Association between apolipoprotein E genotypes and panic disorder in Turkish population.

Area of Science:

• Neurogenetics
• Cardiovascular Genetics

Background:

• Panic disorder (PD) is a debilitating anxiety condition with complex etiology.
• Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism and has been implicated in various neurological and psychiatric disorders.
• Understanding the interplay between genetic factors like ApoE and metabolic profiles in PD is essential for risk stratification and potential therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotypes and panic disorder (PD).
• To examine the relationship between serum lipid levels, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions, and PD.
• To explore potential interactions between ApoE genotypes and lipid profiles in individuals with PD.

Main Methods:

• Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotyping was conducted using real-time polymerase chain reaction on DNA samples from PD patients (n=45) and healthy controls (n=50).
• Serum lipid profiles, including total LDL and HDL levels, were analyzed.
• Detailed analysis of LDL and HDL subfractions was performed to assess their specific associations with PD and ApoE genotypes.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in ApoE genotype distribution were observed between PD patients and controls, with a higher prevalence of the E4 allele in the PD group (3.2-fold increased risk).
• PD patients exhibited significantly lower overall LDL and HDL levels.
• Alterations in LDL and HDL subfractions were noted in PD patients, including lower levels of antiatherogenic large LDL and HDL, and higher levels of atherogenic small HDL. ApoE E3/E3 carriers showed favorable lipid profiles, while E4 carriers displayed more atherogenic subfractions.

Conclusions:

• The ApoE E4 allele is identified as a potential risk factor for panic disorder (PD), whereas the E3/E3 genotype may confer a protective effect.
• PD is associated with dyslipidemia, characterized by reduced levels of beneficial LDL and HDL subfractions and increased levels of detrimental atherogenic subfractions.
• ApoE genotype influences plasma lipid profiles, with E3/E3 carriers having healthier lipid profiles and E4 carriers exhibiting more atherogenic lipid profiles, suggesting a gene-environment interaction in PD pathogenesis.