Underexpression of the apolipoprotein E4 isoform in an Italian population.
Apolipoprotein (apo) E polymorphism was examined in a population of Italian blood donors. A significantly reduced frequency of the epsilon 4 allele was observed in comparison to a combined Caucasian population. Apo E polymorphism was also associated with significant differences in plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels. Notably, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as triglycerides were increased, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was decreased in carriers of the E4 isoform. This is the first report of a significantly lower frequency of the apo E4 isoform in a European population. The reduced occurrence of an apo E isoform, which is associated with a more atherogenic lipid/lipoprotein profile, may be a contributory factor to the relatively lower incidence of cardiovascular disease in the Italian population.
Division of Diabetology, University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland.
R W
RW
James
M
M
Boemi
R
R
Giansanti
P
P
Fumelli
D
D
Pometta
D000483:Alleles; D053327:Apolipoprotein E4; D001057:Apolipoproteins E / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007536:Isomerism; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D010641:Phenotype; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D053327:Apolipoprotein E4; D001057:Apolipoproteins E; D014280:Triglycerides