Apolipoprotein E genotype is associated with differential expansion rates of small abdominal aortic aneurysms.
BACKGROUND
The common polymorphism of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is associated with differential risk of atherosclerosis; the gene could be a candidate gene in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).


METHODS
APOE genotypes were determined in 57 men aged 65-73 years with a small AAA (30-50 mm). The patients were included in a population ultrasonographic screening programme and were followed with at least two examinations during an interval of 2-4.5 years. The AAA expansion rates in patients with four different APOE genotypes were studied, with adjustment for initial AAA size and smoking.


RESULTS
APOE genotype was a significant determinant of AAA expansion rate (P = 0.001). The adjusted mean (95 per cent confidence interval) rate was 2.1 (1.7-2.6) mm/year in 31 men with genotype E3E3, 1.3 (0.7-1.9) mm/year in 17 men with E3E4, 3.1 (2.0-4. 1) mm/year in six men with E2E3 and 4.2 (2.7-5.6) mm/year in three men with E2E4. The mean expansion rate was 2.2 (1.5-2.8) mm/year in non-smokers and 3.0 (2.5-3.6) mm/year in smokers (P = 0.014).


CONCLUSIONS
APOE genotype seems to influence AAA expansion rate, but the effects of the individual genotypes, in particular E3E3 and E3E4, are contradictory when compared with the effects of the genotypes on risk of atherosclerosis.
Gerdes
L U
LU
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
Lindholt
J S
JS
Vammen
S
S
Henneberg
E W
EW
Fasting
H
H
D000368:Aged; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D001057:Apolipoproteins E / Q000235:genetics*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
D001057:Apolipoproteins E