Apolipoprotein E phenotype modifies metabolic and hemodynamic abnormalities related to central obesity in women.

Apolipoprotein E (apo E) is a normal constituent of very-low-density lipoproteins and it participates in the metabolism of both low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and apo E-containing lipoproteins. In the present study, the aim was to examine to what extent apo E phenotypes modify central obesity-induced changes in serum lipids, insulin, and blood pressure in obese women. Altogether, 143 middle-aged obese women with a body mass index (in kg/m2) of 28.0-43.0 were examined. Twelve had apo E 3,2 phenotype, 93 had apo E 3,3 phenotype, and 38 had either apo E 4,3 or 4,4 (4,3 + 4,4 group) phenotype. Serum total and LDL cholesterol were lower in the apo E 3,2 group than in other groups, but no significant differences were observed in other lipid variables in this regard. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure measures tended to be lowest in subjects with apo E 3,2 phenotype and highest in those with apo E 4,3 or 4,4 phenotype (P = 0.08-0.15 for trend). When serum lipids, blood pressure, and insulin were analyzed by waist circumference and apo E phenotype group, it became evident that women who had central obesity and the apo E 4 allele had the highest blood pressures, insulin-glucose ratios, and insulin concentrations. These results suggest that apo E phenotype significantly modifies the central obesity-induced changes in metabolic and hemodynamic variables characteristic of insulin resistance.