Apolipoprotein E polymorphism has no cross sectional association with C‐reactive protein levels in women

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the level of high sensitive C-Reactive protein (CRP) in those with the E3/E4 genotype to those with the E2/E3 or E3/E3 genotypes. Methods: Sixty-sixty females were assessed for ApoE genotype and CRP levels (mean age 38.2 ± 11.6 years). CRP was assessed using a two-site chemiluminescent enzyme immunometric assay with one monoclonal and one polyclonal anti-CRP antibody. Results: Women with the E3/E4 (n=27) genotype had significantly lower CRP than those without the E4 allele (n=39) (2.02 ± 2.13 vs 3.37 ± 2.33, p<0.01). Discussion: Contrary to the hypothesis that E4 carriers would have higher levels of systemic inflammation, these data show lower CRP levels in this group compared to those without the E4 allele. How this relates to the increased cardiovascular mortality rate in this group is unclear, but highlights a complex interaction between ApoE genotype, inflammation, other cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular mortality.