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Apolipoprotein epsilon 4 homozygosity in young men with coronary heart disease

F M van Bockxmeer1, C D Mamotte

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Royal Perth Hospital, Western Australia.

Lancet (London, England)
|October 10, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene variants, particularly the epsilon 4 allele, are linked to premature ischemic heart disease in Australian men. Homozygosity for APOE epsilon 4 significantly increases risk, especially at younger ages.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Cardiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Apolipoprotein E (APOE) plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism.
  • APOE gene polymorphism, specifically the epsilon 4 allele, has been associated with various cardiovascular conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism and premature ischemic heart disease in Australian men.
  • To compare APOE genotype frequencies in men referred for coronary angioplasty with those in a healthy control group.

Main Methods:

  • Genotyping for apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism was performed.
  • Comparison of allele frequencies between patients (n=91, aged 30-50, undergoing angioplasty) and healthy controls (n=172).

Main Results:

  • A significantly higher prevalence of the APOE epsilon 4 allele was observed in patients compared to controls.
  • Men under 40 who were homozygous for the epsilon 4 allele showed a 16-fold increased prevalence compared to controls.
  • In patients aged 40-50, the epsilon 4 allele frequency was 60% higher than in controls.

Conclusions:

  • Inheritance of the APOE epsilon 4 allele appears to confer an increased risk of premature ischemic heart disease in males.
  • Homozygosity for the APOE epsilon 4 allele is associated with a particularly high risk at a younger age.

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