Lipoprotein(a), apolipoprotein E genotype, and risk of Alzheimer's disease

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2002 Jun;72(6):732-6. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.72.6.732.

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the possible role of serum lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), apolipoprotein E polymorphism, and total cholesterol (TC) serum concentrations in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods: Lp(a) serum concentrations, apolipoprotein E genotypes, and TC serum concentrations were determined in 61 patients with a diagnosis of probable AD and in 63 healthy unrelated age matched controls. Genomic DNA was obtained and amplified by polymerase chain reaction and apolipoprotein E genotypes were defined following a previously described procedure.

Results: Lp(a) serum concentrations were significantly associated in a non-linear relation with an increased risk for AD, independently of apolipoprotein E genotypes and sex and dependent on age (truth association) and TC serum concentrations (spurious association). The effect of age adjusted for TC on the odds of having AD increased non-linearly with increasing Lp(a) serum concentrations, with a plateau between 70 and 355 mg/l (odds ratio 11.33). For Lp(a) serum concentrations > or = 360 mg/l, the effect of age (> or = 72 years) was associated with a reduction in odds of having AD (odds ratio 0.15).

Conclusion: It is suggested that increased Lp(a) serum concentrations, by increasing the risk for cerebrovascular disease, may have a role in determining clinical AD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / etiology
  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics*
  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics*
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / etiology
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / genetics
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • DNA / genetics
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Humans
  • Lipoprotein(a) / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins E
  • Lipoprotein(a)
  • DNA
  • Cholesterol