ApoE Levels and Cardiovascular Mortality in the Elderly
Author Information
Author(s): Mooijaart Simon P, Berbée Jimmy F. P, van Heemst Diana, Havekes Louis M, de Craen Anton J. M, Slagboom P. Eline, Rensen Patrick C. N, Westendorp Rudi G. J
Primary Institution: Leiden University Medical Center
Hypothesis
How do plasma levels of apolipoprotein E (apoE) relate to cardiovascular mortality in individuals aged 85 and older?
Conclusion
High plasma apoE levels in elderly individuals are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality, independent of APOE genotype and lipid levels.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants in the highest tertile of apoE levels had a twofold increased risk of cardiovascular mortality.
- The risk associated with high levels of apoE was strongest in participants with low C-reactive protein levels.
- High plasma apoE levels were positively correlated with total cholesterol and negatively with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
- Similar cardiovascular mortality risks were found in carriers of the ɛ2 and ɛ4 alleles.
Takeaway
Older people with higher levels of a protein called apoE in their blood are more likely to die from heart problems. This is true no matter what version of the gene they have.
Methodology
The study followed 546 individuals aged 85 years, measuring their apoE levels, cardiovascular risk factors, and mortality over five years.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the low number of participants on lipid-lowering medication and the study's focus on a specific age group.
Limitations
The study's findings may not apply to younger populations or those with different health conditions, and blood samples were not drawn in a fasting state.
Participant Demographics
Participants were 546 individuals aged 85 years, with a mix of genders (397 women and 202 men).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 1.30 to 3.33
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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