Association of Apolipoprotein E Polymorphisms with White Matter Lesions and Brain Atrophy

Abstract

Objective Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is mainly synthesized in the liver. So far, it is unknown the relationship among <i>APOE</i> gene polymorphisms and WML, brain atrophy. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the associations of <i>APOE</i> gene polymorphisms in patients with WML and brain atrophy.Methods A total of 58 patients with WML, 128 patients with brain atrophy, 112 patients with co-occurrence of WML and brain atrophy and 95 healthy elderly volunteers were recruited from Renmin Hospital of WuHan University.Results Allele <i>E3</i> was the most common allele. The alleles <i>E2</i> had significantly higher levels of ApoB and lower age in WML group. The alleles <i>E2</i> was associated with the lower level of ApoB, LDL-Ch, TCh, and sdLDL in co-occurrence group. The <i>E3</i>/<i>E3</i> genotype has higher level of sdLDL, but lower age and female frequency in WML. The <i>E3</i>/E4 genotype had higher level of TG, but lower age in WML. Gender, Age, <i>E2</i>, Hyperhomocysteinemia and UA were also significantly associated with disease progression.Conclusion This study found that clinical data, lipids and metabolic complications were closely related to ApoE genotypes and alleles, and also disease progression and type.