Apolipoprotein E polymorphism and its relation to plasma lipids in coronary heart disease

Background : The present investigation is aimed at examining the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypic influence on coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in northwest India (Punjab), where this disease is emerging as a major threat to public-health care system. Materials and Methods: The present study comprised of angiographically diagnosed coronary heart disease patients (n = 193) and controls (n = 150) of Punjab. Genetic polymorphism of APOE gene was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and its association with lipid levels was evaluated. Results : The allele frequencies of epsilon2, epsilon3, and epsilon4 were 0.054, 0.795, 0.151; and 0.077, 0.856, 0.067 in patients and controls respectively. The bearers of E3/E4 genotype had threefold higher propensity of developing CHD in this population (OR, 3.04; CI, 1.55-6.25; P P P Conclusions : A significant association (P = 0.016) of epsilon4 allele, especially E3/E4 genotype, with CHD was observed, along with HDL-C and LDL-C concentrations, in the population of northwest India.