The distribution of apolipoprotein E gene polymorphism in Chinese civil aircrews, and a possible risk factor to their overweight and dyslipidemia is cumulative flight time

BackgroundThe prevalence of dyslipidemia and overweight is significantly higher in aircrews than that in general population. The purpose of the study was to examine the distribution of APOE gene polymorphism and the influence of which as well as occupational environment on dyslipidemia and overweight in Chinese civil aircrews.MethodsAPOE gene polymorphism was investigated using PCR-RFLP, plasma lipid parameters were measured by standard enzymatic kits and personal information of the aircrews was collected through questionnaires.ResultsThe allele frequencies among aircrews were ε2: 17.0%, ε3: 80.9%, and ε4: 2.1%, APOE gene polymorphism was associated with significant differences in TC and LDL-C. E2 individuals had the lowest TC and LDL-C concentrations, and E4 participants had the highest levels (p < 0.001). In addition, the TC and LDL-C concentrations, as well as BMI rose with the increasing cumulative flying hours (p < 0.05). The further logistic regression analysis showed the significant associations of BMI and dyslipidemia (p < 0.0001, OR = 2.093), cumulative flight time and overweight (p < 0.0001, OR = 1.560).ConclusionsThe distribution of APOE alleles among aircrews was provided for the first time, which is not fully identical with that among general population. These data also suggested the cumulative flight time influenced dyslipidemia and overweight as an environmental contributor.

► This is the first work to investigate the distribution of APOE alleles among Chinese civil aircrews.
► The cumulative flight time possibly influences aircrews' overweight and dyslipidemia as an environmental contributor.
► This study highlights the importance of the gene/environment interaction on the deleterious effect on these diseases.