The APOE gene ɛ4/ɛ4 “thrifty genotype” and risk of metabolic disorders in populations of the Ural region

Abstract

The prevalence of APOE gene ɛ4/ɛ4 genotype and its possible contribution to the incidence of circulatory system diseases in groups with varying degrees of “westernization” are under the consideration. It is proposed that the populations undergoing “modernization transition” with a high frequency of *ɛ4 carriers are in the most vulnerable position. These are Eastern Finns and especially indigenous peoples of the North, who have a higher incidence of circulatory system diseases than do residents of large cities.