Background: Many studies have determined the correlation between the Apolipoprotein E (APO E) gene polymorphisms and diabetic nephropathy, but their results are inconclusive. Material/Methods: With the aim to confirm this correlation, we performed a meta-analysis of 16 studies. The dichotomous data are presented as the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The results of our study indicate that APO ε2 allele among the pooled Asian populations were more likely to show high risk of DN development (2 allele vs. ε3 allele: pooled OR =1.629, 95% CI=1.010–2.628, P=0.045). For further analysis, the APO e2 allele was associated with progress of DN in the group with duration >10 years, but not in the group with duration <10 years (ε2 allele vs. ε3 allele: pooled OR=1.920, 95% CI=1.338–2.754, P<0.001). The APO e2 polymorphism increased the susceptibility to DN in Asian population compared with healthy people (ε2 allele vs. ε3 allele: pooled OR=1.629, 95% CI=1.010–2.628, P=0.045). Conclusions: Development of DN is associated with APO E polymorphisms in Asian populations, especially in East Asians.

Keywords: Apolipoproteins E - genetics, Alleles, Asian Continental Ancestry Group - genetics, Case-Control Studies, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - genetics, Diabetic Nephropathies - genetics, Far East - ethnology, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Polymorphism, Genetic, Publication Bias