The Apolipoprotein C-I Content of Very-Low-Density Lipoproteins Is Associated with Fasting Triglycerides, Postprandial Lipemia, and Carotid Atherosclerosis

Abstract EN

Background.

Experimental studies in animals suggest that apolipoprotein (apo) C-I is an important regulator of triglycerides in fasting and postprandial conditions and associated with carotid atherosclerosis.

Methods.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 81 subjects, aged 56–80 years recruited from a population health survey.

The participants underwent a fat tolerance test (1 g fat per Kg body weight) and carotid atherosclerosis was determined by ultrasound examination.

VLDL particles, Sf 20–400, were isolated and their lipid composition and apoC-I content determined.

Results.

The carotid plaque area increased linearly with the number of apoC-I molecules per VLDL particles (P=0.048) under fasting conditions.

Fasting triglycerides increased across tertiles of apoC-I per VLDL particle in analyses adjusted for apoC-II and -C-III, apoE genotype and traditional cardiovascular risk factors (P=0.011).

The relation between apoC-I in VLDL and serum triglycerides was conveyed by triglyceride enrichment of VLDL particles (P for trend <0.001.

The amount of apoC-I molecules per VLDL was correlated with the total (r=0.41, P<0.0001) and incremental (r=0.35, P<0.001) area under the postprandial triglyceride curve.

Conclusions.

Our findings support the concept that the content of apoC-I per VLDL particle is an important regulator of triglyceride metabolism in the fasting and postprandial state and associated with carotid athrosclerosis.