Apolipoprotein-E genotypes and myasthenia gravis

Neurol India. 2010 May-Jun;58(3):443-5. doi: 10.4103/0028-3886.65533.

Abstract

Autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG) is a disorder of neuromuscular junction. Possible role of multiple genes in the development of the MG has been documented. This case-control study, studied the association of apolipoprotein E (Apo-E) alleles with MG. Anti-AChR antibody was measured using radio receptor immunoassay. Apo-E genotypes were analyzed in 120 MG patients and 120 healthy subjects. Comparison between patients with MG and controls showed no significant association with Apo-E allelic variants. However, a significant association of Apo-E4 allele with AChR-antibody positive patients was observed (P = 0.007). Also, among seropositive patients, a significant association was seen between female gender and Apo-E4 allele (P = 0.023). Our results suggest that the presence of Apo-E4 allele might influence seropositive status in patients with MG and seems an associated susceptible factor in female patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies / blood
  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Causality*
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myasthenia Gravis / blood
  • Myasthenia Gravis / genetics*
  • Phenotype
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / immunology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sex Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Apolipoproteins E
  • Receptors, Cholinergic