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Involvement of apolipoprotein E in herpes simplex encephalitis
J A Nicoll1, L Martin, J Stewart
1Department of Neuropathology, University of Glasgow, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Southern General Hospital, UK.
Neuroreport
|March 30, 2001
Summary
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is involved in brain injury response during herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE). However, APOE genotype does not affect HSE risk or mortality outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphism is linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk and outcomes after brain injury.
- APOE's role in herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) risk and prognosis is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if APOE genotype influences HSE risk.
- To determine if apoE is involved in the brain's response to HSE.
- To assess if APOE genotype affects HSE patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of APOE genotypes in HSE cases (n=57) and controls (n=41).
- Examination of apoE immunoreactivity in brain tissue affected by HSE.
- Comparison of APOE genotypes between HSE survivors and non-survivors.
Main Results:
- Increased apoE immunoreactivity was observed in brain areas damaged by HSE.
- APOE genotype frequencies did not differ between HSE cases and controls.
- APOE genotypes were similar in HSE survivors and those who died.
Conclusions:
- ApoE participates in the brain's response to HSE-related damage, similar to other brain injuries.
- APOE genotype does not appear to influence the risk of developing HSE.
- APOE genotype does not significantly impact mortality following HSE.