Apolipoprotein E epsilon4 allele is associated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Genetics
• Gerontology

Background:

• The apolipoprotein (APOE) epsilon4 allele is linked to cardiac dysfunction in specific conditions like Alzheimer's disease and beta-thalassemia.
• The association between APOE genotypes and left ventricular dysfunction in the general elderly population requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes and left ventricular dysfunction in community-dwelling elderly subjects.
• To determine if APOE epsilon4 allele is an independent risk factor for cardiac dysfunction in older adults.

Main Methods:

• The Rotterdam Study, a population-based prospective cohort, included 2206 elderly participants.
• Echocardiography assessed cardiac function (fractional shortening
• Multivariate logistic regression analyzed the odds ratios (ORs) for cardiac dysfunction based on APOE genotypes, with epsilon3/epsilon3 as the reference.

Main Results:

• Participants homozygous for the APOE epsilon4 allele had a 3-fold increased odds of cardiac dysfunction (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.2-8.1).
• Individuals with the APOE epsilon3/epsilon4 genotype showed a non-significant increase in cardiac dysfunction odds (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.9-2.5).
• A significant allele-effect trend for the epsilon4 allele was observed (P-trend <.05), persisting after adjustments for cholesterol and atherosclerosis, and was more pronounced in those aged >=65 years.

Conclusions:

• The APOE epsilon4 allele is identified as an independent risk factor for cardiac dysfunction in the elderly population.
• Beyond effects on atherosclerosis and cholesterol, the APOE epsilon4 allele may impact myocardial performance through mechanisms like apoptosis.