Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism in Patients with Myocardial Infarction

Background and Objectives:In this study we investigated the association between the polymorphism of apolipoprotein E and the development of myocardial infarction, and assessed whether this polymorphism pr- oduces any changes of plasma lipid level. Subjects and Methods:A total of 182 patients participated in this study and were divided into two groups; 91 patients with myocardial infarction (MI group and 91 patients with no known heart disease (control group. For both groups we analyzed the clinical parameters, the chan- ges of plasma lipid level and the degree of polymorphism of apolipoprotein E. Results:Total cholesterol, tri- glyceride and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the MI group, while the HDL cholesterol level was significantly lower. Compared with the control group, the frequency of e2 allele was significantly lower while that of e 3 allele was significantly higher in the MI group. As for the control group, the triglyce- ride level was significantly higher in the patients with e 2 allele than in those without e 2 allele, and the total cholesterol level was significantly higher in the patients with e 4 allele than in those without e 4 allele. In the MI group, the plasma lipid levels were not significantly different from those in the control group. Conclusion: We suggested that apolipoprotein E polymorphism could affect the lipid metabolism as well as the develop- ment of myocardial infarction. However further study is needed in patients with myocardial infarction. ( ( ( (Korean Circulation J 2002;32(1 :31-37