ApoE phenotype is associated with inflammatory markers in middle-aged subjects

Abstract.

Objectives:

Apolipoprotein (apo) E phenotype has been associated with inflammation markers. The determinants of these associations and the relationship between novel inflammation marker, resistin, and apoE phenotype are studied here.

Methods and Results:

Middle-aged subjects of the population- based cohort (n = 526) of the OPERA– study were studied. Intima-media thickness (IMT) was measured with carotid ultrasound. The results suggest that, apoE phenotype was a significant independent predictive factor for resistin (p < 0.01) and hsCRP (p < 0.01) levels. The association of ApoE phenotype with hsCRP was seen among the subjects with the normal renal function (p = 0.005). ApoE4 was associated (p < 0.01) with the lowest hsCRP in the lowest IMT quartile while it's relation with the highest resistin levels was evident in the highest IMT quartile.

Conclusions:

ApoE phenotype is an independent determinant of plasma resistin and hsCRP levels. The extent of atherosclerosis and renal function seem to modify the effects of apoE phenotype on inflammatory parameters.