Apolipoprotein E (APOE) and risk of cardiovascular diseases
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a protein that is best known for its role in lipid metabolism, helping to remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.
It can exist in three main
forms known as e2, e3 and e4. Variations in the APOE gene determine which forms
of the APOE protein are present. Different forms of APOE work in different
ways.
The e4 (epsilon 4) form of the
APOE gene has been associated with disorders of lipid metabolism (increased
plasma levels of cholesterol and triglycerides) and susceptibility to
cardiovascular disease (heart attacks or strokes due to atherosclerosis).
APOE ɛ3 is the most common
allele – found in about 60% of people. The presence of É›2
or ɛ4 alleles may be a risk factor for several conditions including
cardiovascular diseases.
APOE ɛ2 carriers may be more
likely to develop familial dysbetalipoproteinemia or type III
hyperlipoproteinemia. Having these variants does not mean you will have any
disease associated with them.
If you have a higher-risk
version of apoe, you can reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease
by making changes to your diet and lifestyle. For example, tangerine or
bergamot has two flavones: melitidine and brutieridine, with properties similar
to statins, whose intake of the fruit or supplementation with tangerine or
bergamot oil can benefit those who are carriers of APOE ɛ2, which are
associated with an increased cardiovascular risk due to increased clot
formation.
The APOE4 isoform is the most
atherogenic, and e4 carriers have LDL cholesterol concentrations 31% higher
than e2 carriers. An average greater risk of 40% and 50% for coronary heart
disease is seen in men carrying E4 because they have significantly higher
cholesterol levels and in women with the E4 allele a greater risk of premature
coronary heart disease and increased risk of heart attack. Individuals with the
APOE4 genotype have significantly higher systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood
pressure. Several studies have shown that individuals with the APOE4 genotype
have a significantly greater reduction in triglycerides after consuming
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
APOE type | rs429358 Cys130Arg | rs7412 Arg158Cys | Risk of cardiovascular diseases |
E2/E2 | TT | TT | no risk |
E2/E3 | TT | TC | no risk |
E3/E3 | TT | CC | most common, risk neutral |
E2/E4 | TC | TC | above average risk |
E3/E4 | TC | CC | high risk |
E4/E4 | CC | CC | higher risk |
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