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Apolipoproteins C-II and C-III in peripheral arterial disease
C Alessandri1, S Basili, M Maurelli
1Terapia Medica Institute, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Italy.
Insights
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is linked to altered lipoprotein metabolism, specifically a lower apolipoprotein C-II/C-III ratio. This finding suggests a distinct lipoprotein derangement in PAD patients, impacting very low-density lipoprotein catabolism.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Lipid Metabolism
- Atherosclerosis Research
Background:
- Apolipoproteins play crucial roles in lipid transport and cardiovascular health.
- Understanding lipoprotein profiles in atherosclerotic diseases like PAD and CHD is vital for risk stratification.
- Previous research indicates potential differences in apolipoprotein concentrations among patients with varying degrees of atherosclerotic disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum concentrations of apolipoprotein (apo) C-II and apo C-III in normotriglyceridemic males with and without peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or coronary heart disease (CHD).
- To compare apolipoprotein profiles and ratios between patients with PAD, CHD, and healthy controls.
- To elucidate the specific lipoprotein derangements associated with PAD.
Main Methods:
- Serum concentrations of apo C-II and apo C-III were measured in 119 male subjects.
- Subjects were categorized into three groups: PAD, CHD, and controls, all with normal triglyceride levels and similar total cholesterol (< 400 mg/dL).
- Levels of HDL-cholesterol subfractions, apo A-I, and apo B were also assessed.
Main Results:
- Apo C-II and apo C-III serum concentrations were similar across all three groups.
- The apo C-II/apo C-III ratio was significantly lower in PAD patients compared to CHD patients and controls.
- CHD patients exhibited lower HDL-cholesterol subfractions, apo A-I levels, and apo A-I/apo B and HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratios.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with a specific lipoprotein abnormality.
- This derangement primarily affects very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) catabolism, indicated by the reduced apo C-II/apo C-III ratio.
- The findings highlight distinct lipid metabolism patterns in PAD compared to CHD and healthy individuals.
Abstract:
Apolipoprotein (apo) C-II and apo C-III serum concentrations were investigated in 119 normotriglyceridemic male subjects with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or coronary heart disease (CHD) or without clinical manifestations of atherosclerotic disease. All subjects included in the study had similar blood levels of total cholesterol (< 400 mg/dL). High-density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDL-C) subfractions and apo A-I serum levels were significantly lower in CHD patients, as were apo A-I/apo B and HDL-cholesterol/total cholesterol ratios. Apo C-II and apo C-III showed similar serum concentrations in all three groups of subjects, but apo C-II/apo C-III ratio was significantly lower in PAD patients as compared with that in CHD patients and control subjects. This study confirms that PAD may be associated with a particular lipoprotein derangement that primarily involves very low-density lipoprotein catabolism.