Gene Variants Increase Spontaneous Brain Bleed Risk

In a newly published study, researchers found the epsilon-2 and epsilon-4 variants in the gene apolipoprotein E (APOE) were strong risk factors for warfarin-induced intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), independent of the drug effect (used as a blood thinner). APOE is a protein coding gene and its alleles have been linked to several human diseases including hyperlipoproteinemia, Alzheimer’s disease and familial hypercholesterolemia. The epsilon variant within the APOE gene has been shown in earlier research to be an important genetic risk factor for spontaneous ICH. The researchers noted that identification of APOE variants as a risk factor for warfarin-related ICH could enhance existing risk stratification strategies that physicians use when deciding whether to starts patients on anticoagulation therapy. To read more about this study, click here.