title: [Age-related macular degeneration: its association with the epsilon4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The apolipoprotein E (APOE) epsilon4 allele is a well-established factor associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This disorder is characterized by a typical progressive central visual impairment. Our aim was to study further the relationship of the APOE genotype associated with AMD.
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated a group of 95 patients with AMD and 65 controls. The APOE genotype for each participant in the study was determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The allele was associated with age-related macular degeneration (OR = 5.6; 95% CI = 3.4-8.8 ; p < 0.001). Female patients with at least one epsilon4 allele had a significantly earlier age at diagnosis (epsilon4+ = 72.2 S.D. 5.1; epsilon4- = 78.8 +/- 5.7; p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The APOE epsilon4 allele is not a protective factor for AMD, but is associated with an increased risk of its development.
authors.affiliation: Hospital General, Medina del Campo, Valladolid, Spain. vasensio@hmdc.sacyl.es
authors.forename: V M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Asensio-Sánchez
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rodríguez-Martín
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gala-Molina
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Rodríguez-Fernández
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000483:Alleles; D053327:Apolipoprotein E4; D001057:Apolipoproteins E / Q000235:genetics*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction
chemical_list: D053327:Apolipoprotein E4; D001057:Apolipoproteins E; D004247:DNA