Apolipoprotein E Alleles Across the Spectrum of Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

What was studied

This review looked at APOE gene variants in frontotemporal lobar degeneration. It compared carrier status with healthy controls. It also compared it with people with Alzheimer's disease. Searches covered MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL and Google Scholar. The review included many studies. It pooled odds ratios for carrier status.

What they found

APOE4 was more common in frontotemporal dementia than in controls. Its odds ratio was 1.72. It was less common than in Alzheimer's disease. APOE2 was less common than in controls. It was more common than in Alzheimer's disease. APOE4 effects were strongest in the behavioral variant. In clinically confirmed PSP, no link was seen. APOE2 showed no link to PSP either.

What it means for patients

The authors say APOE alleles show distinct links across the FTLD spectrum. These links differ by disorder.

Why it is not certain yet

Data were too limited for other disorders. In confirmed PSP, lower APOE4 carriage missed the adjusted threshold. Evidence could not settle links for other disorders. This is the limit the abstract states.

Source

Apolipoprotein E Alleles Across the Spectrum of Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

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