[Influence of genetic and environmental factors on lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk associated with the apoE gene].

The apolipoprotein E (ApoE) plays an important role in lipid metabolism. This apoprotein presents three major isoforms (apoE2, apoE3 and apoE4) that modulate lipid levels. Carriers of the apoE4 allele have higher total and LDL-cholesterol plasma concentration and a greater coronary risk, particularly for myocardial infarction. Nevertheless, not all the people with this allele develop the disease, which suggests that other genetic or environmental factors are necessary for its total expression. In this review, we will analyze the importance of several polymorphisms in the apoE gene promoter region, as well as various environmental factors, including diet, in the association of this gene with lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk.