Abstract

ASENSIO-SANCHEZ, V.M.; RODRIGUEZ-MARTIN, T.; GALA-MOLINA, I.  and  RODRIGUEZ-FERNANDEZ, I.. Age-related macular degeneration: its association with the e4 allele the apolipoprotein E gene. Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol [online]. 2006, vol.81, n.1, pp.09-12. ISSN 0365-6691.

Objective: The apolipoprotein E (APOE) e4 allele is a well-established factor associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This disorder is characterized by a typical progressive central visual impairment. Our aim was to study further the relationship of the APOE genotype associated with AMD. Materials and methods: We evaluated a group of 95 patients with AMD and 65 controls. The APOE genotype for each participant in the study was determined. Results: The allele was associated with age-related macular degeneration (OR = 5.6; 95% CI= 3.4-8.8 ; p< 0.001). Female patients with at least one e4 allele had a significantly earlier age at diagnosis (e4+ = 72.2 S.D. 5.1; e4- = 78.8 ± 5.7; p<0.001). Conclusions: The APOE e4 allele is not a protective factor for AMD, but is associated with an increased risk of its development.

Keywords : Apolipoprotein E; allele e4; age-related macular degeneration.

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