Apolipoprotein E polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to schizophrenia among Saudis
Saeed Mohammad Al-Asmary1, Saeed Kadasah2, Misbahul Arfin3
1Department of Neuropsychiatry, Riyadh Military Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Archives of Medical Science : AMS
|September 1, 2015
Summary
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene variants are linked to schizophrenia risk and earlier onset in the Saudi population. The APOE ε2 allele may increase susceptibility, while APOE ε3 appears protective against schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes are known to influence neurodegenerative disease phenotypes.
- APOE gene polymorphisms may play a role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphisms and schizophrenia in the Saudi population.
Main Methods:
- Studied APOE allele and genotype frequencies in 380 Saudi individuals (schizophrenia patients and controls).
- Utilized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse-hybridization techniques for analysis.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher frequencies of APOE ε2 allele and ε2/ε3, ε2/ε4 genotypes in schizophrenia patients.
- APOE ε3 allele and ε3/ε3 genotype showed a protective effect against schizophrenia.
- APOE ε4 allele associated with positive symptoms of schizophrenia; no association with negative symptoms.
- Lower age of onset observed in patients with the APOE ε2/ε3 genotype.
Conclusions:
- APOE alleles and genotypes are significantly associated with schizophrenia risk in Saudis.
- Specific APOE genotypes are linked to an earlier age of onset for schizophrenia.
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