Correlation between genetic polymorphisms in apolipoprotein E and atrial fibrillation
Yilian Wang1, Huankun Lou2, Minglang Wang2
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow, China; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, China.
Insights
Genetic variations in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) are linked to atrial fibrillation (AF). The ApoE4 genotype is a significant risk factor for AF, while ApoE3 shows a protective effect.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Cardiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia with complex etiology.
- Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) plays a role in lipid metabolism and has been implicated in cardiovascular diseases.
- Genetic polymorphisms in the APOE gene may influence the risk of developing AF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene polymorphisms and the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF).
- To identify specific APOE genotypes and their penetrance as risk factors for AF.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of APOE polymorphisms in 64 AF patients and 49 controls.
- Comparison of clinical characteristics including age, BMI, left atrial diameter, and left ventricular ejection fraction between groups.
- Statistical analysis, including binary logistic regression, to determine risk factors for AF.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in age, BMI, left atrial diameter, and LVEF were observed between AF patients and controls.
- The APOE ɛ3/ɛ3 genotype was less frequent in AF patients, while ɛ3/ɛ4 and ɛ4/ɛ4 genotypes were more frequent.
- ApoE4 penetrance was significantly higher in the AF group, and ApoE3 penetrance was lower.
- Age, BMI, left atrial diameter, LVEF, and ApoE4 were identified as risk factors for AF.
Conclusions:
- APOE gene polymorphisms significantly impact the occurrence of atrial fibrillation.
- The APOE4 genotype is associated with an increased risk of AF, suggesting it is an AF-sensitive phenotype.
- Further research into the mechanisms linking ApoE4 to AF is warranted.
Abstract:
This work explores correlations between genetic polymorphisms in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and atrial fibrillation (AF). We detected polymorphisms in the APOE gene in 64 patients with AF and 49 non-AF volunteers at the Department of Cardiology of Lianyungang Second People's Hospital between July 2017 and July 2019. We found significant differences in age, body mass index, left atrial diameter, and left ventricular ejection fraction between the two groups. Six APOE genotypes were observed: ɛ2/ɛ2; ɛ2/ɛ3; ɛ2/ɛ4; ɛ3/ɛ3; ɛ3/ɛ4; and ɛ4/ɛ4. The ɛ3/ɛ3 genotype was significantly less frequent in the AF group than in the control group, while the ɛ3/ɛ4 and ɛ4/ɛ4 genotypes were significantly more frequent in the AF group than in the control group (p<0.05). ApoE3 penetrance was significantly lower in the AF group than in the control group (p<0.05), while ApoE4 penetrance was significantly higher in the AF group than in the control group (p<0.05). ApoE3 penetrance was significantly lower in the AF group than in the control group (p<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that age, body mass index, left atrial diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction, and ApoE4 were risk factors for AF. Finally, we found that ApoE polymorphisms impacted the occurrence of AF and that ApoE4 is an AF-sensitive phenotype.
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