ApoE rs429358 and rs7412 Polymorphism and Gender Differences of Serum Lipid Profile and Cognition in Aging Chinese Population

Genetic variations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol on metabolic disorders in obstructive sleep apnea

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to explore the relationship between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) genetic variants and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its complications, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD), insulin resistance (IR), and metabolic syndrome (MS).

METHOD

4329 individuals with suspected OSA who underwent a comprehensive assessment of anthropometric, biochemical, and polysomnography (PSG) data, along with 30 LDL-C single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were enrolled. The 10-year Framingham CVD risk score (FRS), IR and MS were evaluated for each subject. Linear regression and logistic regression were utilized to examine the correlations among these variables.

RESULTS

After the Benjamini-Hochberg correction, linear regression results indicated positive correlations between variants rs3741297 and rs629301 with FRS (β = 0.031, PBH=0.002; β = 0.026, PBH=0.015). Logistic regression revealed that rs3741297 increased MS risk among total subjects [OR = 1.67 (95% CI:1.369-2.038), PBH=1.32 × 10- 5] and increased IR risk in females [OR = 3.475 (95% CI:1.653-7.307), PBH=0.03]. In males, rs2642438 decreased MS risk [OR = 0.81 (95% CI:0.703-0.933), PBH=0.045].

CONCLUSIONS

The rs3741297 variant correlated with susceptibility to CVD, IR, and MS in the OSA population. OSA, CVD, IR and MS share a potentially common genetic background, which may promote precision medicine.

CINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study protocol was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900025714).

Multi-trait analysis of gene-by-environment interactions in large-scale genetic studies

Identifying genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) is challenging because the GEI analysis generally has low power. Large-scale consortium-based studies are ultimately needed to achieve adequate power for identifying GEI. We introduce Multi-Trait Analysis of Gene-Environment Interactions (MTAGEI), a powerful, robust, and computationally efficient framework to test gene-environment interactions on multiple traits in large data sets, such as the UK Biobank (UKB). To facilitate the meta-analysis of GEI studies in a consortium, MTAGEI efficiently generates summary statistics of genetic associations for multiple traits under different environmental conditions and integrates the summary statistics for GEI analysis. MTAGEI enhances the power of GEI analysis by aggregating GEI signals across multiple traits and variants that would otherwise be difficult to detect individually. MTAGEI achieves robustness by combining complementary tests under a wide spectrum of genetic architectures. We demonstrate the advantages of MTAGEI over existing single-trait-based GEI tests through extensive simulation studies and the analysis of the whole exome sequencing data from the UKB.

Mapping the APOE structurally on missense variants in elderly Brazilians

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a significant global health threat, with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) being a key genetic contributor. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene plays a vital role in lipid metabolism, and its variants are associated with CVD risk. This study explores prevalent APOE variants (p.R163C, p.R176C, p.R246C and p.V254E) using genetic and structural analyses. The research, initiated by identifying high-frequency APOE variants through the ABraOM database, utilizes homology modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to understand the structural consequences. The major lipid-binding region, a critical domain for lipid metabolism, was a focal point. Structural dynamics, including principal component analyses and domain movement analyses, highlighted distinct patterns in APOE variants compared to the wild type (WT). Results revealed significant differences in the structural behavior of variants, particularly in the Major lipid-binding region. The identification of an 'elbow' structure with two states (Elbow I and Elbow II) provided insights into conformational changes. Notably, variants exhibited unique patterns in hydrogen bonding (hb) and hydrophobic interactions, indicating potential functional consequences. The study further associated APOE variants with clinical outcomes, including cognitive impairment and cholesterol levels. Specific variants demonstrated correlations with cognitive decline and variations in lipid profiles, emphasizing their relevance to cardiovascular and neurobiological health. In conclusion, this integrated approach enhances our understanding of APOE variants, shedding light on their role in lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health. The identified structural 'elbows' and their association with clinical outcomes offer a nuanced perspective, guiding future research toward targeted interventions for diseases linked to lipid metabolism and neurobiology.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Predictors of the Development of Associated Clinical Conditions in Working-Age Patients With Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Conditions of High Adherence to Treatment

AIM

To determine predictors for the development of associated clinical conditions (ACC) in patients of working age with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) in the conditions of high compliance with the treatment and healthy lifestyle (HLS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 364 patients with CVRFs without target organ damage and a history of ACC. Mean age was 42.24±8.08 years. Patients were examined in consistency with the Russian Society of Cardiology (RSC) 2020 guidelines for arterial hypertension and chronic heart failure. The follow-up period was 6.45±0.42 years. 350 patients completed the study, 9 patients died during the follow-up period, and 5 were lost to follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups based on the development of ACC. The first group consisted of 56 (16%) patients with verified ACC, the second group included 294 (84%) patients without ACC.

RESULTS

Regression logistic and correlation analyses confirmed the prognostic significance for the development of ACC by 12 indicators. The risk of ACC in smokers was increased more than 7 times (odds ratio (OR) 7.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.42-16.21), and when type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) developed, more than 9 times (OR 9.47, 95% CI: 4.36-20.59); with chronic kidney disease (CKD), more than 6 times (OR 6.75, 95% CI: 3.41-13, 37); with a history of COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019) pneumonia, 7 times (OR 7.11, 95% CI: 3.04-16.58); with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), 6 times (OR 6, 35, 95% CI: 3.14-12.83); with CAVI index>7.2, almost 3 times (OR 2.69, 95% CI: 1.48-4.86); with PVWcf (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity) >13 m/s, more than 5 times (OR 5.61, 95% CI: 2.79-11.28); with R-AI index (augmentation index) >1, more than 2 times (OR 2.26, 95% CI: 1.3-3.9); and with an increase in the indexed left atrial volume (ILAV) >27 ml/m2, more than 8 times (OR 8.80, 95% CI: 4.61-16.79). In the presence of polymorphisms in the form of homozygosity for the minor allele of the AGT gene (Thr174Met, rs4762), the risk of developing ACC increased 14 times (OR 14.13, 95% CI: 4.69-42.57), the APOE gene (Cys130Arg, rs429358), 11 times (OR 11.18, 95% CI: 4.18-29.93), and in the intron of the PRARα gene (rs4253778), 8 times (OR 8.11, 95% CI: 3.75-17.53).

CONCLUSION

The development of ACC in patients with high compliance with treatment and a healthy lifestyle is associated with smoking, type 2 diabetes and CKD, a history of COVID-19 pneumonia, LVH, increased ILAV >27 g/m2, more pronounced arterial stiffness assessed by an increase in CAVI indices >7.2, R-AI >1, and PWVcf >13 m/s; and with the presence of polymorphism of the AGT, APOE and PPARα genes in the form of homozygosity for the minor allele.

Interaction of energy and sulfur microbial diet and smoking status with polygenic variants associated with lipoprotein metabolism

Introduction

Hypo-high-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia (hypo-HDL-C) contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases. The hypothesis that the polygenic variants associated with hypo-HDL-C interact with lifestyle factors was examined in 58,701 middle-aged Korean adults who participated in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES).

Methods

Participants were categorized into the Low-HDL (case; n = 16,980) and Normal-HDL (n = 41,721) groups. The participants in the Low-HDL group were selected using the guideline-based cutoffs for hypo-HDL-C (<40 mg/dL for men and < 50 mg/dL for women) and included those taking medication for dyslipidemia. The genes associated with hypo-HDL-C were determined through a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in a city hospital-based cohort, and the results were validated in the Ansan/Anung study. The genetic variants for the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-SNP interaction were selected using a generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis, and the polygenic risk score (PRS) generated was evaluated for interaction with lifestyle parameters.

Results

The participants with hypo-HDL-C showed a 1.45 and 1.36-fold higher association with myocardial infarction and stroke, respectively. The High-PRS with four SNPs, namely ZPR1_rs3741297, CETP_rs708272, BUD13_rs180327, and ALDH1A2_rs588136, and that with the 11q23.3 haplotype were positively associated with hypo-HDL-C by about 3 times, which was a 2.4-fold higher association than the PRS of 24 SNP with p < 5×10-8. The risk alleles of CETP_rs708272 and ALDH1A2_rs588136 were linked to increased expression in the heart and decreased in the brain, respectively. The selected SNPs were linked to the reverse cholesterol transport pathway, triglyceride-rich lipoprotein particle remodeling pathway, cholesterol storage, and macrophage-derived foam cell differentiation regulation. The PRS of the 4-SNP model interacted with energy intake and smoking status, while that of the haplotype interacted with a glycemic index of the diet, sulfur microbial diet, and smoking status.

Discussion

Adults with a genetic risk for hypo-HDL-C need to modulate their diet and smoking status to reduce their risk.

Proteome-Wide Association Studies for Blood Lipids and Comparison with Transcriptome-Wide Association Studies

Blood lipid traits are treatable and heritable risk factors for heart disease, a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have discovered hundreds of variants associated with lipids in humans, most of the causal mechanisms of lipids remain unknown. To better understand the biological processes underlying lipid metabolism, we investigated the associations of plasma protein levels with total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) in blood. We trained protein prediction models based on samples in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) and applied them to conduct proteome-wide association studies (PWAS) for lipids using the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium (GLGC) data. Of the 749 proteins tested, 42 were significantly associated with at least one lipid trait. Furthermore, we performed transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) for lipids using 9,714 gene expression prediction models trained on samples from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in MESA and 49 tissues in the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. We found that although PWAS and TWAS can show different directions of associations in an individual gene, 40 out of 49 tissues showed a positive correlation between PWAS and TWAS signed p-values across all the genes, which suggests a high-level consistency between proteome-lipid associations and transcriptome-lipid associations.

Sex-related differences in single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with dyslipidemia in a Korean population

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of dyslipidemia has increased steadily in Korea, and the incidence of dyslipidemia differs by sex. In this study, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to dyslipidemia in Korean cohorts through genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis.

METHODS

Genotyping was conducted to determine the genotypes of 72,298 participants and investigate genotypes for 7,079,946 SNPs. Sex, age, and BMI were set as covariates for GWAS, and significant SNPs were identified in the discovery and replication stages using logistic regression.

RESULTS

GWAS of the entire cohort revealed a total of five significant SNPs: rs117026536 (LPL), rs651821 (APOA5), rs9804646 (APOA5), rs9926440 (CETP), and rs429358 (APOE). GWAS of the male subjects revealed a total of four significant SNPs. While rs9804646 (APOA5) and rs429358 (APOE) were significant for all the subjects, rs662799 (APOA5) and rs56156922 (CETP) were significant only for the male subjects. GWAS of the female subjects revealed two significant SNPs, rs651821 (APOA5) and rs9804646 (APOA5), both of which were significant in all the subjects.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to identify sex-related differences in genetic polymorphisms in Korean populations with dyslipidemia. Further studies considering environmental variables will be needed to elucidate these sex-related genetic differences in dyslipidemia.

Suicide-Related Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, rs4918918 and rs10903034: Association with Dementia in Older Adults

Dementia has enormous implications for patients and the health care system. Genetic markers are promising for detecting the risk of cognitive impairment. We hypothesized that genetic variants associated with suicide risk might significantly increase the risk of cognitive decline because suicide in older adults is often a consequence of cognitive impairment. We investigated several single-nucleotide polymorphisms that were initially associated with suicide risk in dementia older adults and identified the APOE gene alleles. The study was performed with subjects over the age of 65: 112 patients with dementia and 146 healthy volunteers. The MMSE score was used to assess cognitive functions. Study participants were genotyped using real-time PCR (APOE: rs429358, rs7412; genes associated with suicide: rs9475195, rs7982251, rs2834789, rs358592, rs4918918, rs3781878, rs10903034, rs165774, rs16841143, rs11833579 rs10898553, rs7296262, rs3806263, and rs2462021). Genotype analysis revealed the significance of APOEε4, APOEε2, and rs4918918 (SORBS1) when comparing dementia and healthy control groups. The association of APOEε4, APOEε2, and rs10903034 (IFNLR1) with the overall MMSE score was indicated. The study found an association with dementia of rs4918918 (SORBS1) and rs10903034 (IFNLR1) previously associated with suicide and confirmed the association of APOEε4 and APOEε2 with dementia.

Associations of circadian rest/activity rhythms with cognition in middle-aged and older adults: Demographic and genetic interactions

Objectives

Wrist actigraphs (accelerometers) can record motor activity over multiple days and nights. The resulting data can be used to quantify 24-h activity profiles, known as circadian rest-activity rhythms (CRARs). Actigraphic CRARs have been tied to cognitive performance and decline in older adults; however, little is known about links between CRARs and performance or change in specific cognitive domains, or how individual differences may influence these associations. We investigated associations of actigraphic CRARs with cognitive performance and change in middle-aged and older adults, and explored whether age, sex/gender, race, and apolipoprotein E (APOE) e4 carrier status moderated these associations.

Materials and methods

Participants (N = 422; 47% male) were cognitively healthy adults (i.e., without mild cognitive impairment or dementia) at baseline aged ≥ 50 years from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging who completed 5.6 ± 0.89 nights of wrist actigraphy and tests of memory, executive function, attention, language, and visuospatial ability at the same visit the actigraph was issued; 292 participants had repeat cognitive testing 3.12 (1.58) years later. Predictors included indices of rhythm strength [i.e., amplitude; relative amplitude (RA); interdaily stability (IS); mesor], delayed timing of the rhythm peak [i.e., later acrophase; midpoint of an individual's least active 5 h (L5 time); midpoint of an individual's most active 10 h (M10 time)], and fragmentation [i.e., intradaily variability (IV)].

Results

In main effects, later L5 time was cross sectionally associated with poorer memory, and greater IS predicted slower longitudinal memory decline. Associations of CRARs with cognition differed as a function of age, sex/gender, race, and APOE e4 carrier status.

Conclusion

Among middle-aged and older adults, delayed circadian phase is associated with poorer memory performance, and greater day-to-day rhythm stability is associated with slower declines in memory. Significant interactions suggest that CRARs are generally more strongly associated with cognitive performance and rate of cognitive decline among women, Black adults, older individuals, and APOE e4 carriers. Replication in independent samples is needed.

Association between APOE Genotype with Body Composition and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Markers Is Modulated by BMI in Healthy Adults: Findings from the BODYCON Study

Body mass index (BMI) has been suggested to play an important role in the relationship between the APOLIPOPROTEIN (APO)E genotype and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Using data from the BODYCON cross-sectional study (n = 360 adults) we assessed the association between body composition and CVD risk markers according to APOE genotype, with examination of the role of BMI. In this study cohort, the APOE2/E3 group had lower fasting blood lipids than APOE4 carriers and APOE3/E3 group (p ≤ 0.01). After stratifying the group according to BMI, APOE4 carriers in the normal BMI subgroup had a higher lean mass compared with the APOE3/E3 group (p = 0.02) whereas in the overweight/obese subgroup, the android to gynoid percentage fat ratio was lower in APOE4 carriers than APOE3/E3 group (p = 0.04). Fasting lipid concentrations were only different between the APOE2/E3 and other genotype groups within the normal weight BMI subgroup (p ≤ 0.04). This finding was associated with a lower dietary fibre and a higher trans-fat intake compared with APOE4 carriers, and a lower carbohydrate intake relative to the APOE3/E3 group. Our results confirm previous reports that BMI modulates the effect of APOE on CVD risk markers and suggest novel interactions on body composition, with diet a potential modulator of this relationship.

Association between risk polymorphisms for neurodegenerative diseases and cognition in colombian patients with frontotemporal dementia

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disease of presenile onset. A better characterization of neurodegenerative disorders has been sought by using tools such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS), where associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and cognitive profiles could constitute predictive biomarkers for these diseases. However, in FTD, associations between genotypes and cognitive phenotypes are yet to be explored. Here, we evaluate a possible relationship between genetic variants and some cognitive functions in an FTD population.

Methodology

A total of 47 SNPs in genes associated with neurodegenerative diseases were evaluated using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform along with their possible relationship with performance in neuropsychological tests in 105 Colombian patients diagnosed with FTD.

Results and discussion

The SNPs rs429358 (APOE), rs1768208 (MOBP), and rs1411478 (STX6), were identified as risk factors for having a low cognitive performance in inhibitory control and phonological verbal fluency. Although the significance level was not enough to reach the corrected alpha for multiple comparison correction, our exploratory data may constitute a starting point for future studies of these SNPs and their relationship with cognitive performance in patients with a probable diagnosis of FTD. Further studies with an expansion of the sample size and a long-term design could help to explore the predictive nature of the potential associations we identified.

Combined homocysteine and apoE rs429358 and rs7412 polymorphism in association with serum lipid levels and cognition in Chinese community-dwelling older adults

BACKGROUND

ApoE gene polymorphism and serum total homocysteine (tHcy) has been reportedly associated with cognition. In this study, we assessed the association of combined ApoE gene polymorphism and tHcy with cognition in Chinese elder adults.

METHODS

A cross- sectional study was carried out by recruiting 1458 community-dwelling people aged 55+ and above in Beijing in 2009. All participants were interviewed using a standard questionnaire and underwent a physical examination. The mini-mental scale examination (MMSE) score was used in assessing cognitive function. Fasting venous blood samples were taken for ApoE rs429358, rs7412 genotyping, tHcy and other serum lipid measurements.

RESULTS

Participants with high serum tHcy level showed a relatively lower orientation, attention abilities as well as the total MMSE score than the group with normal tHcy after adjusting confounding factors. ApoE rs429358 and rs7412 variants were observed to have the highest serum TC and TG level in the subjects with high serum tHcy level (p <  0.05). Cognition of the subjects was found to be significantly associated with high serum tHcy level and ApoE genetic polymorphism (p <  0.05). Independent of age, BMI, education levels, smoking and alcohol drinking, the worst cognitive ability were detected in the high serum tHcy level subjects with ApoE rs429358C/T and rs7412 C/T as compare with other groups, especially orientation function, memory and delayed recall ability and attention ability.

CONCLUSION

High serum tHcy level in combination with ApoE rs429358 and rs7412 variants might be linked with serum lipid levels and cognition, particularly for orientation function and memory and delayed recall ability in old Chinese adults.

Long-covid cognitive impairment: Cognitive assessment and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotyping correlation in a Brazilian cohort

INTRODUCTION

Few studies have objectively evaluated cognitive deficits after the acute phase of COVID-19 disease. Moreover, the role of apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes in cognitive decline in patients with COVID-19 has not been evaluated yet.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in confirmed cases of COVID-19 patients with neurological symptoms that persisted for more than 3 months from the onset. We determined APOE genotypes.

RESULTS

The final sample consisted of 141 patients. The most frequent APOE genotype was E3/E3 (N = 95; 67.3%). In total, 93 patients (65.9%) had memory impairment symptoms as the main complaint, objectively confirmed through screening tests in 25 patients (17.7%). Patients with cognitive impairment had a lower frequency of anosmia than the normal and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) groups (p = 0.005). In addition, depression was recurrent in the cognitive impairment group and the SCD group (p = 0.046). Cognitive impairment was significantly more frequent in hospitalized patients and those with a lower education level. Cognitive status was not associated with APOE genotypes.

DISCUSSION

Hospitalized patients had more severe infection with a greater possibility of systemic complications, greater inflammatory response, and prolonged hospitalization, which could impact cognitive performance. Cognitive impairment in patients with COVID-19 does not necessarily involve specific APOE polymorphisms. However, psychiatric disorders may also be responsible for cognitive complaints. Cognitive complaints are frequent in patients with COVID-19, even after the acute phase of the disease and in mild cases. Hospitalized participants and depressed patients may have a higher risk of cognitive impairment. APOE genotypes or haplotypes may not significantly play a role in COVID-19 cognitive impairment.

The effects of genetic polymorphisms of APOE on circulating lipid levels in middle-aged and elderly chinese Fujian Han population: toward age- and sex-personalized management

Background

Increased evidence has reported the association of genetic polymorphisms of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) with serum lipids. However, few studies have explored the combined effects of APOE, gender, and age.

Methods

A total of 1,419 middle-aged and elderly subjects were randomly selected and studied. The APOE genotypes and the serum lipids were detected. The effects of APOE, gender, and age on serum lipids were preliminarily observed in general. The subjects were then divided into the middle-aged group (40–64 years old) and the elderly group (≥ 65 years old), for both males and females, to explore the combined effects of the APOE, gender, and age on serum lipids. Finally, a multivariate logistic regression model was used to evaluate the associations between the APOE allele carriers and the at-risk levels of dyslipidemia.

Results

The serum TC, LDL-C, and ApoB in the ε2 carriers were lower than the ε3 carriers (all P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in the ε4 carriers compared to the ε3 carriers in general (all P > 0.05). The serum LDL-C and ApoB of the ε2 carriers were lower than the noncarriers in the middle-aged and elderly males (all P < 0.05). The serum TC in the ε2 carriers was lower than the noncarriers only in middle-aged males (P < 0.05). As to the levels of serum HDL-C and ApoA1, the ε2 carriers were higher than the noncarriers in middle-aged females (all P < 0.05), and the ε4 carriers were lower than noncarriers in middle-aged males (P < 0.05). Especially, the serum TG in the ε4 carriers was significantly higher than the noncarriers in elderly females. The logistic regression analysis indicated that the ε2 carriers were less likely to have at-risk levels of high LDL-C in middle-aged and elderly males (all P < 0.05) versus low HDL-C in middle-aged females (P < 0.05). In contrast, the ε4 carriers were more likely to have at-risk levels of high TG in elderly females (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The effects of the genetic polymorphisms of APOE on the serum lipids were both gender- and age-dependent in the middle-aged and elderly Chinese Fujian Han population.

Identifying Imaging Genetics Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease by Multi-Task Sparse Canonical Correlation Analysis and Regression

Imaging genetics combines neuroimaging and genetics to assess the relationships between genetic variants and changes in brain structure and metabolism. Sparse canonical correlation analysis (SCCA) models are well-known tools for identifying meaningful biomarkers in imaging genetics. However, most SCCA models incorporate only diagnostic status information, which poses challenges for finding disease-specific biomarkers. In this study, we proposed a multi-task sparse canonical correlation analysis and regression (MT-SCCAR) model to reveal disease-specific associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms and quantitative traits derived from multi-modal neuroimaging data in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort. MT-SCCAR uses complementary information carried by multiple-perspective cognitive scores and encourages group sparsity on genetic variants. In contrast with two other multi-modal SCCA models, MT-SCCAR embedded more accurate neuropsychological assessment information through linear regression and enhanced the correlation coefficients, leading to increased identification of high-risk brain regions. Furthermore, MT-SCCAR identified primary genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), including rs429358, and found some association patterns between genetic variants and brain regions. Thus, MT-SCCAR contributes to deciphering genetic risk factors of brain structural and metabolic changes by identifying potential risk biomarkers.

Race-Related Association between APOE Genotype and Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The global race-dependent association of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype is not well understood. Transethnic analysis of APOE could clarify the role of genetics in AD risk across populations.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine how race and APOE genotype affect the risks for AD.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library since 1993 to Aug 25, 2020. A total of 10,395 reports were identified, and 133 were eligible for analysis with data on 77,402 participants. Studies contained AD clinical diagnostic and APOE genotype data. Homogeneous data sets were pooled in case-control analyses. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for developing AD were calculated for populations of different races and APOE genotypes.

RESULTS

The proportion of APOE genotypes and alleles differed between populations of different races. Results showed that APOEɛ4 was a risk factor for AD, whereas APOEɛ2 protected against it. The effects of APOEɛ4 and ɛ2 on AD risk were distinct in various races, they were substantially attenuated among Black people. Sub-group analysis found a higher frequency of APOEɛ4/ɛ4 and lower frequency of APOEɛ3/ɛ3 among early-onset AD than late-onset AD in a combined group and different races.

CONCLUSION

Our meta-analysis suggests that the association of APOE genotypes and AD differ between races. These results enhance our understanding of APOE-related risk for AD across race backgrounds and provide new insights into precision medicine for AD.

Apolipoprotein E Genotype, Meat, Fish, and Egg Intake in Relation to Mortality Among Older Adults: A Longitudinal Analysis in China

Introduction: The interactions between apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype and diet pattern changes were found significant in several trials, implying that APOE gene may modify the effect of animal protein-rich food on health outcomes. We aim to study the interaction of APOE genotype with the effect of meat, fish and egg intake on mortality.

Methods: This population-based study enrolled 8,506 older adults (mean age: 81.7 years, 52.3% female) from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study. The intake frequency of meat, fish and egg was assessed by 3-point questions at baseline. Cox regression was conducted to calculate the hazard ratios for all-cause mortality of intake levels of meat, fish and egg. The analyses were stratified by APOE genotype and sex. The analyses were performed in 2020.

Results: In the multivariable-adjusted models, meat and fish intake was associated with all-cause mortality (high vs. low intake: meat: HR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.28; fish: HR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.73, 0.95). APOE genotype have significant interactions with meat and fish intake (Ps < 0.05). Compared with low fish intake, high fish intake was associated with lower risk of mortality (HR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.56–0.98) only among the APOE ε4 carriers. High meat intake was significantly associated with higher risks of mortality (HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04–1.25) only among the APOE ε4 non-carriers. The interactive relationship was restricted among the male. No significant findings were observed between egg and mortality among carriers or non-carriers.

Conclusions: Among Chinese older adults, the significance of associations of mortality with reported meat or fish intake depended on APOE-E4 carriage status. If validated by other studies, our findings provide evidence for gene-based “precision” lifestyle recommendations.

Association between cognitive impairment and apolipoprotein A1 or apolipoprotein B levels is regulated by apolipoprotein E variant rs429358 in patients with chronic schizophrenia

ApoE gene polymorphism may be involved in the change in blood lipid profile and cognitive impairment of the general population. However, few studies explored the effects of ApoE gene polymorphism on blood lipid levels and cognition in schizophrenia. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) was employed to evaluate the cognition and the SNPStats was used to investigate the association of ApoE rs429358 with schizophrenia. The models of analysis of covariance and multivariate analysis were conducted to investigate the effect of ApoE rs429358 on cognition in schizophrenia. Altogether, 637 patients with schizophrenia and 467 healthy controls were recruited in this study. The findings in the case group found that both the ApoA1 and ApoB levels were predictors for RBANS total score (p < 0.001 vs. p = 0.011), immediate memory (p < 0.001 vs. p = 0.019), language (p < 0.001 vs. p = 0.013), attention (p < 0.001 vs. p < 0.001), except ApoA1 level only was a predictor for visuospatial/constructional (p = 0.014) and delayed memory (p < 0.001). When the association was examined in different ApoE rs429358 genotype subgroups, the association between ApoA1 level and RBANS scores (except for the language score) or between ApoB level and RBANS scores (except for the attention score) was regulated by ApoE rs429358. Our results suggest that patients with schizophrenia have broad cognitive impairment compared with healthy controls. For patients with schizophrenia, both ApoA1 and ApoB levels were positively associated with cognition. There was a significant association between ApoA1 or ApoB levels and cognition in schizophrenia, which was regulated by the ApoE rs429358.

The relationship between ApoE gene polymorphism and the efficacy of statins controlling hyperlipidemia

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between ApoE gene polymorphism and clinical efficacy of statins on lipidemia.

METHODS

Peripheral venous blood was obtained from 220 patients with hyperlipidemia who were admitted to the outpatient department of our hospital. The potential relationship between ApoE gene polymorphism and clinical effect of statins was analyzed.

RESULTS

In the three isomers (E2, E3, E4) of ApoE, expression level of ApoE protein in ApoE4 gene carriers was significantly different from that in E2 or E3 gene carriers (both P<0.05). At the same time, both the decrease rate of total cholesterol (TC) in blood lipid and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and the rise rate of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in ApoE4 carriers after taking statins were much lower than those in non-ApoE4 patients (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

ApoE gene polymorphism is associated with hyperlipidemia and has certain influence on the clinical efficacy of statins in treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Impact of IL10, MTP, SOD2, and APOE Gene Polymorphisms on the Severity of Liver Fibrosis Induced by HCV Genotype 4

Complications of hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infection cause ~400,000 deaths worldwide annually. One complication, liver fibrosis, is influenced by host genetic factors. Genes influencing fibrosis include immune, metabolic, oxidative stress, and viral entry genes, such as interleukin 10 (IL10), microsomal triglyceride-transfer protein (MTP), superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD2), and apolipoprotein E (APOE)-encoding genes, respectively. Thus, correlating variations in these genes with HCV-induced fibrosis represents an attractive biomarker for the prognosis of fibrosis severity in chronically infected patients. Here, we aimed to test whether polymorphisms in IL10, MTP, SOD2, and APOE genes correlated with the severity of fibrosis induced by HCV genotype 4 (HCV-gt4) in a cohort of chronically infected Egyptian patients. Our results demonstrate a significant association between the severity of fibrosis and specific SNPs in IL-10, SOD2, and ApoE-encoding genes. Haplotype-combination analysis for IL10, MTP, SOD2, and APOE showed statistically significant associations between specific haplotype combinations and fibrosis severity. Identifying biomarkers correlating with the severity of HCV-gt4-induced fibrosis would significantly impact precision prophylaxis and treatment of patients at risk.

Association of APOE genotype with lipid profiles and type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Korean population

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with chronic hyperglycemia and lipid metabolism. A previous genome-wide association study revealed the TOMM40-APOE region as novel locus for T2DM susceptibility.

OBJECTIVE

This association study was conducted to determine the genetic effects of APOE single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on T2DM susceptibility and lipid profiles in a Korean population.

METHODS

A total of 6 tagging SNPs, including rs7412 and rs429358, were selected for ε genotype analysis and genotyped in 1436 subjects, consisting of 352 T2DM patients and 1084 unaffected controls.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analyses were conducted and there were no significant associations among the APOE 6 tagging SNPs, ε genotypes, and haplotypes with T2DM susceptibility. To investigate the association of the APOE tagging SNPs with the lipid profiles, a regression analysis was conducted. As a result, rs7412 was significantly associated with the total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels (P_corr = 2.30 × 10^-5 and 3.39 × 10^-13, respectively) in the unaffected controls. The ε2 allele and ε3 allele were significantly associated with the TC (P_corr = 4.46 × 10^-6 and 0.02, respectively) and LDL levels (P_corr = 3.54 × 10^-14 and 0.0006, respectively) in the unaffected controls. Further analysis of only the unaffected controls was conducted. As a result, the APOE alleles ε2 and ε3 showed a significant association with the TC and LDL levels (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study may help in understanding APOE polymorphisms and ε alleles and lipid profiles, which have been highly linked to T2DM, in a Korean population.

Interaction between APOE ε4 and dietary protein intake on cognitive decline: A longitudinal cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To exam the association of cognitive decline with APOE ε4 allele carriage and dietary protein intake and investigate whether there is a gene-diet (GxD) interaction of APOE ε4 allele carriage and dietary protein intake on cognitive decline in a nationwide cohort of older adults.

METHODS

A cohort study of participants from Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey was conducted from 2008 to 2014. A total of 3029 participants (mean age of 77.0 years, SD = 9.0; 49.3% were women) was enrolled. We genotyped APOE ε4 allele for each participant and calculated the diversity of dietary protein intake (DDPI) by summing up the frequency of intake of the 6 protein-rich foods (meats, fish, eggs, nuts, dairy products, and bean products). We assessed cognitive function using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). We used ordinal regression model to estimate the independent and joint effects of APOE ε4 carrier and dietary protein intake on cognitive decline, adjusting for potential confounders of age, sex, education, socio-economic status, lifestyles, BMI, and cardiometabolic conditions.

RESULTS

There was significant association between carrying APOE ε4 allele and faster cognitive decline (Odds ratio: 1.19, 95% CI = 1.00-1.42), independent of potential confounders. While the associations of DDPI and the intake of 6 protein-rich foods with cognitive decline did not reach any statistical significance. We observed significant interactions of APOE ε4 with DDPI and fish intake, at multiple correction-adjusted Ps < 0.05. In those who were APOE ε4 carriers rather than non-carriers, both high DDPI (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.34-0.88) and daily fish intake (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.22-0.78) were significantly associated with slower cognitive decline, respectively. We also found that frequent intake of fish benefits women more than men regarding the mitigating of cognitive decline among APOE ε4 allele carriers (P for interaction = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study support the hypothesis that diversified protein food intake in addition to frequent fish intake may reduce the detrimental effect of APOE ε4 on cognitive health.

Association of Androgens and Gonadotropins with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Probable Alzheimer’s Disease in Chinese Elderly Men

Background: Age-related hormone changes play important roles in cognitive decline in older men, and apolipoprotein E ɛ4 (APOE ɛ4) is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objective: This study aimed to investigate the interactive role of androgen decline and APOE ɛ4 genotype in the pathogenesis of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and AD. Methods: In total, 576 elderly men over 65 years old from communities in Shijiazhuang were enrolled in this study, including 243 with normal cognition (NC), 271 with aMCI, and 62 with probable AD. Cognitive function was evaluated with a battery of neuropsychological tests. The serum levels of androgen and gonadotropin were detected by ELISA and chemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: The levels of free testosterone (FT) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were lower in the aMCI group (p < 0.05), and even lower in the AD group (p < 0.001), but the levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were higher in AD group (p < 0.01), comparing with that in NC or aMCI group. The interaction of lower FT or DHT levels with APOE ɛ4 had a risk role in global cognitive impairment (p < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curve for predicting aMCI by serum FT levels was 0.745. Conclusion: These results indicated that the interaction of androgen decline and APOE ɛ4 genotype play a role in aMCI and AD. Serum FT levels have a predictive value for aMCI and might be a potential biomarker for prodromal AD.

Childhood trauma interacts with ApoE to influence neurocognitive function in women living with HIV

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) describes a spectrum of behavioural, motor and cognitive disturbances that can occur secondary to HIV infection. Less severe forms of the disorder persist despite advances in antiretroviral medication efficacy and availability. Childhood trauma (CT) may predispose individuals to developing HAND. As genetic variation in human apolipoprotein E (ApoE) has been implicated in cognitive decline and may mediate the development of long-term health outcomes following CT, we investigated the influence of ApoE and CT on cognitive function in the context of HIV. One hundred twenty-eight HIV-positive Xhosa women completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF) as well as the HIV Neurobehavioural Research Center neurocognitive test battery. rs7412 and rs429358 were genotyped using KASP assays, and this data was used to determine the ApoE isoform. Baseline differences in demographic and clinical variables according to CT exposure were calculated. Analysis of covariance was used to assess the contributions of CT and ApoE variants, as well as their interaction, to cognitive function. Eighty-eight participants reported experiencing CT. The rs7412 C allele protected against the harmful effect of CT on motor scores using an additive model. The interaction of ApoE ε4 and CT was associated with worse attention/working memory scores. ApoE ε4, alone and in combination with CT, is associated with poorer cognitive function. Further research into this gene-environment interaction may assist in identifying at-risk individuals for targeted interventions.

Association study between DNA methylation and genetic variation of APOE gene with the risk of coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common health problem with a high rate of disability and death. Dyslipidemia and altered metabolism of Apo-lipoproteins are involved in the CAD pathogenesis. The current study investigated two common polymorphisms (rs429358 and rs7412) and promoter DNA methylation status of APOE in the Iranian CAD patients and control subjects. Two hundred angiographically documented CAD patients and 200 control subjects were included in the study. The APOE polymorphism analysis was done by PCR-RFLP technique and DNA methylation status was evaluated by methylation specific PCR. The assay of lipid levels was conducted using standard colorimetric protocols. Results indicated that the frequency of ε3/ε4 and ε2/ε3 genotypes was significantly more common in CAD group compared with control group. Relative to wild type genotype (ε3/ε3), CAD patients with ε3/ε4 and ε2/ε3 genotypes displayed significantly higher concentration of total-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. The frequency of DNA methylation of APOE was similar between the two studied groups. However, the methylation frequency of APOE gene was significantly higher in triple stenotic vessels relative to single stenotic vessels (P=0.032). In conclusion The present study indicated that the rs429358 and rs7412 polymorphisms are significantly risk factors for development and severity of CAD. Also, APOE methylation status may be involved in the severity but not in the development of CAD.

Establishment of TUSMi007-A, an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line from an 83-year old Chinese Han patient with Alzheimer's disease (AD)

An 83-year old Alzheimer's disease (AD) male patient donated his Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The non-integrating episomal vector system used to reprogram PBMCs with the human OKSM transcription factors. The pluripotency of transgene-free iPSCs was confirmed by immunocytochemistry for pluripotency markers and by the ability of the iPSCs to differentiate spontaneously into 3 germ layers in vitro. In addition, the iPSC line displayed a normal karyotype. Our model might offer a good platform to further study the pathological mechanisms, to identify early biomarkers, and also for drug testing studies in AD.