Background: Variations in the apolipoprotein E (apo E) gene may predict the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the correlation between apo E polymorphism and the severity of CAD is still unclear.
Hypothesis: Apolipoprotein E polymorphism can predict CAD.
Methods: Used a case-case study of 213 Chinese angiographically-defined CAD patients who were screened for apo E genotypes. The characteristics of their diseased vessels were recorded.
Results: Apolipoprotein E4 carriers had > 75% stenosis, more wide-ranging and longer vessel disease, a greater number of diseased vessels, and a higher Gensini score than apo E2 carriers or individuals with the apo E3/3 genotype. Apolipoprotein E2 carriers had < or =75% stenosis and a shorter length of vessel disease than individuals with the apo E3/3 genotype or apo E4 carriers. The severity of stenosis, length of vessel disease, and number of diseased vessels were affected by the interaction between genotype and body mass index, family history of CAD, total plasma cholesterol level, smoking history, and hypertension history.
Conclusion: The apo E4 allele may serve as an independent genetic marker predicting severity of CAD. Other CAD risk factors may accelerate the process of pathogenesis. The apo E2 allele may play a protective role.