Apolipoprotein E polymorphism affects plasma levels of lipoprotein(a)

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Cardiovascular Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis.
• Apolipoprotein E (apo E) plays a crucial role in lipoprotein metabolism and clearance.
• The influence of apo E polymorphism on Lp(a) levels requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of apolipoprotein E (apo E) gene polymorphism on plasma Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels in healthy adults.
• To determine the contribution of apo E genetic variance to Lp(a) and lipid levels.
• To explore the relationship between apo E, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, and Lp(a).

Main Methods:

• Study population: 303 healthy Caucasian adults (both sexes).
• Genotyping for apolipoprotein E (apo E) polymorphism.
• Measurement of plasma Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol levels.

Main Results:

• The APOE*2 allele was associated with a 24.8% decrease in mean plasma Lp(a) levels.
• The APOE*4 allele was associated with a 25.7% increase in mean plasma Lp(a) levels.
• Apo E polymorphism accounted for approximately 4% of the phenotypic variance in Lp(a) levels, and a significant positive correlation was observed between LDL-cholesterol and Lp(a).

Conclusions:

• Plasma Lp(a) levels are modulated by LDL-receptor activity, influenced by apo E polymorphism.
• Apo E genotype significantly affects Lp(a) concentrations in healthy individuals.
• These findings highlight the interplay between apo E, LDL metabolism, and Lp(a) in normolipidemic subjects.