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Apolipoprotein E polymorphisms and age at first coronary artery bypass graft
M F Newman1, D T Laskowitz, W D White
1Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. Newma005@mc.duke.edu
Anesthesia and Analgesia
|March 29, 2001
Summary
The apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) allele is linked to earlier age at first coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Individuals with the apoE4 allele present for revascularization sooner, indicating a predisposition to coronary artery disease.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Cardiovascular Disease
- Biomarkers in Atherosclerosis
Background:
- Apolipoprotein E (apoE) polymorphisms influence cholesterol levels.
- The association between apoE4 genotype and atherosclerosis severity is debated.
- Recent studies suggest a correlation between apoE4 and atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of apoE4 genotype on the age of first coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).
- To test the hypothesis that apoE4 allele carriers present earlier for coronary revascularization due to predisposition to coronary artery disease.
Main Methods:
- Assessed apoE genotypes and age in 560 patients undergoing primary CABG.
- Employed analysis of variance (ANOVA) controlling for gender.
- Compared patients with one or more apoE4 alleles against those without any apoE4 alleles due to small group sizes.
Main Results:
- Patients with one or more apoE4 alleles presented for CABG at an earlier age (P = 0.032).
- Gene-dose analysis was significant (P = 0.012).
- Patients with two apoE4 alleles presented at an average age of 54.2 ± 6.9 years.
Conclusions:
- The apoE4 allele is significantly linked to an earlier age at first CABG.
- Findings suggest apoE4 allele carriers may be predisposed to earlier onset of coronary artery disease.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanism and guide interventions based on apoE genotype.