Review Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism and its Effects on Hyperlipoproteinemia and Atherosclerosis

Apo E isoforms are one of the many risk factors of atherosclerosis. About 90% of Type III hyperlipoproteinemia patients are known to be apo E2/2. Apo lipoprotein E has a vital role in the metabolism of lipoproteins by acting as a ligand in receptor binding. Variants of apo E are responsible for the variance of lipid and lipoprotein levels between individuals. Most common form of apo E is E3 and the most common variants are E4 and E2. There are about a dozen of rare variants of apo E that have receptor binding defects and as a result cause Type III hyperlipoproteinemia and premature atherosclerosis.