Bosnian study of APOE distribution (BOSAD): a comparison with other European populations.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional descriptive population genetic study
PubMed 28705029 · doi:10.1080/03014460.2017.1346708
What was done
Real-time PCR was used to determine APOE genotypes in 170 unrelated healthy Bosnian adults (108 female, 62 male; mean age 53.0 ± 5.0 years). Allele and genotype frequencies were calculated and compared to published data across European populations using Pearson's test.
What was found
Genotype prevalence was E3/E3: 61.2%, E2/E3: 20.6%, E3/E4: 12.9%, E2/E4: 3.5%, E4/E4: 1.2%, and E2/E2: 0.6%. Mean allele frequencies were 78.0% for ε3, 12.6% for ε2, and 9.4% for ε4. A linear, gradually increasing trend in ε4 frequency from South to North across European populations was observed (Pearson r = 0.7656, p < 0.00001), which matched the Bosnian data.
Why it matters
This study provides the first baseline APOE allele frequency data for the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina, confirming its fit within the broader European latitudinal genetic gradient.
Limits
The sample size is modest (n = 170) and restricted to a single country cohort with a female predominance (63.5%). Associated phenotypic traits, lipid levels, and disease risks were not assessed.
Cited by
- supports In some populations, 15% to 25% of individuals carry one copy of the APOE4 allele, and 2% to 5% carry two copies.