APOE gene polymorphisms and response to statin therapy

Pharmacogenomics J. 2009 Aug;9(4):248-57. doi: 10.1038/tpj.2009.25. Epub 2009 Jun 16.

Abstract

Published studies investigating the role of APOE gene on lipid response (total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides) to statin treatment have reported inconsistent results. A meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the lipid response to statin treatment among APOE genetic variants (e2 carriers, e3e3 homozygotes and e4 carriers). Twenty-four studies were included in the meta-analyses. The pooled mean reduction (Delta mu) in TC from baseline was significant for all variants (e2 carriers: Delta mu=-27.7% (-32.5 to -22.8%), e3e3: Delta mu=-25.3% (-28.0 to -22.6%) and e4 carriers: Delta mu=-25.1% (-29.3 to -21.0%)). Significant changes in LDL-C, HDL-C and triglyceride levels were also noted for all genotypes, although these changes did not differ significantly among genotypic groups. There was significant heterogeneity among the studies. Given these non-significant effects of APOE genotypes on lipid responses, there is little reason to consider the use of APOE genetic testing for guiding treatment with statins.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics*
  • Cholesterol, HDL / metabolism*
  • Cholesterol, LDL / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Hypercholesterolemia / drug therapy*
  • Hypercholesterolemia / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Triglycerides / metabolism*

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins E
  • Cholesterol, HDL
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Triglycerides