Apolipoprotein B assay

Description

Intended Use

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

Clinical Significance

Lipids are synthesised in the intestine or liver but must be transported to tissues and organs, however this is not possible without hydrophilic adaptation. Lipids are therefore transported 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 (tri?glycerides and cholestryl 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 B apolipoproteins are the main form of protein found in low density lipoproteins (LDL). Two forms of Apo B are found in humans. The most common form is B 100 (or large B) which constitutes the Apo B found in lipoproteins synthesised in the liver. The other form is B 48 (or small B), thought to be synthesised in the intestinal wall. Apo B is the main cholesterol carrying protein in the blood and is the ligand concerned with the uptake of cholesterol into cells by the LDL receptor pathway. Apo B shows atherogenic signs and is thus useful for the evaluation of coronary risk.