Apolipoprotein E polymorphism in northwestern Greece: frequency and effect on lipid parameters

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Biochemistry
• Population Health

Background:

• Apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene polymorphism is a known factor influencing lipid metabolism.
• Previous studies have indicated variations in apoE allele frequencies across different populations.
• Understanding these variations is crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism in a Greek population from northwestern Greece.
• To examine the association between apoE gene variants and serum lipid and lipoprotein levels.
• To determine the influence of ethnic background and serum apoE concentration on lipid variability.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of apolipoprotein E alleles in 555 individuals.
• Analysis of serum lipid parameters including triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apoB.
• Statistical analysis to assess the relationship between apoE genotype, serum apoE levels, and lipid profiles.

Main Results:

• The epsilon4 allele frequency (13.0%) was higher than previously reported for other Greek populations.
• Individuals with the epsilon2 allele exhibited higher serum triglyceride and apoE levels, and lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apoB.
• The impact of the epsilon4 allele on lipid parameters observed in other populations was not replicated.
• Combined analysis of apoE polymorphism and serum apoE concentration explained more lipid variability than polymorphism alone.

Conclusions:

• Ethnic differences and altered serum apoE levels significantly modify the relationship between apoE gene polymorphism and serum lipid variability.
• The findings highlight the importance of considering population-specific genetic factors and protein levels in lipid metabolism research.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these ethnic and concentration-dependent modifications.