What is APOEe4? And what does it have to do with human longevity?

APOEae4, a gene believed to have evolved over a million years ago, increases our inflammation response inducing fever and super charging our immune system. Early humans were exposed to great infectious stuff so this gene could really help survival. The gene also increased intestinal absorption of lipids acne efficient storage thus helping those with the gene survive times of hunger by drawing on this store.

Cognitive tests today show that those with the gene score higher suggesting that the gene increases absorption of cholesterol which is required for the development of neurons (could this mean that really thin people and anorexics and even those on significant diets are affecting their neuronal development?). And, not surprisingly, those with this gene also developed arteriosclerosis. Studies show the disease in ancient mummies suggesting that arteriosclerosis is not a disease of modern times but evolved in response to the strong inflammatory response of the gene.

Another related gene appears to provide some of the protection without the significant dangers, APOE e3 . This gene emerged around the same time as humans emerged from Africa, 200,000 years ago.

 Clearly, it seems our immune systems played a large part in our increased longevity over our close primate relatives.