Apolipoprotein B - An ideal biomarker for atherosclerosis?

Abstract

This review article describes the pathophysiological mechanisms linking Apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) and atherosclerosis, summarizes the existing evidence on Apo B as a predictor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and recommendations of (inter)national treatment guidelines regarding Apo B in dyslipidemia management. A single Apo B molecule is present in every particle of very low-density lipoprotein, intermediate density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, and lipoprotein(a). This unique single Apo B per particle ratio makes plasma Apo B concentration a direct measure of the number of circulating atherogenic lipoproteins. This review of global evidence on Apo B as a biomarker for atherosclerosis confirms that Apo B is a single atherogenic lipid marker present in all lipids sub-fractions except HDL-C, and thus, Apo B integrates and extends the information from triglycerides and cholesterol, which could simplify and improve care for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: Apo-lipoprotein B; Atherosclerosis; Biomarker; Dyslipidaemia; India.