Interactions between apolipoprotein E and apolipoprotein(a) in patients with late-onset Alzheimer disease.
BACKGROUND
Apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)], the distinctive, highly polymorphic glycoprotein of lipoprotein(a), shares a series of common features with apolipoprotein E (apoE), which is implicated in the development of Alzheimer disease.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether apo(a) is associated with Alzheimer disease.


METHODS
Case-control study.


METHODS
University hospitals in Europe.


METHODS
285 patients with Alzheimer disease and 296 controls.


METHODS
Plasma lipoprotein(a) levels, size of the apo(a) isoforms, and apoE and apo(a) genotyping.


RESULTS
Among carriers of the apoE epsilon4 allele, lipoprotein(a) was associated with a progressive, age-dependent increased risk for late-onset Alzheimer disease (odds ratio for patients >80 years of age, 6.0 [95% CI, 1.2 to 30.8]; P<0.01). Among noncarriers older than 80 years of age, lipoprotein(a) was associated with a reduced risk for Alzheimer disease (odds ratio, 0.4 [CI, 0.2 to 0.91; P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
In this convenience sample, lipoprotein(a) was an additional risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer disease in carriers of the apoE epsilon4 allele. However, lipoprotein(a) may protect against late-onset Alzheimer disease in noncarriers.
Mooser
V
V
Department of Medicine, CHUV University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland. vincent.mooser@hola.hospvd.ch
Helbecque
N
N
Miklossy
J
J
Marcovina
S M
SM
Nicod
P
P
Amouyel
P
P
D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000483:Alleles; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000097:blood*; D001057:Apolipoproteins E / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics; D017270:Lipoprotein(a) / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D001057:Apolipoproteins E; D007527:Isoenzymes; D017270:Lipoprotein(a)