Objective  To investigate the correlation between the polymorphisms of apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) and the expression of NF-κB of astrocytes in the early stage postinjury. Methods  The CDS region of 3 APOE alleles was obtained by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)

then the recombinant plasmid pEGFP-N1-APOE was constructed and identified by sequencing. Astrocytes were separated from APOE gene-knockout mice

and identified by immunocy

tochemistry method. The recombinant plasmids containing the 3 APOE alleles (APOEε2

APOEε3 and APOEε4) were respectively transfected into the isolated astrocytes with Lipofectamine 2000. Injury was produced by scratch injury to a monolayer of confluent astrocytes. RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of NF-κB mRNA in 12

24 and 48 h postinjury. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of NF-κB protein as well. Results  The expression of NF-κB was observed at the 12th hour after injury

but there was no statistical difference among the 3 groups (

P

<

0.05). The expression was increased at the 24th hour postinjury. And compared with the other 2 groups

APOEε4 transfected astrocytes expressed higher level of NF-κB (

P

<

0.05). At the 48th hour after injury

the expression of NF-κB was increased further

and statistical difference was seen between APOEε4 and the other 2 groups (

P

<

0.05). Conclusion  In the early stage postinjury

APOEε4 transfected astrocytes have higher expression of NF-κB at mRNA and protein levels than the cells with APOEε2 and APOEε3 transfection

suggesting APOEε4 carriers may have more severe deterioration and poorer prognosis due to early inflammatory response mediated by APOEε4.