variants.

        Key words: atherogenic dyslipidemias, gene polymorphisms, dietary factors, cardiovascular risk.