Reference interval for the apolipoprotein B-48 concentration in healthy Japanese individuals

Area of Science:

• Lipid metabolism
• Cardiovascular disease biomarkers
• Clinical chemistry

Background:

• Apolipoprotein B-48 (apo B-48) is a key component of chylomicrons and chylomicron remnants.
• Elevated levels are associated with postprandial hypertriglyceridemia, chylomicron syndrome, and familial dyslipidemia.
• Establishing reference intervals for apo B-48 is essential for accurate clinical assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the reference interval for fasting apolipoprotein B-48 (apo B-48) concentration.
• To investigate factors influencing apo B-48 levels, including sex, menopausal status, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome.
• To establish an upper reference limit for apo B-48 in normolipidemic individuals.

Main Methods:

• Study included 516 consenting individuals without medication.
• Measured BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting serum concentrations of LDL-C, triglyceride, HDL-C, and apo B-48.
• Compared apo B-48 concentrations across various demographic and clinical groups.

Main Results:

• Fasting apo B-48 concentrations were significantly higher in men, individuals with BMI ≥25 kg/m², and those with metabolic syndrome (MetS).
• Higher apo B-48 levels correlated with an increased number of MetS risk factors.
• The estimated upper reference limit for fasting apo B-48 in normolipidemic patients was 5.7 μg/mL.

Conclusions:

• The upper reference limit for fasting apo B-48 concentration is estimated at 5.7 μg/mL based on normolipidemic subjects.
• This reference limit aids in the clinical evaluation of lipid disorders.
• Further research may refine apo B-48 reference ranges across diverse populations.