Introduction: The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is a promising candidate for the diagnosis of hyperlipoproteinaemia and atherosclerosis. Polymorphisms in APOE have been reported to result in differential efficacies of statin drugs in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Methods: We classified the APOE genotypes of 225 patients treated with atorvastatin, and analysed the relation between genotypes and serum lipid levels.
Results: The baseline serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly lower in carriers of APOE ε3 than of APOE ε4 genotypes. The serum levels of TC and LDL-C decreased significantly after 1 month of atorvastatin treatment. Atorvastatin has a higher significant effect in reducing serum TC and LDL-C levels in patients with the APOE ε4 genotype.
Conclusion: Polymorphism in the APOE gene is related to the efficacy of atorvastatin in reducing the serum levels of TC and LDL-C.