AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: ITS ASSOCIATION WITH THE ε4 ALLELE OF THE APOLIPOPROTEIN E GENE DEGENERACIÓN MACULAR ASOCIADA A LA EDAD: ASOCIACIÓN CON EL ALELO ε4 DEL GEN DE LA APOLIPOPROTEÍNA E

Objective: The apolipoprotein E (APOE) e4 allele is a well-established factor associated with agerelated macular degeneration (AMD). This disorder is characterized by a typical progressive central visual impairment. Our aim was to study further the relationship of the APOE genotype associated with AMD. Materials and methods: We evaluated a group of 95 patients with AMD and 65 controls. The APOE genotype for each participant in the study was determined. Results: The allele was associated with age-related macular degeneration (OR = 5.6; 95% CI= 3.4-8.8 ; p< 0.001). Female patients with at least one e4 allele had a significantly earlier age at diagnosis ( e4+ = 72.2 S.D. 5.1; e4- = 78.8 ± 5.7; p<0.001). Conclusions: The APOE e4 allele is not a protective factor for AMD, but is associated with an increased risk of its development (Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol 2006; 81: 9-12).