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H Dieplinger

Publications and source records attributed to H Dieplinger.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

The human lacrimal gland synthesizes apolipoprotein D mRNA in addition to tear prealbumin mRNA, both species encoding members of the lipocalin superfamily.

Apolipoprotein D (apoD), a glycoprotein originally characterized as a component of the high density lipoprotein fraction of human plasma and known to be a member of the lipocalin protein superfamily, has been found in human tear fluid by Western blot analysis. Unlike serum it seems that in the tear fluid apoD exists mainly as a disulphide linked homodimer which is not associated with lecithin/cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) or apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I). By reverse-transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) of mRNA extracted from a human lacrimal gland and use of specific primers we could demonstrate expression of the apoD gene in this tissue. The amplified cDNA was cloned and a subsequent sequence analysis confirmed the identity of apoD mRNA in the human lacrimal gland. These investigations indicate that the lacrimal gland is the site of synthesis of the tear fluid apoD. Although the physiological function of apoD is unknown, it has the ability to bind phospholipids, cholesterol and other small hydrophobic molecules. Therefore, this protein might interact with meibomian lipids present in human tear fluid and probably contribute to the surface spreading of these lipids or it may function as a clearance factor, protecting the cornea from harmful lipophilic molecules.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Multicenter study of lipoprotein(a) and apolipoprotein(a) phenotypes in patients with end-stage renal disease treated by hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Numerous studies have investigated lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) plasma concentrations in patients with ESRD, a patient group with an enormous risk for atherosclerosis. The reported differences in Lp(a) between controls and patients vary from a decrease of 49% to an increase of more than 1,000%. However, data are not consistent, mostly because of problems with statistical analysis, and only limited data are available for patients treated by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). To estimate the significance of Lp(a) in ESRD and to demonstrate the statistical pitfalls concerning Lp(a) in case-control studies, a large multicenter study including 702 patients treated by either hemodialysis (HD) (N = 534) or CAPD (N = 168) was conducted, and results were compared with results from 256 healthy controls. Both patient groups showed significantly elevated Lp(a) levels in comparison with controls: 23.4 +/- 25.0 mg/dL (P < 0.005; HD) and 34.6 +/- 38.4 mg/dL (P < 0.0001; CAPD) versus 18.4 +/- 22.8 mg/dL (controls). CAPD patients showed significantly higher Lp(a) values than did patients treated by HD (P < 0.001). The difference between the two treatment groups possibly reflects an overproduction of Lp(a) to compensate for protein losses in CAPD patients. Both treatment groups included significantly more patients with Lp(a) values greater than the 75th percentile (25.6 mg/dL) of the control group (33.9 and 41.7% for HD and CAPD, respectively; P < 0.005). The higher Lp(a) values in patients were not explained by differences in isoform frequencies and the increase in Lp(a) was apolipoprotein(a) type specific: only patients with high-molecular-weight apolipoprotein(a) isoforms showed a significant elevation in Lp(a) levels. The increased plasma concentrations of Lp(a) may contribute to the high risk for atherosclerosis in ESRD, especially in patients treated by CAPD. Finally, it is believed that small sample sizes are responsible for the diverging results in Lp(a) literature.

Adult↗

Kringle 4 of human apolipoprotein[a] shares a linear antigenic site with human catalase.

Monoclonal antibody (mab) 1A2, directed against human apolipoprotein[a] (apo[a]), revealed a strong reaction with peroxisomes as shown by immuno-gold labeled cryosections of human liver biopsies. This reactivity was not due to the presence of apo[a] in peroxisomes but to a cross-reactivity of mab 1A2. Immunoblot analysis of peroxisomal fractions and purified human catalase demonstrated that mab 1A2 reacts with catalase. Conversely, an anti-catalase antibody also recognized apo[a]. By sequence comparison we identified a 4-amino acid motif (Y-Y-P-N) that is shared between the highly repetitive kringle 4 motif of apo[a] and the carboxy-terminal third of the peroxisomal marker enzyme catalase. No other identical sequences were identified in these proteins. Results from the following experiments indicated that 1A2 recognizes this short linear epitope. i) Mab 1A2 reacted only with the 4 amino acid peptide sequence in a pin-ELISA using immobilized overlapping peptides. ii) A synthetic peptide including this sequence completely inhibited the 1A2 immunoreactivity to apo[a] and catalase. iii) A recombinant fusion protein tagged with the putative epitope was recognized by mab 1A2. Our findings demonstrate that unknown linear epitopes in native proteins can be identified by sequence comparison between known proteins. The practical implication is that antibodies against apo[a] must be controlled for this cross-reactivity before using them for immunohistochemical studies of intracellular apo[a] in tissues or cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Low molecular weight heparin does not necessarily reduce lipids and lipoproteins in hemodialysis patients.

Recent studies have indicated a beneficial effect of one particular low molecular weight heparin preparation (Fragmin) on lipid metabolism in patients on chronic hemodialysis as compared to unfractionated heparin. We conducted a prospective crossover study with paired comparison of two different anticoagulant agents to examine the effects of a recently released new low molecular weight heparin (Sandoparin) on lipid and lipoprotein parameters in 24 patients starting hemodialysis. During the first six months of observation patients received Sandoparin. Then patients were switched to unfractionated heparin and observed for further six months. After switching from Sandoparin to unfractionated heparin we observed significant decreases in total cholesterol (from 168.6 +/- 42.2 to 154.4 +/- 41.9 mg/dl, p < 0.02), LDL cholesterol (from 106.4 +/- 35.2 to 89.9 +/- 32.3 mg/dl, p < 0.005), triglycerides (from 148.7 +/- 85.0 to 121.4 +/- 88.8 mg/dl, p < 0.05) and apolipoprotein B (from 100.0 +/- 35.3 to 89.9 +/- 30.4 mg/dl, p < 0.05) and a significant increase in HDL cholesterol (from 32.8 +/- 12.5 to 37.7 +/- 17.5 mg/dl, p < 0.02). This is in contrast to earlier results and can possibly be explained by a higher percentage of fractions with high M(r) in the investigated Sandoparin, which results in a more pronounced depletion of lipoprotein lipase. Together with the enhanced hepatic clearance of lipoprotein lipase induced by low molecular weight heparins, this may decrease lipoprotein lipase activity with a subsequent increase in plasma triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol. We conclude from our data that a general recommendation for clinical use of low molecular weight heparin in hemodialysis patients cannot be given.

Adult↗

Influence of various heparin preparations on lipoproteins in hemodialysis patients: a multicentre study.

Recent studies have indicated controversial effects of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on lipid metabolism in patients on chronic hemodialysis as compared to unfractionated heparin (UFH). We therefore conducted a cross-sectional multicentre study comparing 153 patients treated with LMWH and 153 patients with UFH, matched for sex, age and diabetes mellitus. Both groups have been treated with LMWH or UFH for six months or longer (14.9 vs. 23.4 months). We observed no differences between the UFH and LMWH treatment groups for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, apoB, apoA-IV or Lp(a). The only significant differences were seen for HDL cholesterol and the corresponding apolipoprotein apoA-I, which were significantly higher in the UFH group (HDL cholesterol: 0.97 +/- 0.35 mM/l vs. 0.87 +/- 0.37 mM/l, p < 0.05; apoA-I 1.23 +/- 0.27 g/l vs. 1.15 +/- 0.27 g/l, p < 0.05). We conclude that the results of studies investigating the influence of LMWH on lipid metabolism are as heterogeneous as the substances themselves. This challenges the beneficial influence supposedly had by LMWH preparations on lipid metabolism.

Adult↗

Molecular characterization of phagosomes.

The transformation of newly formed phagosomes into mature phagolysosomes is a process that involves a complex series of interactions between phagosomes and other vacuolar organelles. The machinery required by phagosomes to mediate these interactions is poorly understood. In this study, we allowed human and various rodent cells to take up latex beads whose density facilitates a simple purification of phagosomes using discontinuous sucrose gradients. With this system, we initiated a systematic study of phagosome proteins using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and the currently available two-dimensional gel protein data bases. By this approach, we were able to recognize a group of polypeptides associated with mouse J774 phagosomes-phagolysosomes including annexin II, annexin VI, the beta-1 and beta-2 subunits of trimeric G proteins, and a group of actin-binding proteins. While the amount of annexin II associated to phagosomes was similar at all times of latex internalization, the levels of annexin VI were higher on late phagosomes. Phospholipid analysis of J774 phagosomes isolated at early and late time points during phagolysosome formation also revealed significant differences in their lipid composition. In the human phagosomes, we resolved over 200 polypeptides on the two-dimensional gels. These included the proteins described in the mouse, as well as 32 polypeptides that were found to be highly enriched in phagosomes, 15 of which are not present in the current data bases. The results demonstrate that the use of latex bead phagosomes is a powerful system to identify key molecules involved in phagolysosome biogenesis.

Animals↗

High-level expression of various apolipoprotein(a) isoforms by "transferrinfection": the role of kringle IV sequences in the extracellular association with low-density lipoprotein.

Characterization of the assembly of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is of fundamental importance to understanding the biosynthesis and metabolism of this atherogenic lipoprotein. Since no established cell lines exist that express Lp(a) or apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)], a "transferrinfection" system for apo(a) was developed utilizing adenovirus receptor- and transferrin receptor-mediated DNA uptake into cells. Using this method, different apo(a) cDNA constructions of variable length, due to the presence of 3, 5, 7, 9, 15, or 18 internal kringle IV sequences, were expressed in cos-7 cells or CHO cells. All constructions contained kringle IV-36, which includes the only unpaired cysteine residue (Cys-4057) in apo(a). r-Apo(a) was synthesized as a precursor and secreted as mature apolipoprotein into the medium. When medium containing r-apo(a) with 9, 15, or 18 kringle IV repeats was mixed with normal human plasma LDL, stable complexes formed that had a bouyant density typical of Lp(a). Association was substantially decreased if Cys-4057 on r-apo(a) was replaced by Arg by site-directed mutagenesis or if Cys-4057 was chemically modified. Lack of association was also observed with r-apo(a) containing only 3, 5, or 7 kringle IV repeats without "unique kringle IV sequences", although Cys-4057 was present in all of these constructions. Synthesis and secretion of r-apo(a) was not dependent on its sialic acid content. r-Apo(a) was expressed even more efficiently in sialylation-defective CHO cells than in wild-type CHO cells. In transfected CHO cells defective in the addition of N-acetylglucosamine, apo(a) secretion was found to be decreased by 50%. Extracellular association with LDL was not affected by the carbohydrate moiety of r-apo(a), indicating a protein-protein interaction between r-apo(a) and apoB. These results show that, besides kringle IV-36, other kringle IV sequences are necessary for the extracellular association of r-apo(a) with LDL. Changes in the carbohydrate moiety of apo(a), however, do not affect complex formation.

Animals↗

Structural domains of apolipoprotein(a) and its interaction with apolipoprotein B-100 in the lipoprotein(a) particle.

The structural domains of human apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] and its interaction with apolipoprotein B-100 (apo B-100) in the lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] particle were investigated by limited proteolysis with thermolysin and cathepsin D. We characterized the proteolytic products by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis, followed by immunoblotting using different antibodies. For apo B-100 in Lp(a), the digestion patterns were found to be identical to those previously described [Chen et al. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 14369-14375; Chen et al. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 12581-12587] for apo B-100 in LDL. Thus, we compared the digestion patterns of apo B-100 in Lp(a) resolved under reducing and nonreducing migrating conditions. Using an antibody specific for a synthetic peptide of apo B-100 (residues 4004-4021), we confirmed that apo B-100 was linked to apo(a) by its C-terminal end. Various Lp(a)s isolated from several donors, and containing different isoforms, were used to study the structural domains of apo(a). Using the same procedure as for apo B-100, several common features were found for the different isoforms. (1) Apo(a) can be cleaved into two structural domains: one was of constant size (170 kDa) and was linked to apo B-100. Using an antibody specifically directed against kringle V, we demonstrated that this fragment corresponded to the C-terminal part of apo(a). (2) The other domain, whose size varied according to the digested apo(a) isoform, was not linked to apo B-100.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Apolipoprotein B-100↗

Apolipoprotein(a) phenotype-associated decrease in lipoprotein(a) plasma concentrations after renal transplantation.

High lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] plasma concentrations are an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. In the general population, Lp(a) levels are primarily determined by allelic variation at the apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] gene locus. Apo(a) isoforms of various sizes are associated with different Lp(a) concentrations. Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have elevated plasma concentrations of Lp(a), which are not explained by the size variation at the apo(a) gene locus. To further investigate the origin of the elevated Lp(a) plasma concentrations, we examined Lp(a) concentrations and apo(a) phenotypes in 154 ESRD patients undergoing renal transplantation. In a prospective longitudinal study we observed a rapid normalization of Lp(a) levels from an average concentration of 25.9 +/- 28.7 mg/dL before to 17.9 +/- 25.5 mg/dL 3 weeks after renal transplantation (P < .0001). Only patients with high-molecular-weight phenotypes had a significant decrease in Lp(a) plasma concentrations. This study demonstrates the nongenetic origin of elevated Lp(a) concentrations in ESRD patients, which is obviously caused by the disease. It further confirms a phenotype-associated elevation of Lp(a) concentrations in ESRD.

Adolescent↗

Apolipoprotein(a) phenotypes predict the risk for carotid atherosclerosis in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Several studies have demonstrated that atherosclerotic complications are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. High lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] plasma concentrations are an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have elevated plasma concentrations of Lp(a), which are not explained by size variation at the apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] gene locus. The aim of our study was to investigate whether Lp(a) concentrations and/or apo(a) phenotypes are predictive of the degree of atherosclerosis in the extracranial carotid arteries in ESRD patients. Of 167 patients, 108 showed atherosclerotic plaques (65%). Univariate analysis showed that the plaque-affected group was significantly older and had a higher frequency of angina pectoris, previous myocardial infarction, or cerebrovascular accident. Furthermore, this group included significantly more patients with low-molecular-weight apo(a) isoforms (26.9% versus 8.5%, P < .005) and had significantly higher mean Lp(a) plasma concentrations (29.3 +/- 31.0 versus 19.7 +/- 25.7 mg/dL, P < .05). Lp(a) plasma concentration increased significantly with the number of affected arterial sites, from 19.7 mg/dL in patients without plaques to 40.1 mg/dL in patients with seven or eight affected sites. In patients with low-molecular-weight phenotypes, significantly more arterial sites were affected (3.62 versus 2.08, P < .001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that age, angina pectoris, and the apo(a) phenotype were the only significant predictors of the degree of atherosclerosis. We conclude that, besides age, the apo(a) phenotype is the best predictor of carotid atherosclerosis in ESRD patients and may be used for assessment of general atherosclerosis risk in this patient group.

Adult↗

The role of lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase for lipoprotein (a) assembly. Structural integrity of low density lipoproteins is a prerequisite for Lp(a) formation in human plasma.

The composition of lipoproteins in the plasma of patients with LCAT deficiency (LCAT-D) is grossly altered due to the lack of cholesteryl esters which form the core of normal lipoproteins. When plasma from LCAT-D patients and their relatives was examined we found that nine heterozygotes had plasma Lp(a) levels of 2-13 mg/dl whereas none of 11 affected homozygous individuals from different families contained detectable amounts of Lp(a) in their plasma. Therefore, the binding of apo(a) to LDL density particles was studied in vitro using LDL density fractions prepared from patients, and recombinant apo(a) [r-apo(a)], which was expressed and secreted by transfected COS-7 cells. The LDL from heterozygotes were chemically indistinguishable from normal LDL and homogeneous with regard to morphology, whereas the crude LDL floating fraction from homozygotes consisted of a heterogeneous mixture of large vesicles, and small spheres resembling normal LDL. The LDL density fraction from the LCAT-D patient lacked almost completely cholesteryl esters. Incubation of LCAT-D plasma with active LCAT caused a substantial augmentation of the original subfraction which morphologically resembled normal LDL. Using r-apo(a) and normal LDL or LDL of heterozygous individuals, apoB:r-apo(a) complexes were formed when incubated at 37 degrees C in vitro for 20 h. In contrast, the total LDL floating fraction from a homozygous LCAT-D patient failed to form apoB:r-apo(a) complexes. After treatment with active LCAT, a significant apoB:r-apo(a) association was observed with LCAT-D LDL-density particles. Our data emphasize the importance of the integrity of LDL structure and composition for the formation of Lp(a). In addition, we demonstrate that the absence of LCAT activity has a fundamental impact on the regulation of plasma Lp(a) levels.

Apolipoproteins A↗

Effect of sample storage on the measurement of lipoprotein[a], apolipoproteins B and A-IV, total and high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides.

This study investigated the influence of long-term storage, for periods up to 24 months, and multiple freezing and thawing on the measured values of lipoprotein[a] (Lp[a]), apolipoproteins B and A-IV, total and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides using plasma samples stored at -80 degrees C, -20 degrees C, and 4 degrees C. Samples stored at -80 degrees C or -20 degrees C showed significant changes in Lp[a] after 24 months, with a mean decrease of 7% and 13%, respectively (P < 0.01). The major part of the decrease occurred during the first freezing and thawing. In contrast, apolipoproteins B and A-IV decreased continuously over time (P < 0.05). The increase in plasma concentrations of total and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides was small but significant because of its uniformity. Multiple freezing and thawing influenced only the measured values of Lp[a] and apolipoprotein B. Comparison of samples stored at -80 degrees C and -20 degrees C showed no difference in any of the parameters at any time with the exception of Lp[a] after 18 and 24 months (P < 0.05). After a storage period of 24 months, immunoblotting with detection of apo[a] was possible from samples under each storage condition. ApoB and apoA-IV were detectable only in samples stored at -20 degrees C or -80 degrees C. These data, when compared to recent studies, suggest a critical role of the assay methodology in the reproducibility of measured Lp[a] and apolipoprotein plasma concentrations. We therefore recommend the examination of each system for measurement of long-term stored plasma samples.

Apolipoproteins A↗

Plasma lipoprotein (a) concentration and phenotypes in diabetes mellitus.

Patients with Type 1 (insulin-dependent) and Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of developing atherosclerotic vascular diseases. A variety of lipoprotein abnormalities have been described as being associated with this increased risk. In this study, apo(a) isoform frequencies and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] concentrations were determined in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic patients in order to investigate a possible contribution of Lp(a) to the increased risk for atherosclerosis in diabetes. No significant differences in plasma Lp(a) concentrations were found in two ethnically different populations (Austrians from the province of Tyrol and Hungarians from Budapest) in either type of diabetes when compared to respective control groups (91 Type 1 and 112 Type 2 diabetic patients vs 202 control subjects in the Hungarian study and 44 Type 1 diabetic and 44 Type 2 diabetic vs 125 control subjects in the Austrian study). There were also no significant apo(a) isoform frequency differences between both patient groups and control subjects in the two study groups. These data, obtained from two large ethnically different populations, provide no evidence of a contribution of Lp(a) to the increased risk for atherosclerosis in diabetes.

Adult↗

In situ immunolocalization of lipoproteins in human arteriosclerotic tissue.

The concentration of serum lipoproteins, especially those of low density (LDL) and high density (HDL) lipoprotein, are related to the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis. However, there is a lack of data concerning lipoprotein distribution in the human arteriosclerotic plaque. To detect these lipoproteins, we performed immunogold labeling on ultrathin sections of fixed and embedded human arteriosclerotic tissue. We used a panel of specific antibodies to different lipoproteins and their apolipoprotein constituents, namely LDL, formaldehyde-fixed LDL, apolipoprotein B-100, HDL, and formaldehyde-fixed apolipoprotein A-I. We also applied antibodies to alpha-actin and cathepsin D to characterize the cells and organelles involved in lipoprotein uptake and metabolism. Semiquantitative evaluation was carried out for a detailed comparison of the results obtained. Electron microscopic examination revealed that the majority of HDL and LDL in the pathological tissue was localized intracellularly in macrophage-derived foam cells and smooth muscle cells, whereas only LDL was found in the extracellular matrix. In some cases, we observed an intracellular accumulation of lipoproteins in electron-dense vesicles, which appeared to be of lysosomal origin, as shown by double labeling with an antibody to cathepsin D. These vesicles were present only in macrophage-derived foam cells, which were localized in the necrotic cores of arteriosclerotic plaques, and could not be found in healthy tissue or in the early stages of arteriosclerotic disease.

Arteriosclerosis↗

Elevated plasma concentrations of lipoprotein(a) in patients with end-stage renal disease are not related to the size polymorphism of apolipoprotein(a).

Patients with terminal renal insufficiency suffer from an increased incidence of atherosclerotic diseases. Elevated plasma concentrations of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] have been established as a genetically controlled risk factor for these diseases. Variable alleles at the apo(a) gene locus determine to a large extent the Lp(a) concentration in the general population. In addition, other genetic and nongenetic factors also contribute to the plasma concentrations of Lp(a). We therefore investigated Apo(a) phenotypes and Lp(a) plasma concentrations in a large group of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and in a control group. Lp(a) concentrations were significantly elevated in ESRD patients (20.1 +/- 20.3 mg/dl) as compared with the controls (12.1 +/- 15.5 mg/dl, P < 0.001). However, no difference was found in apo(a) isoform frequency between the ESRD group and the controls. Interestingly, only patients with large size apo(a) isoforms exhibited two- to fourfold elevated levels of Lp(a), whereas the small-size isoforms had similar concentrations in ESRD patients and controls. Beside elevated Lp(a) concentrations, ESRD patients had lower levels of plasma cholesterol and apolipoprotein B. These results show that elevated Lp(a) plasma levels might significantly contribute to the risk for atherosclerotic diseases in ESRD. They further indicate that nongenetic factors related to renal insufficiency or other genes beside the apo(a) structural gene locus must be responsible for the high Lp(a) levels.

Adult↗

High density lipoprotein deficiency with xanthomas. A defect in reverse cholesterol transport caused by a point mutation in the apolipoprotein A-I gene.

A 7-yr-old girl with high density lipoprotein (HDL) deficiency and xanthomas has been identified in a Turkish kindred with repetitive consanguinity. She has severely reduced HDL-cholesterol and no apolipoprotein (apo) A-I. ApoA-II is reduced, whereas apoA-IV and apoC-III are normal. ApoB and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol are increased. This is reflected in hypercholesterolemia. VLDL and IDL particles are low, and serum triglycerides are normal. The genetic defect could be identified as a base insertion into the third exon of the apoA-I gene. This leads to a nonsense peptide sequence beginning at amino acid 5 of the mature plasma protein and early termination of translation. The patient is homozygous for this mutation. Pedigree analysis indicated an autosomal dominant inheritance with no evidence of another genetic defect of lipoprotein metabolism in the kindred. In HDL deficiency, HDL binding to leukocytes was increased compared to normal. In the postprandial state, binding of labeled HDL3 to leukocytes is unchanged. This is in contrast to results with postprandially isolated leukocytes from controls or Tangier patients, which have a reduced binding capacity for HDL3. These results indicate that postprandial HDL precursors may compete the binding of labeled HDL3. The metabolic consequences of HDL deficiency were analyzed. There is only a small number of HDL-like particles containing apoA-II, apoA-IV, apoE, and lecithin/cholesteryl acyl transferase. The C-apolipoproteins were normal in the proband. Due to the lack of HDL they can only associate with apoB-containing particles, where they may interfere with cellular uptake. Thus, pure apoA-I deficiency leads to a complex metabolic derangement.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Plasma apolipoprotein A-IV metabolism in patients with chronic renal disease.

The plasma concentration and distribution of apolipoprotein A-IV were investigated in normotriglyceridaemic patients with end-stage renal disease and compared with those in a sex- and age-matched control group with normal renal function. A three-fold elevated plasma mean concentration of apolipoprotein A-IV was found in patients with end-stage renal disease treated by haemo- or peritoneal dialysis (58.5 +/- 18.9 mg dl-1 or 50.5 +/- 12.2 mg dl-1, respectively) compared with the controls (18.3 +/- 6.4 mg dl-1). The plasma distribution of apolipoprotein A-IV was studied in patients treated by haemodialysis and in controls by gel permeation chromatography. In the haemodialysis group, 40.3% of the apolipoprotein A-IV was found to be associated with the fraction of high density lipoproteins, whereas the rest (59.7%) was not associated with lipoproteins. This distribution was significantly different from that in the control group (24.8% vs. 75.2%, 0.01 less than P less than 0.05). The elevated plasma concentrations of apolipoprotein A-IV in the patients are not related to triglyceride levels and therefore are unlikely to result from an impaired catabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. The accumulation of apolipoprotein A-IV in high density lipoproteins from patients with end-stage renal disease might reflect the impaired reversed cholesterol transport mechanisms which are believed to be a major cause of the high prevalence of atherosclerotic diseases in these patients.

Adult↗