Few studies have investigated the association between Apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphisms and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population, and their results are inconsistent.

The current study population was composed of 9,033 subjects aged ≥ 50 years who participated in the baseline survey of the Dong-gu Study, which was conducted in Korea between 2007 and 2010. APOE polymorphisms were identified by polymerase chain reaction, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation.

Individuals with the APOE E2 allele had significantly lower total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, those with the APOE E4 allele had lower high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, and those with the APOE E3 allele had lower log-triglyceride levels. Adjusting for covariates (sex, age, body mass index, smoking, systolic blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, log-transformed triglycerides, and log-transformed albumin to creatinine ratio), mean eGFR was not significantly different among APOE alleles (E2, 69.4 mL/min/1.73 m²; E3, 69.5 mL/min/1.73 m²; E4, 69.4 ml/min/1.73 m²; P = 0.873). Additionally, the odds ratios (ORs) indicated that APOE polymorphisms were not independent risk factors for CKD (OR, 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91 to 1.26 for the E2 vs. E3 allele; OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.16 for the E4 vs. E3 allele).

APOE polymorphisms were not associated with either eGFR or CKD in the general Korean population.