Association between Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism and Type 2 Diabetes in Subjects Aged 65 or Over

Background: Increased prevalence of diabetes in recent years is linked with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Apolipoprotein E (apo E) polymorphism is well known to be related to hyperlipidemia and coronary heart disease, but only a few studies investigated the association between apo E polymorphism and diabetes or insulin resistance. In Korea, two studies with relatively small subjects reported controversial results. Therefore, we investigated the association between apo E polymorphism and diabetes in elderly community population. Methods: 982 elderly people aged 65 or over in Seongnam city were enrolled. We measured anthropometric variables and blood pressure and performed biochemical tests including fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c, and lipid profiles. Apo E polymorphism was determined by PCR-RFLP method.Results: Frequencies of apo E isoforms and alleles were similar to those of other reports. Subjects with e4 allele had significantly higher total and LDL-cholesterol levels. However, there were no differences in cholesterol levels between normal subjects and diabetes. Diabetes was not related to apo E polymorphism.Conclusion: In Korean aged 65 or over, subjects with diabetes didn't have increased total or LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, and decreased HDL-cholesterol levels. Diabetes and apo E polymorphism were not related. (J Kor Diabetes Assoc 32:30~37, 2008)