Apolipoprotein CIII and diabetes. Is there a link?

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Metabolic Diseases
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Apolipoprotein CIII (ApoCIII) is a key regulator of triglyceride metabolism.
• Elevated ApoCIII levels are linked to hypertriglyceridemia and impaired glucose metabolism, particularly in diabetes.
• ApoCIII influences lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) assembly, and triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) clearance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms linking ApoCIII to the deterioration of carbohydrate homeostasis.
• To explore ApoCIII's role in insulin resistance and related metabolic dysfunctions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review based on a Pubmed search up to August 2018.
• Analysis of existing studies on ApoCIII's molecular and physiological effects.

Main Results:

• ApoCIII promotes pancreatic beta-cell apoptosis by increasing cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels.
• Overexpression of ApoCIII contributes to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and insulin resistance in skeletal muscles.
• ApoCIII may increase body weight and glucose production via hypothalamic LPL inhibition.
• ApoCIII on HDL impairs its antiglycemic and atheroprotective functions.

Conclusions:

• ApoCIII plays a significant role in both triglyceride metabolism and glucose homeostasis.
• Modulating ApoCIII presents a potential therapeutic strategy for hypertriglyceridemia and carbohydrate metabolism disorders.