Apoliprotein E genotype is associated with apoliprotein B plasma levels but not with coronary calcium score in very elderly individuals in primary care setting.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological surveys indicate the influence of polymorphisms of apolipoprotein (apo) E on plasma lipids and triglyceride-rich lipoprotein levels, with impact on atherosclerotic phenotypes.

AIM: We studied the association of classic genotypes of the apoE gene with clinical and biochemical risk factors for atherosclerosis in a segment of the very-old Brazilian individuals, with emphasis on the lipemic profile.

METHODS: We performed cross-sectional analyses of clinical and laboratory assessments, including cardiac computed tomography, across ε2, ε3 and ε4 carriers of the apoE gene with a convenience sample of 208 participants eligible for prevention against cardiovascular events.

RESULTS: When non-ε4 carriers were compared with ε4 carrying subjects, lower levels of ApoB as well as ApoB/ApoA ratios were observed in the former group. Tests between apoE polymorphisms with other clinical/biochemical variables and those with arterial calcification showed no significant differences between groups.

CONCLUSION: The study suggests a possible atherogenic role of the ε4 allele attributable to increased ApoB levels and ApoB/ApoA ratios among very-old subjects in primary care setting.