Apolipoprotein B

Clinical significance:

Apolypoproteins are protein components of lipoproteins responsible for the transport of plasma lipidsly. In practice, two &ndash are of diagnostic importance; apolipoprotein AI the majorprotein of HDL and apolipoprotein B (apo B-100) the majorprotein of LDL.

Apo B exists in twoforms, as apo B-48 (small) synthesized in the intestines and included in chylomicrons, and apo B-100 (large) a component of LDL. Apo B is responsible for binding to the B/E receptor on the surface of cellsrek. Mutation of apo B involving conversion of arginine to glutamine is one of the causes of genetically determined hypercholesterolemia. Genetic abnormalities involving modification of the receptorsrs for LDL and consequent opve catabolism of LDL resulting in increased circulating cholesterol concentrations are referred to as familial hypercholesterolemia.

Serum apo B levels reflect the level of atherogenic LDL and correlate with changes in the cholesterol concentration of this fraction. Determination of the level of apo B is applicable as a parameter for assessing the risk of atherosclerotic lesions.

Serum levels of apo B are also used as a parameter for assessing the risk of atherosclerotic lesions