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APOE Genotype

Polymorphic apolipoprotein gene (ε2/ε3/ε4 alleles) that modulates lipoprotein metabolism, plasma cholesterol response to dietary fat, and Alzheimer disease risk.

Also: APOE, Apolipoprotein E

APOE ε4 carriers have higher LDL-C, greater LDL response to saturated fat, and 3-15× higher Alzheimer disease risk depending on dose. APOE ε2 lowers LDL but in homozygosity can produce type III hyperlipoproteinemia. Diet-by-genotype interactions for cardiovascular risk are real but modest; MNHD treats APOE as one of the most well-established nutrigenetic loci with clinical relevance.

How one textbook covers it

  • Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 38: Nutritional Genomics

    APOE ε4 carriers have higher LDL-C, greater LDL response to saturated fat, and 3-15× higher Alzheimer disease risk depending on dose. APOE ε2 lowers LDL but in homozygosity can produce type III hyperlipoproteinemia. Diet-by-genotype interactions for cardiovascular risk are real but modest; MNHD treats APOE as one of the most well-established nutrigenetic loci with clinical relevance.

Related terms

Alzheimer disease, FTO, LDL, Nutrigenomics