The value of apolipoprotein E in distinguishing benign and malignant unilateral pleural effusions

Pleural effusion (PE) remains insurmountable challenge and public health problem, requiring novel noninvasive biomarkers for accurate diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical significance of apolipoprotein E (Apo-E) in PE, in order to determine its potential use as a diagnostic biomarker for malignant PE (MPE).PE samples were obtained from 127 patients and the etiology of PE was determined by multiple diagnostic techniques. Apo-E levels were then measured in the pleural fluid samples.58 PE patients were diagnosed with tumors, while 69 were tumor-free. Apo-E levels in MPE patients were significantly higher than those with benign PE (BPE) (P