1. 1

This 2023 review describes evidence suggesting that APOE4, a gene associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease later in life, confers resistance to gut infections in children – a robust contributor to high childhood mortality. This dual nature of APOE4 may be an example of antagonistic pleiotropy, a theoretical construct that asserts that when a gene has two or more effects – with one beneficial and the other harmful – the beneficial one exerts its effects early in life, while the harmful one takes a toll later.

  1. You must first login , or register before you can comment.

    Markdown formatting available
     

This news story was included in a recent science digest.

The science digest is a special email we send out just twice per month to members of our premium community. It covers in-depth science on familiar FoundMyFitness related topics.

If you're interested in trying out a few issues for free, enter your email below or click here to learn more about the benefits of premium membership here.

Verifying email address...