Depression was associated with apolipoprotein E ε4 allele polymorphism: A meta-analysis.

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Conflicting findings exist regarding the association between apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphisms and depression.
• Understanding this relationship is crucial for advancing depression research and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the controversial association between APOE polymorphisms and depression through a meta-analysis.
• To determine if APOE genotype influences depression severity.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across national and international databases.
• Nine eligible studies were included after quality assessment and applying inclusion/exclusion criteria.
• Data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.2 with a fixed effects model to calculate odds ratios and confidence intervals; publication bias was assessed.

Main Results:

• The APOE ε4 allele showed a significant association with an increased risk of depression (allele: OR=1.36, 95%CI=1.11-1.66, P=0.003; dominant: OR=1.34, 95%CI=1.06-1.68, P=0.001).
• Depression patients carrying the APOE ε4 genotype had higher HAMD scores, indicating more severe symptoms (OR=0.96, 95%CI=0.16-1.76, P=0.02).

Conclusions:

• The APOE ε4 allele is associated with an increased risk of developing depression.
• Carriage of the APOE ε4 allele correlates with more severe depressive symptoms in affected individuals.