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[Atheroma plaque and Apo E alleles]
D Venarucci1, V Venarucci, A Casado
1INRCA Istituto a Carattere Scientifico-Fermo.
Minerva Cardioangiologica
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Apolipoprotein E (Apo E) allele identification in carotid plaques of 20 patients revealed Apo E-3/E-4 as the most common genotype (70%). A potential link between calcified plaques, hyperlipidemia, and the Apo E-2/E-2 genotype was observed.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Atheroma carotid plaques are a significant risk factor for stroke.
- Apolipoprotein E (Apo E) polymorphism influences lipid metabolism and cardiovascular disease risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify Apolipoprotein E (Apo E) alleles in atheroma carotid plaques.
- To investigate potential correlations between Apo E genotypes and clinical findings in patients with severe carotid stenosis.
Main Methods:
- DNA hybridization and amplification techniques were employed to identify Apo E-2, Apo E-3, and Apo E-4 alleles.
- Genotyping was performed on carotid plaque samples from 20 patients with severe carotid stenosis.
Main Results:
- The Apo E-3/E-4 genotype was identified in 70% of the examined plaques.
- Apo E-4/E-3 was found in 2 diabetic patients, and Apo E-2/E-3 in one patient with vascular dementia.
- Severely calcified plaques were associated with the Apo E-2/E-2 genotype in 3 patients, suggesting a possible link with hyperlipidemia.
Conclusions:
- The majority of carotid plaques in this cohort exhibited the Apo E-3/E-4 genotype, similar to the general population.
- While statistical significance is limited, findings suggest a potential association between calcified plaques, hyperlipidemia, and the Apo E-2/E-2 genotype.