Depressive symptoms and APOE polymorphisms in an elderly population-based sample

Aim Apolipoprotein E (APOE) has been regarded as the principal susceptibility gene linked with Alzheimer's disease, also suggesting a relationship with depression in the elderly population. Thus, the purpose was to investigate the association of APOE polymorphisms with depression in elderly adults. Methods APOE polymorphisms were determined in a Mexican population-based sample older than 60 years (n = 1566) using 50 exonuclease TaqMan genotyping assays. Results The distribution of the APOE allele and genotype frequencies was similar in patients with and without depression. There was no significant association between the presence of alleles or genotypes and depression and anxiety (Short Anxiety Screening Test) considering several combinations of other features. However, patients with the APOE*4 allele presented more thinking and concentration impairment than those patients with the APOE*3 allele. Conclusion Genetic variation at the APOE gene may contribute to some depressive symptoms in late-onset depression, rather than being a specific risk factor. Psychiatr Genet 20:215-220 (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.