Apolipoprotein A-I assay

Description

Intended Use

For the quantitative in vitro determination of Apo A-I in serum or plasma. This product is suitable for automated, semi-automated and manual use.

Clinical Significance

Lipids are metabolised in the intestine or liver, and are transported to tissues and organs after hydrophilic adaptation by a series of micellar structures. These structures consist of an outer monolayer of protein (an Apolipoprotein) and polar lipids (phospholipids and unesterified cholesterol) plus an inner core of neutral lipids (triglycerides and cholesterol esters).

The apolipoproteins interact with a series of enzymes and tissue receptors and are therefore responsible for further metabolism and catabolism of the micelle.

The A apolipoproteins are the main form of protein found in high density lipoproteins (HDL), although APO A-I is also present in chylomicrons. The main role of APO A-I is in the activation of Lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) and removal of free cholesterol from extra hepatic tissues. APO A-I may therefore be described as non atherogenic, showing an inverse relationship to cardiovascular risk.

Studies have shown that there is an inverse relationship between APO A-I and coronary artery disease and a direct relationship with APO B such that patients with CAD have generally reduced levels of APO A-I and increased levels of APO B.