Apolipoprotein E polymorphism in northwestern Greece: frequency and effect on lipid parameters.

Apolipoprotein (apo) E gene polymorphism and its effect on serum lipid parameters were examined in a Greek population originating from northwestern Greece (n = 555). The allele frequencies were epsilon2: 6.3%, epsilon3: 80.7%, and epsilon4: 13.0%. The epsilon4 allele frequency was higher in our population than was previously reported in individuals from other parts of Greece. ApoE polymorphism was associated with significant differences in serum lipid, and lipoprotein levels. Particularly, individuals with the epsilon2 allele had higher serum triglyceride and apoE levels and lower levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apoB, compared to those with the alleles epsilon3 and epsilon4. However, the impact of the epsilon4 allele on lipid parameters seen in other populations was not observed in our population. Furthermore, the combination of apoE polymorphism and serum apoE concentration explained a larger percentage of serum lipid variability than the polymorphism alone. In conclusion, the results of our study suggest that ethnic differences, as well as alterations of serum apoE levels, significantly modify the relationship between apoE gene polymorphism and serum lipid variability.