[Classification and metabolic relationship of plasma apoproteins (author's transl)]

The apoproteins are the constitutive peptides of the plasma lipoproteins. The most widely employed nomenclature is that based on the family concept of constitutive polypeptides. The apoproteins are synthetized in the liver and/or in the intestine. During the lipolysis, apoprotein transfers and/or exchanges are observed. The apoproteins play a major role in the structure of the macromolecular lipid-protein complexes, and in the activity of several enzymes involved in the lipoprotein catabolism. An expanding information on apoprotein metabolism will allow a better comprehension of the hyperlipidemia pathogenesis.