Abstract
Apolipoprotein (apo) E polymorphism was examined in a population of Italian blood donors. A significantly reduced frequency of the ε4 allele was observed in comparison to a combined Caucasian population. Apo E polymorphism was also associated with significant differences in plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels. Notably, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as triglycerides were increased, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was decreased in carriers of the E4 isoform. This is the first report of a significantly lower frequency of the apo E4 isoform in a European population. The reduced occurrence of an apo E isoform, which is associated with a more atherogenic lipid/lipoprotein profile, may be a contributory factor to the relatively lower incidence of cardiovascular disease in the Italian population.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1456-1459 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Arteriosclerosis and Thrombosis |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 10 |
Publication status | Published - 1993 |
Keywords
- apo E
- cardiovascular risk factors
- cholesterol
- lipoproteins
- triglycerides
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine