Apolipoprotein(apo)E is a genetically polymorphic protein that can influence lipoprotein metabolism.The three isoforms (E 2,E 3 and E 4) are determined by three alleles (ε 2,ε 3 and ε 4) at a single gene locus on chromosome 19.The genetic poly morphism of apoE play an important role during the formation of cholesterol gallstones by affecting the cholesterol absorption,synthesis and biliary secretion of cholesterol and bile acid.The presence of ε 4 allele is the high risk factor of cholelithiasis. |