Relationship between plasma apolipoproteinB concentrations, apolipoproteinB/apolipoproeinA-I and HDL subclasses distribution.

Background: To analyze the relationship between plasma apoB100 concentrations, apoB100/apoA-I ratio and the alteration of HDL subclasses distribution.

Methods: The apoA-I contents of plasma HDL subclasses were quantitated by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with immunodetection in 506 subjects.

Results: The subjects in the highest tertile of apoB100 groups had significantly higher small-sized prebeta(1)-HDL, however lower large-sized HDL(2a), HDL(2b) than the subjects in the lowest tertile of apoB100 group. Furthermore, a significant down in the HDL(2b)/prebeta(1)-HDL values (from 6.8 to 1.6) with a rise in apoB100/apoA-I ratio (from 0.4 to 1.4) were observed. Compared to subjects with apoB100/apoA-I ratio<0.9, the subjects with apoB100/apoA-I ratio > or =0.9 had significantly higher small-sized prebeta(1)-HDL whereas lower HDL(3a), HDL(3b) and large-sized HDL(2a), HDL(2b.) Pearson correlation revealed that concentrations of apoB100 were positively correlated with prebeta(1)-HDL but negatively correlated with HDL(2a) and HDL(2b), and in multivariate analysis, all HDL subclasses were independently associated with the apoB100/apoA-I ratio.

Conclusion: The apoB100 concentrations, especially apoB100/apoA-I ratio could reflect sensitively the alteration of HDL subclasses distribution. And HDL subclasses distribution characteristics of hyperlipidemic subjects appeared in the subjects with apoB100/apoA-I ratio > or =0.9, which indicated the efficiency of RCT was weakened and the maturation of HDL was blocked.