Apolipoprotein E and Atherosclerosis
I n humans, apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a polymorphic multifunctional protein. 1 It is coded by three alleles (⑀2, ⑀3, ⑀4) of a modulator gene (level, variability, and susceptibility gene) at the apoE locus on chromosome 19, determining six apoE genotypes and plasma phenotypes.Its pleiotropic effects are exerted on plasma lipoprotein metabolism, coagulation, oxidative processes, macrophage, glial cell and neuronal cell homeostasis, adrenal function, central nervous system physiology, inflammation, and cell proliferation. 2,3ApoE polymorphism modulates susceptibility to many diseases.It is, however, particularly notorious for its role in neurodegenerative disorders 4 and atherosclerotic arterial disease. 5,6The ⑀4 allele (phenotypes E4/4 and E4/3) that