Is a polymorphism of the apolipoprotein E gene associated with preeclampsia?
OBJECTIVE
Apolipoprotein E (apo E) is pivotal in lipid metabolism. In women with preeclampsia, an atherogenic state is observed. We hypothesized that a particular genotype of apo E may be associated with preeclampsia.


METHODS
Genomic DNA was extracted from 55 normotensive and 49 preeclamptic women (defined according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists criteria). DNA was amplified by PCR and digested simultaneously by AflIII and HaeII giving profiles identifying all the possible genotypes of apo E.


RESULTS
The most common isoform apo E3 was found both for normotensive and preeclamptic women (76% and 85%, respectively). The frequency of apo E2 and E4, which are more atherogenic, was not higher in the preeclamptic population.


CONCLUSIONS
We were unable to demonstrate that the "atherogenic state" of preeclampsia is associated with a particular genotype of apo E. Familial studies show that shared genetic and environmental factors are involved in lipid variability. However, owing to the diversity of factors contributing to the development of preeclampsia (fetal and paternal genotypes), these data do not allow to rule-out a possible contribution of maternal apo E to preeclampsia.
Francoual
Jeanne
J
Department of Biochemistry, Hospital Antoine Béclère, Clamart, 92141, France. biochimie.abc@abc.ap-hop-paris.fr
Audibert
François
F
Trioche
Pascale
P
Chalas
Jacqueline
J
Capel
Liliane
L
Lindenbaum
Albert
A
Labrune
Philippe
P
Frydman
René
R
D000328:Adult; D001057:Apolipoproteins E / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000235:genetics*; D011247:Pregnancy; D020033:Protein Isoforms
D001057:Apolipoproteins E; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D020033:Protein Isoforms; C117630:apolipoprotein E (141-155)