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Apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism and gender
Genovefa Kolovou1, Dimitris Damaskos, Katherine Anagnostopoulou
1Cardiology Department, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece. genovefa@kolovou.com
Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science
|May 12, 2009
Summary
Coronary heart disease (CHD) risk and onset differ by sex, influenced by lipid levels and Apolipoprotein E (Apo E) gene variations. Understanding these gender-specific factors is crucial for CHD prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Genetics
- Lipid Metabolism
- Population Health
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) prevalence and onset exhibit significant sex-based differences.
- Men generally present with less favorable CHD risk factors, including plasma lipid profiles, compared to women.
- Apolipoprotein E (Apo E) gene polymorphisms are implicated in lipid metabolism and CHD risk, with potential sex-specific effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the gender-related influence of Apo E polymorphism on plasma lipid levels.
- To investigate the association between Apo E polymorphism, lipid profiles, and CHD risk in a sex-dependent manner.
- To explore potential explanations for observed gender-related differences in CHD risk.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies examining Apo E gene polymorphism.
- Analysis of data on plasma lipid levels (HDL, triglycerides) in relation to sex and Apo E genotypes.
- Synthesis of findings from association studies linking Apo E alleles (epsilon 2, epsilon 3, epsilon 4) to CHD risk in men and women.
Main Results:
- Men typically have lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher triglyceride levels than women.
- Apo E epsilon 2 allele is generally associated with a protective effect, while epsilon 4 is linked to increased CHD risk.
- Conflicting results exist regarding the specific allelic effects of Apo E on CHD risk across different genders.
Conclusions:
- A complex, multifactorial association exists between Apo E polymorphism, lipid profiles, and CHD risk, influenced by gender.
- The sexually dimorphic expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism, such as Apo E, may contribute to observed gender differences in CHD.
- Further research with larger population samples is needed to corroborate these findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
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