APOE was initially recognized for its important role in cardiovascular disease and lipoprotein metabolism. Recently APOE has been studied for its the part it plays in a number of biological processes not directly related to lipoprotein transport, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), immunoregulation, and cognition.
APO-E4 was identified in 1997 as a significant risk factor for early onset of Alzheimer's. APO-E2 was identified as protective against Alzheimer's.
APO-E has 299 amino acids with different ratios of arginine and cysteine at position 112 and 158.
APO-E2 has 2 cysteines. APO-E3 one cysteine and one arginine. APO-E4 two arginines.
Arginine, unlike cysteine, lacks the sulphydryl (SH) groups that potentially bind bivalent metals such as mercury, lead, copper or zinc.
Logically, the possibility of increased metal accumulation could be suspected in chronically exposed individuals
who did not gnentically inherit APO-E2.
In 2003, Godfrey found a statistically significant increase in adverse effects to patients having APO-E4/4 and APO-E 3/4 when those patients were chronically exposed mercury.
Boyd E. Haley, PhD surmises that mercury released from dental amalgams could be a potential cause of
autism and Alzheimer's disease. See his video below for more information:
Be sure to call Dr. Fallah -- your
- San Diego Mercury Free Dentist
