Amount of LDL-C and LDL-P Determined by ApoE

Animal Pharm: Ancient Transporters: HDL and LDL Lipoproteins Carry Precious Cargo

We each individually and uniquely have widely varied lipoprotein patterns (LDL, TG, HDL) determined by our genetics, the microniche our ancestors evolved and survived in, and our apolipoprotein E. Apo E is mainly found in HDL and LDL particles but also free form in the circulation as well. It aids lipoprotein particles in docking up to cell membranes to unload contents into a destination cell or the liver.

Apo E determines the LDL-quantity. Three alleles for apoE exist and we each have 2 copies from a mix from our parents - E2, E3 or E4. ApoE to me is like a special key to unlock troubled doors. Those with E4 alleles have lipoproteins with the least apoE (perhaps true H-G, more cholesterol hung out longer in circulation).  Geographically the incidence of E4 rises toward a northern distribution in Europe, away from the equator.  Those with E2, more apoE (perhaps more agarian adapted).  Energy flux patterns and metabolism are mildly different: E4, more carbohydrate sensitive; E2, less.  

Many 'cardiac' rat models use apoE-deficient mice because these animals inevitably develop horrific plaque and atherosclerotic disease and blocked arteries, on high carb rat chow.

The lower the apo E alleles, the lower the total cholesterol [ref 2]. The researchers (above) demonstrate the LDL and HDL trend in parallel with total cholesterol and the higher the E.  Conversely, triglycerides grow higher, the lower the apo E.

It seems finally that the medical community be viewing the true science and questioning the BS.  If LDL is genetically determined by the apoE type and is a false coronary risk factor, then what is the true cause of coronary events, MIs, angina and plaque destabilization? 

Naturally if one is apoE 4/4 (rare), then one is likely to have the highest LDL amongst friends and aquaintances. Is it harmful? Depends. ApoE 4/4 are more likely to be HIGHLY insulin resistant, inflamed and carbohydrate sensitive. In the modern industrial environment where whole food, ancestrally-inclined meals are endangered species... perhaps.  

Are apoE 4/4 the true survivors of Earth? They are less likely to suffer from infections or starvation which were the major reasons for mortality outside of predation prior to neolithic times. Add to that vascular protection from Lp(a) from vitamin C-deficiency hemolysis and one has a winning combination for longevity given the right circumstances when inflammation is well regulated and gene-protein expression optimal. 

The higher the LDL, the higher the Lp(a), the better survival?

APOE4 and medium chain triglycerides - Coconut Oil, Ketones and Alzheimer's:

APOE4 and medium chain triglycerides - Coconut Oil, Ketones and Alzheimer's:

Friday, June 19, 2009

APOE4 and medium chain triglycerides

Due to results of studies done by Accera in developing Axona, there is a possible misconception that the medium chain triglycerides will not help people with AD who are APOE4. 

Axona has only one of the medium chain triglycerides (C:8) but coconut oil has C:6, C:8, C:10, C:12 (all medium chain triglycerides) and five other fatty acids, including some monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, including the essential fatty acid omega-6 (but no omega-3, which is necessary and should be supplemented.) It also happens to have some phytosterol, which is one of the substances that lowers cholesterol and is the basic component in some of the cholesterol lowering agents! It is very possible that each of the fatty acids in coconut oil plays an important and different role in the metabolism of our brains and other organs. 

Another possibility is that the Axona folks did not have a huge number of people in their trials and I often wonder if the APOE4 problem was a fluke in their study. 

Also, some people in their studies had "mild cognitive impairment," not yet diagnosed with A.D. Dr. Richard Veech of the NIH, an expert in ketones who makes a ketone ester, says that he can think of no biochemical reason why Axona wouldn't work for someone with APOE4. 

Steve is APOE4 and responded very well to the medium chain fatty acids. I also read this before trying this with Steve, and therefore expected that MCT oil would not do much for him. I decided to try it anyway in the form of coconut oil for Steve and the rest is history of the happiest kind.

posted by Dr. Mary Newport at 9:04 AM