The ApoE ( or apolipoprotein E) protein is found on chlymicrons and other lipoproteins particles. There are three different known varieties of the ApoE gene ( e2,e3,e4) and six combinations of expressions based on these two alleles. It is now known that the E3/E4 is associated with a higher incidence of atherosclerosis and the Apo E4/E4 is associated with a higher incidence of Alzheimer's Disease ( AD). Testing is straight forward if your doctor knows the right test to do. The test I have done when non covered and now covered by insurance is the Berkley Heart Laboratory Testing. The testing is straight forward - the following genotypes and their recommendations.
There are six possible Apo E genotypes
e2/e2
e3/e3
e4/e4
e2/e3
e3/e4
e2/e4
1. e3/e3 or e2/e4 e3 is considered normal with no associated risk factors
e3/e3 is the most common genotype (60% of the general population
2. e2/e2 or e2/e3 e2 carriers with high cholesterol and TG respond to 'statin' therapy
These carriers do not respond to a low fat diet
e2 carriers have a positive response to drinking alcohol
e2 carriers have a low LDL but a high TG(triglyceride)
e2/e2 more than likely with develop a type III hyperlipoproteinemia
type III hyperlipoproteinemia has yellow plaques - xanthomas
3. e3/e4 associated with high levels of LDL and TG
higher incidence of development of early cardiovascular disease -
may not respond to 'conventional' statin therapy
may do well with a low - fat diet
4. e4/e4 higher incidence for the development of Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia
So what does all this mean ? It means ask your doctor for the Berkley Heart Lab Test. Secondly read this book, ApoE Gene Diet, by Friend and fellow graduate from Integrative Medicine, Pamela McDonald.
www.apoegenediet.com Once you find our what ApoE gene you are you can follow a specific dietary protocol.
Until tomorrow...
No comments:
Post a Comment