Apolipoprotein C-II assay

Description

Intended Use

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

Clinical Significance

Lipoproteins are large complexes of molecules that transport lipids (primarily triglycerides and cholesterols) through the blood. Apolipoproteins are proteins on the surface of the lipoprotein complex that bind to specific enzymes or transport proteins on the cell membranes. This directs the lipoprotein to the proper site of metabolism.

Apolipoprotein C-II is a 79 amino acid protein synthesised mainly in the liver and to a lesser extent in the intestine. Apo C-II acts as a co-factor for lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme that hydrolyses triglycerides in chylomicrons and VLDL. Patients have been identified with excessive hypertriglyceridemia due to a deficiency in Apo C-II. Deficient patients present with chylomicronemia, xanthomas, and recurrent pancreatitis. Apo C-II deficiency can be diagnosed biochemically by measuring Apo C-II levels.