ApoE4 and ApoE3 are two variants of a gene that codes for a protein, apolipoprotein E, which binds fats and cholesterol. While ApoE4 variant is linked to increased inflammation, Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease, ApoE3, does not increase the risk for the disease, and is a much more common variant. However, not all carriers of APOE4 gene develop the disease, the researchers said. On the unhealthy diet, both the mice with ApoE4 and those with ApoE3 gained weight and became pre-diabetic. But most significantly, those with ApoE4 on the unhealthy diet quickly developed the signature plaques that obstruct cognition and memory.

Source: Hindustan Times June 14, 2017 11:26 UTC