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Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Mehmet Derya Demirag1, Hacer Ilke Onen, Meral Yirmibes Karaoguz
1Gazi University, School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. mehmetderyademirag@yahoo.com
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|April 14, 2007
Summary
The apolipoprotein E gene’s epsilon2 allele and epsilon2epsilon3 genotype may protect against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This finding emerged despite no overall genotype differences between patients and controls.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Hepatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing health concern.
- The role of genetic factors, such as apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphism, in NAFLD pathogenesis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism and the risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
- To compare clinical and biochemical parameters between NAFLD patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of apolipoprotein E (APOE) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and CfoI restriction enzyme digestion.
- Measurement of serum glucose, lipid profiles, lipoproteins, apolipoproteins, liver enzymes, and body mass index (BMI) in 237 NAFLD patients and 201 controls.
Main Results:
- NAFLD patients exhibited higher triglyceride, glucose, AST, ALT, and GGT levels, and lower HDL cholesterol and apo(a) levels compared to controls.
- No significant differences in overall APOE genotypes and allele frequencies were observed between the patient and control groups.
- However, the epsilon2 allele and epsilon2epsilon3 genotype showed significantly different frequencies in nonobese patients compared to controls, suggesting a potential protective role.
Conclusions:
- The epsilon2 allele and epsilon2epsilon3 genotype of the apolipoprotein E gene may confer protection against the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, particularly in nonobese individuals.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying this protective effect.
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