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Apolipoprotein E polymorphism and Alzheimer's disease
1Department of Psychiatry, Military Kaohsiung General Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
|August 3, 2001
Summary
The apolipoprotein E (ApoE) epsilon 4 allele is significantly associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Taiwan. Factors like sex and education may influence this risk, suggesting ApoE epsilon 4 as a potential diagnostic aid for AD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
- The apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene, particularly the epsilon 4 allele, is a known genetic risk factor for AD.
- Understanding the prevalence and impact of ApoE genotypes in diverse populations is crucial for disease management and research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotypes and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a Taiwanese population.
- To identify related factors, including sex and education level, that may modify the risk associated with the ApoE epsilon 4 allele.
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of the ApoE epsilon 4 allele in identifying individuals with AD.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene in 50 probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and 50 age- and sex-matched controls from Taiwan.
- Patients were diagnosed using established criteria (NINCDS-ADRDA and DSM-IV).
- Statistical analyses, including odds ratios and trend tests, were employed to assess the association between ApoE genotypes and AD risk, considering demographic factors.
Main Results:
- The frequency of the ApoE epsilon 4 allele was significantly higher in the AD group compared to controls (13% vs. 2%, p < 0.05).
- Individuals with at least one ApoE epsilon 4 allele had a 6.0-fold increased odds of developing AD (95% CI 1.34-55.3, p < 0.001).
- The risk associated with the ApoE epsilon 4 allele was higher in late-onset AD, males, and individuals with less education. The allele demonstrated high specificity (96%) and positive predictive value (86%) for AD diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- The apolipoprotein E (ApoE) epsilon 4 allele is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the Taiwanese population.
- Sex and educational attainment appear to be important factors influencing the risk conferred by the ApoE epsilon 4 allele.
- The ApoE epsilon 4 allele shows potential as an adjunctive tool for the diagnostic assessment of Alzheimer's disease.