Apolipoprotein E polymorphism and colorectal neoplasm: results from a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Gastroenterology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphism is a factor in various diseases.
• The association between APOE gene polymorphism and colorectal neoplasia (CRN) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphism and colorectal neoplasia (CRN).

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of PubMed, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index up to February 2014.
• Meta-analysis of pooled data from 8 prospective studies with 9243 participants and 4310 CRN cases.
• Subgroup analyses were performed, stratified by study design.

Main Results:

• No significant association was found between APOE polymorphism and overall CRN.
• APOE ε2 and ε4 genotypes did not show a significant association with CRN.
• Subgroup analysis revealed a significant decreased risk for proximal CRN in patients with APOE ε4 (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.35-0.76).

Conclusions:

• APOE genotype is not significantly associated with overall colorectal neoplasia.
• APOE ε4 genotype is associated with a significantly decreased risk of proximal colorectal neoplasia, but not distal colorectal neoplasia.