Serum apolipoprotein AI levels in atherosclerotic and diabetic patients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the association between Apolipoprotein AI (ApoAI), Apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB) and the presence of lower limb atherosclerotic occlusive disease.


METHODS
Serum lipids, lipoprotein fractions, ApoAI, ApoB and Lp(a) were measured in 52 patients (28 diabetics and 24 non-diabetics) with lower limb occlusive disease. They were evaluated according to patients' glucose and compared with those in 75 healthy controls.


RESULTS
There was a significant decrease in HDL-cholesterol and ApoAI serum levels (p = 0.000001) and an increase in Lp(a) (p = 0.000001) in patients as compared to controls. No difference was observed in total cholesterol, non HDL-cholesterol or triglycerides. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant association between low ApoAI (or HDL) levels and the disease as well as between high Lp(a) levels and the disease. ApoAI (p = 0.0003), HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.00005) and total cholesterol (p = 0.01) levels were significantly lower in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic patients. Lp(a) levels did not correlate with fasting glucose concentration. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant association between low ApoAI (or HDL) levels and diabetes.


CONCLUSIONS
Decreased ApoAI appears to be a main component of the dyslipidaemic serum profile observed in patients with atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the lower extremities. Increased Lp(a) levels is an independent risk factor. Decreased HDL-cholesterol is also involved in the dyslipidaemic profile.
Dionyssiou-Asteriou
A
A
Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Athens, Medical School, 75 M. Asias str., GR-115 27 Athens, Greece.
Papastamatiou
M
M
Vatalas
I A
IA
Bastounis
E
E
D000328:Adult; D016632:Apolipoprotein A-I / Q000097:blood*; D053299:Apolipoprotein B-100; D001055:Apolipoproteins B / Q000097:blood*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply / Q000503:physiopathology; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D017270:Lipoprotein(a) / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D016632:Apolipoprotein A-I; D053299:Apolipoprotein B-100; D001055:Apolipoproteins B; D008055:Lipids; D017270:Lipoprotein(a)