Increased serum apolipoprotein B48 concentration in patients with metabolic syndrome

Postprandial hyperlipidemia is characterized by an increase of chylomicron remnants (CM-R), and is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Apolipoprotein (apo) B48 exists exclusively in chylomicroms and CM-R, and fasting plasma levels of apo B48 may reflect high postprandial levels of chylomicrons and/or CM-R. We hypothesized that fasting apo B48 levels may be increased in metabolic syndrome.

We investigated 1,349 inhabitants (528 men and 821 women aged 62.4+/-12.8 y; mean+/-S.D.) of two towns in rural Hokkaido, who underwent health checks in 2005.

The fasting apo B48 level was significantly higher in males than females (geometric mean 1.92; 95% CI 1.802.04 microg/mL, vs. 1.69; 95% CI 1.611.76 microg/mL; p< 0.001). Ln (apo B48) showed a significant positive correlation with total cholesterol and ln (triglycerides), and a negative correlation with HDL-cholesterol. The correlation between ln (apo B48) and ln (triglycerides) was strong. Apo B48 was significantly higher in men and women with than without metabolic syndrome. Regression analysis revealed that ln (apo B48) was significantly associated with age, BMI, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and ln (triglyceride).

Fasting apo B48 levels are raised in individuals with metabolic syndrome.