[Age-related macular degeneration: its association with the epsilon4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene].
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.
Asensio-Sánchez
V M
VM
Hospital General, Medina del Campo, Valladolid, Spain. vasensio@hmdc.sacyl.es
Rodríguez-Martín
T
T
Gala-Molina
I
I
Rodríguez-Fernández
I
I
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
D053327:Apolipoprotein E4; D001057:Apolipoproteins E; D004247:DNA