The APOE ɛ2 allele is associated with increased plasma apolipoprotein E levels in patients with coronary artery disease

Abstract

AimsWe sought to evaluate the influence of APOE polymorphisms (ɛ2-rs7412, ɛ4-rs429358) on plasma levels of apolipoprotein E in patients with confirmed coronary artery disease. MethodsA total of 94 patients with coronary artery disease were included in our study. Genotypisation for rs429358 and rs7412 in APOE was performed and plasma levels of apolipoprotein E, lipids, and hs-CRP were measured. ResultsSignificantly higher plasma levels of APOE were found in the ɛ2 carriers compared to the normal ɛ3/ɛ3 genotype (40.4mg/mL vs. 22.9mg/mL, P=0.018). There was no difference in APOE levels between the ɛ4 allele and ɛ3/ɛ3 allele carriers. Significantly higher HDL cholesterol levels (1.55mmol/L vs. 1.16mmol/L, P=0.001) were found in the ɛ2 carriers, and significantly lower levels of hs-CRP (1.07mg/L vs. 2.14mg/L, P=0.035) in the ɛ4 carriers compared to the normal ɛ3/ɛ3 genotype. ConclusionsIn CAD patients, the ɛ2 APOE allele is associated with significantly higher plasma levels of APOE and HDL cholesterol, whereas the ɛ4 allele is associated with significantly lower levels of hsCRP.