THE UNDERLYING MOLECULAR MECHANISM OF APOLIPOPROTEIN-E POLYMORPHISM -RELATIONSHIPS TO LIPID DISORDERS, CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASE, AND ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE

Apolipoprotein E (apo E) polymorphism has important clinical correlate s, including disorders of Lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis. This article provides a detailed methodology for apo E genotyping and discusses the link between apo E genotype and type III hyperlipoprotei nemia, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and Alzheimer's disease ( AD). Although apo E genotype appears to provide significant informatio n concerning the genetic component of CHD and AD risk, more research i s needed before genotyping can be recommended as a routine screening t ool. The data so far, however, implicate apo E as a major component of the genetic basis of cardiovascular disease and AD.