Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) of serum apolipoproteins: a new tool for probing lipoprotein disorders and the atherosclerosis risk.
An immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) approach to the detection of the apolipoprotein pattern in human sera is described. IFE for apolipoprotein A-1 and B provides informations complementing those obtained by conventional laboratory immunoassay methods. IFE is specific and sensitive enough to detect the differential distribution of apo A-1 into alpha (HDL)-apo A-I and "free" apo A-I. Therefore, this method allows us to study routinely the "free" apo A-I in the clinical laboratory. This is an important new parameter the clinical and pathophysiological significance of which has not yet been established, but it can now be Investigated systematically. IFE also allows the detection of apo B distribution in beta (LDL) and pre-beta (VLDL) lipoproteins. The possibility to obtain densitometric scanning profiles from IFE, may provide quantitative data useful for a deeper laboratory investigation of lipoprotein disorders and towards a potentially better assessment of the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD).
Semprini
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Servizio Ricerche Chimico-Cliniche, Istituto per la Patologia Endocrina e Metabolica, I.N.R.C.A., Via Cassia 1167, 1-00689 Roma, Italy.
Maddalena-Feruzzi
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Giunta
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