APOE-ε4 Genotype is Associated with Elevated Post-Concussion Symptoms in Military Veterans with a Remote History of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2019 Jul 26;34(5):706-712. doi: 10.1093/arclin/acy082.

Abstract

Objective: We evaluated the influence of the APOE-ε4 allele on post-concussive symptoms in military Veterans with a remote history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Method: Participants (N = 77) were administered neuropsychiatric measures, on average, approximately 5 years following their most recent mTBI and provided a DNA sample for APOE genotyping. Veterans were divided into two groups based on their ε4 status (n = 14 ε4+, n = 63 ε4-). The Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI) was the primary outcome measure, from which a total score was derived, as well as three symptom clusters (somatic, cognitive, and affective).

Results: ANCOVAs showed a significant main effect of ε4 genotype on the NSI total score and somatic symptom cluster after adjusting for posttraumatic stress symptoms and mTBI history (p = .019-.028, ηp2 = .064-.073), such that ε4+ Veterans endorsed significantly greater symptoms than ε4- Veterans.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that genetic risk may help to explain the poorer long-term outcomes often observed in this population.

Keywords: APOE gene; Genetics; Head injury; Military Veterans; Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory; Post-concussion symptoms; mTBI.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics*
  • Brain Concussion / complications
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Military Personnel
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome / genetics
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome / psychology
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology
  • Veterans / psychology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins E