Genetics
The CETP I405V polymorphism is an independent risk factor for Alzheimer's and vascular dementia in a Southern Italian cohort (J Alzheimers Dis 2018)
Original title: Frequency of Cardiovascular Genetic Risk Factors in a Calabrian Population and Their Effects on Dementia
In a case-control study of 221 consecutive dementia patients (120 with Alzheimer's disease, 55 with frontotemporal dementia, 33 with vascular dementia) and 218 matched controls from Calabria, researchers assessed genotype and allele frequencies of 13 cardio-cerebrovascular risk polymorphisms. Carriers of at least one APOE-e4 allele had higher risk of Alzheimer's disease (odds ratio 2.721) and vascular dementia (odds ratio 6.205) than non-carriers. Individuals with the IV genotype of the CETP I405V polymorphism were more likely to have Alzheimer's disease (odds ratio 2.427) and vascular dementia (odds ratio 3.649) than those with II or VV genotypes, an association independent of APOE-e4 status, identifying CETP I405V as a likely dementia risk factor in this population.
Original abstract
Background: Several genetic variants playing a key role in cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and vascular dysfunction influence the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD). The many meta-analysis studies carried out on large numbers of samples in different populations have not provided clear results to date, because a trans-ethnic shift of risk genotypes in different populations is often observed.
Objectives: To determine genotypes allele frequencies of the polymorphisms most frequently identified to be correlated with cardio-cerebrovascular disease and AD in a Southern Italy population and to investigate their possible association with dementia.
Methods: The genotype and allele frequencies of 13 cardio-cerebrovascular risk polymorphisms were assessed and their possible association with dementia was investigated in a case-control study, including 221 consecutive unrelated subjects diagnosed with dementia (120 subjects affected by AD, 55 by frontotemporal dementia, and 33 by vascular dementia) and 218 matched controls of Calabrian origin.
Results: Carriers of at least one APOEɛ4 allele resulted to be at higher risk of AD [OR(95% CI) = 2.721(1.477-5.011)] and VaD [OR(95% CI) = 6.205(2.356-16.342)] compared to non-carriers. Individuals with the IV genotype of the CETP polymorphism were more likely to have AD [OR(95% CI) = 2.427(1.364-4.319)] and VaD [OR(95% CI) = 3.649(1.455-9.152)] compared to subjects with the II-VV genotypes.
Conclusion: CETP I405V polymorphism is likely a risk factor for AD and VaD in our cohort, independent of APOEɛ4 status. Unmodifiable genetic risk factors should be taken into account to promote a healthy lifestyle to prevent dementia.
Summary written by cetpinhibition.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 19 August 2026. Methods.