A review of the role of apolipoprotein C-II in lipoprotein metabolism and cardiovascular disease.

Abstract

The focus of this review is on the role of apolipoprotein C-II (apoC-II) in lipoprotein metabolism and the potential effects on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We searched PubMed/Scopus for articles regarding apoC-II and its role in lipoprotein metabolism and the risk of CVD. Apolipoprotein C-II is a constituent of chylomicrons, very low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Apolipoprotein C-II contains 3 amphipathic α-helices. The lipid-binding domain of apoC-II is located in the N-terminal, whereas the C-terminal helix of apoC-II is responsible for the interaction with lipoprotein lipase (LPL). At intermediate concentrations (approximately 4 mg/dL) and in normolipidemic subjects, apoC-II activates LPL. In contrast, both an excess and a deficiency of apoC-II are associated with reduced LPL activity and hypertriglyceridemia. Furthermore, excess apoC-II has been associated with increased triglyceride-rich particles and alterations in HDL particle distribution, factors that may increase the risk of CVD. However, there is not enough current evidence to clarify whether increased apoC-II causes hypertriglyceridemia or is an epiphenomenon reflecting hypertriglyceridemia. A number of pharmaceutical interventions, including statins, fibrates, ezetimibe, nicotinic acid, and orlistat, have been shown to reduce the increased apoC-II concentrations. An excess of apoC-II is associated with increased triglyceride-rich particles and alterations in HDL particle distribution. However, prospective trials are needed to assess if apoC-II is a CVD marker or a risk factor in high-risk patients.

• Authors: Anastazia A Kei, Theodosios D Filippatos, Vasilios Tsimihodimos, Moses S Elisaf
• Journal: Metabolism: clinical and experimental (Metabolism) Vol. 61 Issue 7 Pg. 906-21 (Jul 2012) ISSN: 1532-8600 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22304839 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Anticholesteremic Agents
• Apolipoprotein C-II
• Lipoproteins

Topics

• Animals
• Anticholesteremic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Apolipoprotein C-II (blood, genetics, metabolism)
• Cardiovascular Diseases (drug therapy, metabolism, prevention & control)
• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 (blood, metabolism)
• Female
• Humans
• Inflammation (blood, metabolism)
• Kidney Failure, Chronic (blood, metabolism)
• Lipoproteins (metabolism)
• Male
• Mice
• Mutation
• Rats