[Predictive value of apolipoproteine E genotypes].

Apolipoprotein E is a transport protein, which by binding to lipids forms a lipoprotein particle. It is responsible for transport and redistribution of lipids between cells and tissues. Apolipoprotein E circulates in blood mainly as a component of VLDL (very low density lipoproteins) HDL (high density lipoproteins) chylomicrons and chylomicron remnants. It assists in the flow of cholesterol from peripheral cells to extracellular space. Apolipoprotein E is one of the most studied apolipoproteins. There are three isoforms of this protein: E2, E3 and E4. Six polymorphic variants are defined by of the ApoE gene. Isoforms vary in their ability to bind to receptors for ApoE and LDL (low density lipoproteins) and affinity to lipoproteins. This is why we observe different metabolic responses in patients with various isoforms. The ApoE4 variant correlates with higher level of cholesterol in blood and thus with increased risk of atherosclerosis progression. Apolipoprotein E plays a key role in a wide range of actions. It is associated with lipids metabolism dysfunction which leads to cardiovascular diseases and also with neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system. In addition to classical methods of cardiac prevention, genetic tests should be performed more commonly. This could be useful in better evaluation of predisposition to pathological processes.