Association Between Serum Apolipoprotein CII Concentration and Coronary Heart Disease

Background. Apolipoprotein (Apo) CII plays an essential role in the metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) by activating lipoprotein lipase. Several studies have suggested that an abnormal concentration of Apo CII may serve as a marker for deficient TRL metabolism, a possible cause of coronary heart disease (CHD). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between Apo CII and the presence of CHD. Methods. A case–control study comparing 352 CHD patients and 395 controls was performed. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics were determined. Results. The CHD patients had a higher mean concentration of Apo CII than controls (5.3 mg/dl compared with 4.2 mg/dl, P < 0.001). Elevated serum Apo CII concentration was associated with CHD presence after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. The risk factor-adjusted odds ratio (OR) for CHD was 1.60 (95% CI: 1.31–1.94) per 1 mg/dl increment in Apo CII, compared with a risk factor-adjusted OR of 1.05 (95% CI: 0.85–1.32) per 40 mg/dl increment in triglyceride concentration. Conclusion. Increased serum concentration of Apo CII may represent a more sensitive marker of CHD than high serum concentration of triglycerides. Confirmation in cohort studies in required to establish or refute the role of elevated serum Apo CII as a risk factor for CHD.