What is the relationship among atherosclerosis markers, apolipoprotein E polymorphism and dementia?

C. Altamura, R. Squitti, P. Pasqualetti, F. Tibuzzi, M. Silvestrini, M. C. Ventriglia, E. Cassetta, P. M. Rossini, F. Vernieri

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Evidence suggests the important role of vascular factors both in vascular dementia (VaD) and Alzheimer disease (AD) pathogenesis. However, the relationship between apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphism and markers of atherosclerosis is still controversial. The aim of the study was to investigate the interplay between APOE polymorphisms and atherosclerosis in patients with AD and VaD. In this cross-sectional study, 101 demented (68 AD and 33 VaD) patients underwent APOE genotyping and neck vessel ultrasound to evaluate carotid artery disease [intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaques]. Patients with AD carrying ε4 allele presented increased IMT values with respect to non-ε4 carriers and VaD patients, whereas no relation was found between APOE polymorphisms and the presence or grade of carotid plaques both in AD and VaD patients. The ε4 APOE allele may promote intima-media thickening, interacting with other factors contributing to AD development.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)679-682
Number of pages4
JournalEuropean Journal of Neurology
Volume14
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2007

Keywords

  • Alzheimer dementia
  • Apolipoprotein E polymorphism
  • Carotid atherosclerosis
  • intimamedia thickness
  • Vascular dementia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Neuroscience(all)

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