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

• Published in: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry neurosurgery and psychiatry, 2002-06, Vol.72 (6), p.732-736
• Main Authors: Solfrizzi, V, Panza, F, D'Introno, A, Colacicco, A M, Capurso, C, Basile, A M, Capurso, A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age; Age Factors; Aged; Alzheimer Disease - etiology; Alzheimer Disease - genetics; Alzheimer's disease; apolipoprotein E; Apolipoproteins; Apolipoproteins E - genetics; Biological and medical sciences; Cerebrovascular disease; Cerebrovascular Disorders - etiology; Cerebrovascular Disorders - genetics; Cholesterol; Cholesterol - blood; Degenerative and inherited degenerative diseases of the nervous system. Leukodystrophies. Prion diseases; Dementia; DNA - genetics; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; LDL; lipoprotein(a); Lipoprotein(a) - blood; Lipoproteins; low density lipoprotein; Lp(a); Lp(a) lipoprotein; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Neurology; odds ratio; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Polymorphism; Polymorphism, Genetic; Regression analysis; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; total cholesterol
• ISSN: 0022-3050; 1468-330X
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.72.6.732

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 ≥ 360 mg/l, the effect of age (≥ 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.