PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - M A Wozniak
AU  - E B Faragher
AU  - J A Todd
AU  - K A Koram
AU  - E M Riley
AU  - R F Itzhaki
TI  - Does apolipoprotein E polymorphism influence susceptibility to malaria?
AID  - 10.1136/jmg.40.5.348
DP  - 2003 May 01
TA  - Journal of Medical Genetics
PG  - 348--351
VI  - 40
IP  - 5
4099  - http://jmg.bmj.com/content/40/5/348.short
4100  - http://jmg.bmj.com/content/40/5/348.full
SO  - J Med Genet2003 May 01; 40
AB  - Outcome of infection varies greatly among people, and in the case of three very different viruses, it is determined by apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. APOE might affect outcome of malaria infection also, since apoE protein and the protozoon (like the viruses) share cell entry mediators (heparan sulphate proteoglycans and/or specific apoE receptors). APOE polymorphisms give rise to protein variants that differ in binding strength to these mediators; thus, the extent of competition between apoE and protozoon for cell entry, and hence magnitude of protozoan damage, might depend on apoE isoform. Genotypes of infants infected with malaria were examined. It was found that APOE ε2 homozygotes became infected at an earlier age than those carrying the other genotypes, the difference being statistically significant. Parasite densities, all of which were low, did not differ significantly. This effect, although based on small numbers, suggests that APOE ε2 may be a risk factor for early infection.