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ApolipoproteinE epsilon 4 allele is not associated with disease course and severity in multiple sclerosis

E Portaccio1, V Zipoli, B Goretti

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni, 85 - 50134, Florence, Italy. portilio@tin.it

Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|October 7, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) epsilon4 allele is not linked to benign multiple sclerosis (MS) or cognitive preservation in patients. Further research is needed to clarify the controversial association between APOE and MS course and severity.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Genetics
  • Neurology

Background:

  • The relationship between apolipoprotein E (APOE) and multiple sclerosis (MS) forms, considering cognitive function, remains under-explored.
  • Previous studies have not comprehensively evaluated APOE's role across different MS phenotypes, especially those with preserved cognition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between APOE genotype and the course of multiple sclerosis.
  • Specifically, to examine the link between APOE and benign MS (BMS), characterized by preserved cognitive function.

Main Methods:

  • The study involved 173 consecutive patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
  • APOE genotype was assessed to determine its association with MS disease course and severity, including cognitive performance.

Main Results:

  • The APOE epsilon4 allele was identified in 29 patients.
  • No significant association was found between the APOE epsilon4 allele and benign MS (BMS) or cognitive preservation.
  • The epsilon4 allele did not correlate with other disease courses, time to disability milestones, or secondary progression.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest that the APOE epsilon4 allele is not associated with benign MS or preserved cognitive function.
  • The purported link between APOE, MS course, and disease severity, particularly in cognitively preserved patients, remains controversial and requires further investigation.

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