Frequency-dependent alterations in regional homogeneity in young carriers of the apolipoprotein E genotype

Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rf MRI),previous studies showed that the APOE e4 allele might affect the functional connectivity between remote brain regions[1,2].However,the local functional connectivity of APOE e4 carriers has rarely been explored.Regional homogeneity(Re Ho)has been widely used to

Distribution of apolipoprotein E genotype in NIDDM patients with vascular complications

Objective To investigate the distribution of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype among different vascular complications and the variation of allele frequency with age in non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Methods 125 NIDDM patients and 50 healthy individuals were selected randomly. Polymerase chain reaction was used to determine their ApoE genotypes. Results The prevalence of ∈3/3 in any vascular complication group was 59.3%, which was significantly lower than 76.0% in controls (P<0.05). The prevalences of ∈3/3, ∈4/3 and ∈4 in coronary heart disease (CHD) group were 51.8%, 33.9% and 20.5%, respectively, which were significantly lower (∈3/3, P<0.01 ) or higher (∈4/3, P<0.01; ∈4, P< 0.05 ) than those in the controls, respectively. The ∈4 frequency was significantly lower in the elderly than in the non elderly group of NIDDM (P<0.05). Conclusion ∈4 increases the risk for vascular complications, especially CHD, and ∈4 may affect the life expectancy of NIDDM patients.

Genotype E:The neglected genotype of hepatitis B virus

Hepatitis B virus(HBV)(sub)genotypes A1,D3 and E circulate in sub-Saharan Africa,the region with one of the highest incidences of HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma globally.Although genotype E was identified more than 20 years ago,and is the most widespread genotype in Africa,it has not been extensively studied.The current knowledge status and gaps in its origin and evolution,natural history of infection,disease progression,response to antiviral therapy and vaccination are discussed.Genotype E is an African genotype,with unique molecular characteristics that is found mainly in Western and Central Africa and rarely outside Africa except in individuals of African descent.The low prevalence of this genotype in the African descendant populations in the New World,phylogeographic analyses,the low genetic diversity and evidence of remnants of genotype E in ancient HBV samples suggests the relatively recent reintroduction into the population.There is scarcity of information on the clinical and virological characteristics of genotype E-infected patients,disease progression and outcomes and efficacy of anti-HBV drugs.Individuals infected with genotype E have been characterised with high hepatitis B e antigen-positivity and high viral load with a lower end of treatment response to interferon-alpha.A minority of genotype E-infected participants have been included in studies in which treatment response was monitored.Of concern is that current guidelines do not consider patients infected with genotype E.Thus,there is an urgent need for further large-scale investigations into genotype E,the neglected genotype of HBV.