Apolipoprotein A-1 (APO A) and Apolipoprotein B (APO B)

Written by: Solaris Diagnostics

Apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) is the major structural and functional protein component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or good cholesterol in plasma. It accounts for approximately 70% of HDL. Apo A-I activates lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) which catalyzes the esterification of cholesterol. The resulting esterified cholesterol can then be transported to the liver, metabolized, and excreted. Person with atherosclerotic vascular changes frequently exhibit decreased level of Apo A-I. A decreased level of Apo A-1 level is a risk factor for atherosclerotic processes.

Similarly, Apolipoprotein B (APO B) is the main protein component of chylomicrons, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL), and lipoprotein (a). It accounts for approximately 95% of the total protein content of LDL. Apo B is necessary for the reaction with LDL receptors in the liver and on cell walls and is thus involved in transporting cholesterol from the liver to the vessel cell. Elevated level of Apo B is frequently found in patients with atherosclerotic vascular changes and are a risk factor for atherosclerosis. It is noted that several studies have shown that the assay of Apo A-I and Apo B is helpful in assessing the risk of atherosclerosis and has greater prognostic power than the sole determination of HDL and LDL.

Solaris diagnostics laboratory uses state of art nephelometric analyzer that offers broad range of protein assay. Proteins contained in human body fluids form immune complexes with specific antibodies. These complexes scatter a beam of light passed through the sample. The intensity of the scattered light is proportional to the concentration of the relevant protein in the sample. The result is evaluated by comparison with a standard of known concentration. Solaris Diagnostics can provide the results for Apo A-I and Apo B results within 24 hours from the time the sample is received in the laboratory.

 

References:

Cochran BJ, Ong KL, Manandhar B, Rye KA. APOA1: a Protein with Multiple Therapeutic Functions. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2021 Feb 16;23(3):11. doi: 10.1007/s11883-021-00906-7. PMID: 33591433.

Devaraj S, Semaan JR, Jialal I. Biochemistry, Apolipoprotein B. 2022 Sep 12. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan–. PMID: 30844166.

Walldius G, Jungner I. The apoB/apoA-I ratio: a strong, new risk factor for cardiovascular disease and a target for lipid-lowering therapy–a review of the evidence. J Intern Med. 2006 May;259(5):493-519. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2796.2006.01643.x. PMID: 16629855.

Share this Article

Recent Articles

Pre – albumin assay

  The pre-albumin assay is an in vitro assay used for the for the quantitative determination of pre-albumin in human serum. Pre-albumin, also known as

Read More »

Alpha 1 Antitrypsin

  Denotated as AAT or A1AT. Protein produced in liver. Used to protect the body tissue from infection fighting agents released from their own immune

Read More »

Monkeypox Part2

Collection of specimens should be done with appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) and safeguards in place. Here are monkeypox infection control recommendations in healthcare settings.

Read More »

Monkeypox

Monkeypox was once known as an uncommon infection primarily confined to rainforest regions in central and western Africa. Recent cases, however, have emerged in larger

Read More »

HSV1 and 2

  Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) can be categorized into two types, Herpes Simplex 1 (HSV-1), and Herpes Simplex 2 (HSV-2); both of which rarely exhibit

Read More »

Need a Reliable Diagnostic Partner?

At Solaris Diagnostics, we make it easy!

Our Results Portal allows you access patient reports quickly and securely online.

To request access to the Providers Results Portal, please complete our Provider Registration form.

Scroll to Top