Apolipoprotein E isotype distribution amongst Ramgharias of Punjab.

Apolipoprotein E is a major constituent of chylomicrons and HDL fractions of the normal blood plasma involved in lipid transfer systems. The three common alleles apoE2, apoE3 and apoE4 with six possible phenotypes have been identified at this locus in all the populations of the world studied so far, with apoE3 being the most common. The present study employed PCR restriction isotyping techniques to estimate allele frequency distribution amongst Ramgharias an artisan caste group of Punjab in North India. The methodology was developed to visualise the isotypes on PAGE using silver staining. The major genotypes observed were E2/3, E3/3 and E3/4 with allele frequencies APO E2=0.107, APOE3=0.714 AND APO E4=0.179.