Identification of apo- and holo-forms of ceruloplasmin in patients with Wilsonʹs disease using native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

Objectives: To determine the serum ratio of holo-ceruloplasmin to total ceruloplasmin in patients with Wilsonʹs disease (WD), we identified apo- and holo-forms of serum ceruloplasmin with native-PAGE electrophoresis. Design and methods: Serum obtained from nine patients with Wilsonʹs disease was subjected to native-PAGE analysis. We also determined the ceruloplasmin level and ferroxidase activity in all of the samples. Results: Among the nine patients, three had both forms of ceruloplasmin and six had only apo-ceruloplasmin. In the patients who had only apo-ceruloplasmin, the serum ceruloplasmin level was significantly lower than in the patients with both forms. Conclusions: Differences in the ability to incorporate copper into ceruloplasmin may have a role in ceruloplasmin concentrations in patients with Wilsonʹs disease.