IngentaConnect The association between apolipoprotein E and multiple sclerosis

Authors: Pinholt, M.¹; Frederiksen, J. L.¹; Christiansen, M.²

Source: European Journal of Neurology, Volume 13, Number 6, June 2006 , pp. 573-580(8)

Abstract:

The article is a complete literature study that investigates the association between apolipoprotein E (Apo E) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Apo E is an important factor in transport, uptake, and redistribution of cholesterol, which is significant to remodelling and repair of nerve tissue. Apo E is involved in neurodegenerative diseases and the most well known association is between Apo ɛ4 and Alzheimer's disease. Only one study found that homozygosity for Apo ɛ4 does cause an increased risk of developing MS. No results indicate that heterozygosity for Apo ɛ4 causes a greater risk of developing MS. No association between the Apo ɛ4 allele and MS subgroups, age of onset, and gender has been found. The association between Apo ɛ4 and relapse rate is contradictory. Most results confirm the hypothesis about an association between the Apo ɛ4 allele and increased disease progression. Two longitudinal studies found an association between Apo ɛ4 and increased disease progression. Half of the cross-sectional studies found the same association. Four of seven published studies examining the association between Apo ɛ4 and increased disease progression using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) found a significant association. Apo ɛ4 appears to be a predisposing factor to a faster disease progression in MS.

Keywords: apolipoprotein E and review; multiple sclerosis

Document Type: Review article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2006.01360.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Neurology, Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark 2: Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen S, Denmark

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$50.39 plus tax Refund Policy