Influence of apolipoprotein polymorphism and about gene expression and hormone replacement therapy and atorvastatin in postmenopause women

Author(s)

Mustafa Hassan Issa

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Conjunto das Químicas (IQ e FCF) (CQ/DBDCQ)
• Defense date: 2005-04-14

Examining board members

Rosario Dominguez Crespo Hirata; Silvya Stuchi Maria Engler; André Arpad Faludi

• Advisor: Rosario Dominguez Crespo Hirata

Abstract

In the present study, the effect of the polymorphism at the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) on mRNA expression and response to hormone replacement therapy (HTR) and atorvastatin was investigated in 87 unrelated postmenopausal women with hypercholesterolemia. The APOE Hhal (exon 4) polymorphism was analyzed by PCR-RFLP and mRNA expression was evaluated in mononuclear leukocytes by duplex RT-PCR. The patients were divided into five groups and treated during three months with atorvastatin (10 mg/day); estradiol (2 mg/day); atorvastatin and estradiol; estradiol and norethisterone acetate (1 mg/day); e atorvastatin, estradiol and norethisterone acetate. The APOE polymorphism was not associated with variations on basal lipids and mRNA expression levels. The treatments reduced significantly serum total and LDL cholesterol levels, without relation to the APOE polymorphism. The APOE mRNA expression was reduced after treatment with atorvastatin and atorvastatin combined with estradiol. This effect was significant in women carrying E3/E3 genotype (p=0,025). There was a positive correlation between the APOE mRNA expression and serum total and LDL cholesterol levels after treatment with estradiol. In conclusion, APOE mRNA expression on mononuclear leukocytes was reduced by atorvastatin and/or estradiol treatments. This effect was associated with the APOE polymorphism and with the reduction of the serum cholesterol during the HRT. (AU)