Apolipoprotein E allele-specific antioxidant activity and effects on cytotoxicity by oxidative insults and beta-amyloid peptides

Nat Genet. 1996 Sep;14(1):55-61. doi: 10.1038/ng0996-55.

Abstract

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) E4 allele is associated with Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, and decreased longevity. To probe the mechanism of these associations, cell lines were created which secrete each apoE isoform. ApoE conditioned media, purified apoE, and commercially obtained apoE protected B12 cells from hydrogen peroxide cytotoxicity with E2 > E3 > E4. Physiological levels of apoE protected cells from beta-amyloid peptides, while higher doses of apoE led to increased cytotoxicity. E2 > E3 > E4 possessed antioxidant activity, and apoE bound certain metal ions. The decreased antioxidant activity of E4 could contribute to its association with Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease and decreased longevity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / toxicity*
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Apolipoprotein E2
  • Apolipoprotein E3
  • Apolipoprotein E4
  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics
  • Apolipoproteins E / pharmacology*
  • Cell Death
  • Cell Line
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / toxicity*
  • Metals / metabolism
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Peptide Fragments / toxicity
  • Rats

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Antioxidants
  • Apolipoprotein E2
  • Apolipoprotein E3
  • Apolipoprotein E4
  • Apolipoproteins E
  • Metals
  • Peptide Fragments
  • amyloid beta-protein (1-40)
  • amyloid beta-protein (25-35)
  • Hydrogen Peroxide