Apolipoprotein measurements in clinical biochemistry and their utility vis-a-vis conventional assays

Qualitative and quantitative measurements of apolipoproteins such as Apo CII and Apo E, as well as Apo AI and Apo B can aid in the diagnosis of specific lipoprotein metabolic defects. When used in this way, their usefulness will probably remain more or less confined to specialized research centers which have the expertise to perform such analyses and interpret the measurements. In addition, however, Apo AI and Apo B also promise to be useful for the estimation of cardiovascular risk both in individuals and in populations, and both of these apolipoprotein measurements will probably supplement rather than replace conventional lipoprotein measurements. As with the lipoproteins, the usefulness of Apo AI and Apo B measurements will depend on the accuracy and precision with which they can be measured. The current standardization efforts should lead to the development of reference methods for the measurement of total plasma levels of Apo AI and Apo B, the availability of reference materials for these apolipoproteins, and eventually, to the establishment of methods that can specifically measure Apo AI and Apo B in particular lipoprotein subfractions.