Association of Apolipoprotein E Gene Polymorphisms with Risk of Coronary Artery Disease in a Han Chinese Population at Middle and High Altitude in China

Background This study aimed to assess how APOE gene polymorphisms affect the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) in the Han Chinese population at middle and high altitudes by regulating the body's lipid levels, which stimulates atherosclerosis. Methods A total of 628 CAD and non-CAD cases were enrolled in this study, respectively. APOE gene polymorphisms were determined by PCR and fluorescence hybridization techniques. Data analysis was performed using the software SPSS 26.0. Results This study revealed that the statistical differences in APOE gene ε3ε4 and ε4ε4 genotypes, as well as ε4 allele frequencies between the CAD and control groups, were significant (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Apo-B/Apo-A1, Apo-B, and LDL-C levels were statistically higher in CAD patients carrying the ε4 allele than in those carrying the ε2 and ε3 alleles. Moreover, multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that the APOE gene's ε3ε4 genotype (OR = 1.514, 95% CI = 1.087–2.109, p = 0.014) was the independent risk factor (IRF) for CAD in Han population at intermediate and high altitudes. Conclusion This study revealed that the APOE gene’s ε3ε4 genotype is a potential risk factor for the onset of CAD in the Han Chinese population at middle and high altitudes.