Beskrivning
Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) function is to transport cholesterol and other lipids in blood circulation and the central nervous system. The human ApoE gene exists as three polymorphic alleles – ε2, ε3 and ε4.
Individuals with the ε4 genotype recover from brain injury much more slowly, have an increased danger of postoperative complications in cognitive functions, and also have a much worse general prognosis. The ε4 genotype is also associated with an elevated risk of late onset Alzheimer’s disease and coronary heart disease.