Relationship between the Apolipoprotein e Genotype and LDL Particle Size in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with dyslipidemia and increased cardiovascular risk. We assessed the effects of apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particle size and lipid subclasses (separated by gradient gel electrophoresis) in patients with OSA. Stable patients (n = 181) prospectively recruited underwent full polysomnography. Both LDL particle size and LDL I proportion were reduced from ϵ3ϵ3 homozygotes to ϵ2 carriers and to ϵ4 carriers (analysis of variance: P =.024; P =.040, respectively); carriers of the ϵ4 allele of the APOE genotype had significantly lower LDL particle size and LDL I proportion compared to ϵ3ϵ3 homozygotes (P