title: Depressive symptoms and APOE polymorphisms in an elderly population-based sample.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Apolipoprotein E (APOE) has been regarded as the principal susceptibility gene linked with Alzheimer's disease, also suggesting a relationship with depression in the elderly population. Thus, the purpose was to investigate the association of APOE polymorphisms with depression in elderly adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  APOE polymorphisms were determined in a Mexican population-based sample older than 60 years (n=1566) using 5' exonuclease TaqMan genotyping assays.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The distribution of the APOE allele and genotype frequencies was similar in patients with and without depression. There was no significant association between the presence of alleles or genotypes and depression and anxiety (Short Anxiety Screening Test) considering several combinations of other features. However, patients with the APOE*4 allele presented more thinking and concentration impairment than those patients with the APOE*3 allele.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Genetic variation at the APOE gene may contribute to some depressive symptoms in late-onset depression, rather than being a specific risk factor.
authors.affiliation: Epidemiologic and Health Service Research Unit, Aging Area, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social.
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: García-Peña
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Juarez-Cedillo
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cruz-Robles
authors.forename: José Manuel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Fragoso
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sánchez-García
authors.forename: José Manuel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Rodríguez-Pérez
authors.forename: Joseph J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Gallo
authors.forename: Fernando A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Wagner
authors.forename: Gilberto
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vargas-Alarcón
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001057:Apolipoproteins E / Q000235:genetics*; D003863:Depression / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic
chemical_list: D001057:Apolipoproteins E