Apolipoprotein E genotype is associated with macular pigment optical density.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Genetics
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in developed countries.
• Risk factors for AMD include genetic and environmental elements.
• Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) may influence the transport and retinal uptake of macular carotenoids lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between ApoE genotype and macular pigment optical density (MPOD).

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 302 healthy adults.
• Dietary intake of L and Z assessed via food frequency questionnaire.
• MPOD measured using heterochromatic flicker photometry.
• Serum L and Z levels determined by HPLC.
• ApoE genotyping performed using polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant association was found between ApoE genotype and MPOD (P = 0.014).
• Subjects with at least one ApoE epsilon4 allele exhibited higher MPOD compared to those without the allele.
• Mean MPOD area was 0.85 +/- 0.46 for subjects with the epsilon4 allele versus 0.70 +/- 0.40 and 0.67 +/- 0.42 for other groups.

Conclusions:

• ApoE genotype status is associated with MPOD.
• This finding may partially explain the protective role of the ApoE epsilon4 allele against AMD.
• The results support the role of apolipoprotein profile in carotenoid transport and retinal capture.