Apolipoprotein (apo) E is an important circulating and tissue protein invol
ved in cholesterol homeostasis and many other functions. The common polymor
phism in the coding region of the gene, four polymorphisms in the promoter
region, other additional single nucleotide polymorphisms, as well as severa
l apo E variants have been identified. The common coding polymorphism stron
gly influences the lipid metabolism and the circulating concentration of ap
o E itself. This polymorphism is at the origin of the implication of apo E
in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, but also of the relation
of apo E with longevity. Probably due to its many metabolic and functional
consequences, apo E polymorphism has been shown to influence the responses
of patients to several drugs (fibrates, statins, hormone replacement therap
y, anti-Alzheimer drugs) or environmental interventions (black tea, alcohol
, diet). Apo E genotyping may be clinically helpful in defining the risk of
patients and their responses to therapeutics. Finally, circulating apo E c
oncentration appears to be altered in diseases and can be modulated by some
of the drugs cited above. This parameter can thus also give interesting cl
inical information and could be a therapeutic target, providing it is valid
ated. At the present time, we cannot exclude that apo E concentration may b
e the most prominent apo E parameter to be considered in health and disease
, while apo E polymorphisms would represent only secondary parameters influ
encing apo E concentration.