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Apolipoprotein-E Gene Polymorphism and Lipid Composition among IUGR and AGA Neonates

Bharathi Elangovan1, Rajesh N T1, Meenu Subrahmanian2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

Journal of Pediatric Genetics
|August 22, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele, linked to adult metabolic diseases, was less frequent in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) neonates. However, neonates with the APOE ε4 allele exhibited abnormal lipid profiles, suggesting a potential association.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with altered neonatal outcomes.
  • Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene polymorphism influences lipid metabolism and is linked to adult metabolic diseases.
  • The role of APOE gene variants in neonates, particularly those with IUGR, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between APOE gene polymorphism (ε2, ε3, ε4 alleles) and lipid profiles in IUGR neonates compared to appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates.
  • To determine the allelic frequencies of APOE isoforms in IUGR and AGA neonates.
  • To analyze the relationship between APOE genotype and lipid parameters (Total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides) in both groups.

Main Methods:

  • Observational study conducted in a South Indian teaching hospital's neonatal unit.
  • Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral venous blood samples of 102 IUGR and AGA neonates.
  • APOE rs429358 and rs7412 genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Lipid profiles were analyzed from pre-feed blood samples.

Main Results:

  • The frequency of the APOE ε4 allele was lower in IUGR neonates (6.7%) compared to AGA neonates (17.6%).
  • The APOE ε2 allele was the second most predominant isoform in the study population.
  • Neonates carrying the APOE ε4 allele showed elevated mean Total Cholesterol and Triglyceride levels in both IUGR and AGA groups, although not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • The APOE ε4 allele, a risk factor for adult metabolic diseases, was found less frequently among IUGR neonates in this cohort.
  • Despite lower frequency, the presence of the APOE ε4 allele was associated with abnormal lipid profiles in both IUGR and AGA neonates, suggesting a potential early-life impact.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the long-term implications of APOE genotype on lipid metabolism and health outcomes in individuals born with IUGR.

Keywords:
apolipoprotein E gene polymorphismintrauterine growth restriction neonateslipid profile

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