Does Apolipoprotein E genotype affect cardiovascular risk in subjects with acromegaly?

Endocrine. 2012 Jun;41(3):465-72. doi: 10.1007/s12020-011-9585-8. Epub 2011 Dec 27.

Abstract

Acromegaly is a syndrome that results when the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone after epiphyseal closure at puberty. Usually, subjects with acromegaly exhibit a 2- to 3-fold higher mortality rate from diseases that are associated with cardiovascular complications when compared to the normal population. In this study, we therefore aimed to evaluate whether a well-established cardiovascular risk factor, the Apolipoprotein E (Apo E) genotype, contributes to increased risk of cardiovascular complications in subjects with acromegaly. A total of 102 unrelated acromegaly subjects were prospectively included into this case-control association study and constituted our study group. The study group was comparable by age and gender with 200 unrelated healthy subjects constituting our control group. Genomic DNA was isolated from the peripheral blood leukocytes of all subjects and Apo E genotype (codon 112/158) was assessed by melting temperature analyses after using a real-time PCR protocol. The Apolipoprotein E4 allele was found at a significantly higher frequency in the study group when compared with the control group (P = 0.032). Subjects with the E2 allele, on the other hand, had significantly increased values in body mass index (P = 0.004), waist circumference (P = 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) (P < 0.001), and left-side carotid intima media thickness (P = 0.025). The Apolipoprotein E2 genotype might contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular complications in subjects with acromegaly since it is concurrently present with other cardiovascular risk factors such as the left-side carotid intima media thickness and CRP.

MeSH terms

  • Acromegaly / blood
  • Acromegaly / genetics*
  • Acromegaly / immunology
  • Acromegaly / physiopathology
  • Adult
  • Apolipoprotein E2 / genetics*
  • Apolipoprotein E2 / metabolism
  • Apolipoprotein E4 / genetics*
  • Apolipoprotein E4 / metabolism
  • Body Mass Index
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / genetics*
  • Carotid Intima-Media Thickness
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Turkey / epidemiology
  • Waist Circumference

Substances

  • Apolipoprotein E2
  • Apolipoprotein E4
  • C-Reactive Protein