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Apolipoprotein E polymorphism in normal Han Chinese population: frequency and effect on lipid parameters
Shu Liang1, Min Pan, Hai-Hua Geng
1Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Road, Suzhou, 215000, People's Republic of China.
Molecular Biology Reports
|July 5, 2008
Summary
Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype frequencies were analyzed in healthy Han Chinese individuals. ApoE polymorphism significantly influences serum lipid levels, with the epsilon4 allele increasing cholesterol and ApoB, and epsilon2 having an opposite effect.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
- Population Studies
Background:
- Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism.
- Understanding ApoE genotype prevalence and its impact on lipid parameters is important for population health.
- Previous studies have suggested associations between ApoE polymorphism and lipid profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of different Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotypes in a healthy Han Chinese population.
- To investigate the effects of ApoE genotypes and alleles on serum lipid parameters (TC, LDL-C, ApoB).
Main Methods:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to amplify specific ApoE gene fragments.
- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis with Cfo I endonuclease was performed.
- Genotype and allele frequencies were calculated for 168 healthy Han Chinese individuals.
Main Results:
- The most frequent genotype was epsilon3/3 (75.00%), followed by epsilon2/3 (11.90%) and epsilon3/4 (10.70%).
- Rare genotypes (epsilon2/2, epsilon2/4, epsilon4/4) were observed with low frequencies.
- Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) alleles demonstrated a gradient effect on lipid parameters: epsilon4 > epsilon3 > epsilon2.
- The epsilon4 allele was associated with increased serum TC, LDL-C, and ApoB levels, while the epsilon2 allele showed an opposite effect.
Conclusions:
- Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) polymorphism is an independent genetic determinant of serum lipid and apolipoprotein levels in the Han Chinese population.
- These findings contribute to understanding the genetic basis of lipid variations in this population.
- The study highlights the differential impact of ApoE alleles on cardiovascular risk factors.
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