BackgroundMany studies have determined the correlation between the Apolipoprotein E (APO E) gene polymorphisms and diabetic nephropathy, but their results are inconclusive.Material/MethodsWith the aim to confirm this correlation, we performed a meta-analysis of 16 studies. The dichotomous data are presented as the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsThe results of our study indicate that APO ɛ2 allele among the pooled Asian populations were more likely to show high risk of DN development (2 allele vs. ɛ3 allele: pooled OR =1.629, 95% CI=1.010–2.628, P=0.045). For further analysis, the APO ɛ2 allele was associated with progress of DN in the group with duration >10 years, but not in the group with duration <10 years (ɛ2 allele vs. ɛ3 allele: pooled OR=1.920, 95% CI=1.338–2.754, P<0.001). The APO ɛ2 polymorphism increased the susceptibility to DN in Asian population compared with healthy people (ɛ2 allele vs. ɛ3 allele: pooled OR=1.629, 95% CI=1.010–2.628, P=0.045).ConclusionsDevelopment of DN is associated with APO E polymorphisms in Asian populations, especially in East Asians.