What is the function of the gene Apolipoprotein E (APOE)? How many APOE variants are there?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Apolipoprotein E gene influences inflammation in the brain following head trauma. The Apolipoprotein E gene has three variants: APOE 2, APOE 3, and APOE 4. A person\u2019s variant of the gene can influence how they recover from a brain injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep reading to learn about the function of Apolipoprotein E and how it relates to sports. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
People recover from a brain injury at different rates depending on which of the three APOE variants they have. That’s why Apolipoprotein E is of particular interest for athletes such as football players for whom head trauma is a constant possibility during play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People with the APOE 4 variant can experience more complications during the healing process and seem to be more at risk for dementia and cognitive impairment years down the road. (The APOE 4 variant is also associated with Alzheimer\u2019s disease.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Studies on boxers and football players have shown that having the APOE 4 variant and being hit in the head during play can result in cognitive impairment. Data shows that of the athletes who suffered severe complications from head trauma, many more had two copies of APOE 4 than occurs in the general population<\/strong>. Epstein cites one researcher who compares the risk of getting dementia for someone with one copy of APOE 4 to the risk of brain damage from playing in the NFL. Having two copies (one from each parent) increases the risks.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a possible direction for future policies in sports, Epstein notes that the elevated risk for athletes in contact sports with one or more copies of the APOE 4 variant may warrant genetic testing. This would give players more information about their personal risk.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n