Apolipoprotein E Gene Polymorphism And Its Effect On Plasma Lipids In Arteriosclerosis

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Myocardial infarction and stroke are leading causes of death worldwide. Primarily, arteriosclerosis is responsible for these events. There is a strong family history suggesting a genetic cause. Apolipoprotein E (apo E) plays an important role in lipid metabolism. Apo E is polymorphic with three isoforms, ApoE2, ApoE3 and ApoE4; which translate into three alleles of the gene. Its polymorphism may be a risk determinant of atherosclerosis. Methods: Lipoprotein concentrations were studied, in 100 myocardial infarction and 50 cerebrovascular stroke subjects and compared with age and sex matched controls. Genotypes for apo E isoforms (E2, E3, and E4) for all above subjects and age and sex matched controls were determined by Multiplex Amplification Refractory Mutation System PCR. Results: There were statistically significant higher values of serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in study group, as compared to control group. Study of Apo E isoforms revealed higher proportion of E4 allele in the study group as compared to control group. The occurrence of each allele frequency in study and control group was E4E4: 28.66% and 16.0%, E3E3: 39.33% and 56.66%, E4E3: 14.66% and 9.33%, E3E2: 8.66% and 10.66%, E4E2: 4.66% and 2.66% & for E2E2: 4.0% and 4.66% respectively. Interpretation & Conclusion: There were significantly higher levels of serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride with E4 allele; when compared with in the study group and between study group and control group. Apo E polymorphism influences serum lipid levels and is an independent risk determinant of arteriosclerosis.

Keywords

• apolipoprotein e
• arteriosclerosis
• cerebrovascular stroke
• coronary artery disease
• hyperlipidemia
• myocardial infarction