ApoE4 positivity confers an advantage in pro-inflammatory environments but increases chronic inflammation risk in non-inflammatory environments, potentially shortening lifespan.

“But if you're not living in a pro-inflammatory, in an environment that's parasitic, then in fact you have this chronic inflammation that, again, good for when you're fighting things, good for if you step on a nail, good for situations that should be pro-inflammatory, but in the long run counterproductive. So, you know, as you know, this is so-called antagonistic pleiotropy. This is something that can help you when you're young but actually can put you at risk for diseases that will shorten your lifespan.”