When the dosage of LDL cholesterol in the classic lipid profile is impossible, a dosage of apolipoprotein B is performed. This protein is involved in the transport of lipids in the blood. What does too high Apo B mean? What to do ?
What is the role of apolipoprotein B?
Often abbreviated as “apo B”, apolipoprotein B is a lipoprotein associated with lipid transport (cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids) in the blood. Like oil in water, lipids are insoluble in the blood. They therefore need to be bound to protein transport structures in order to be able to circulate. There are two main types of apolipoproteins: apo A found in high density lipoproteins and which are reflected by HDL cholesterol (commonly called good cholesterol) and apo B which is present mainly in low density lipoproteins therefore in LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol).
When should Apo B be dosed?
The dosage of apolipoprotein B is prescribed in case of suspected lipid abnormality and cardiovascular risk when the classic determination of LDL cholesterol is impossible. This is the case in subjects whose triglyceride level is greater than 3.5g/L. “We are then forced to measure apo B directly in order to have an evaluation of low density lipoproteins such as LDL“, specifies Gaël Saintenoy, biologist.
What is the normal level of Apo B?
Normal values for apolipoprotein B are included between 0.50 and 1.30 g/L for men and 0.40 to 1.20 for women.
► Good to know, standards may vary from one laboratory to another depending on the assay techniques used.
What does a high Apo B level mean?
“A high level of Apo B represents a more important factor of risk of cardiovascular disease. It may be indicative of a primary or secondary hypercholesterolemia and must be assessed in the overall patient risks (smoking, sedentary lifestyle, type 2 diabetes, obesity, etc.)“, says the biologist.
What does low Apo B mean?
“A low Apo B level is usually nothing to worry about. Patients with favorable physical activity or genetic factors can have this type of result. A level below normal values has no meaning today in standard practice“, remarks Gaël Saintenoy.
What treatment in case of abnormal Apo B?
In case of high Apo B level, it is recommended to follow hygiene and dietary measures including in particular a food rebalancing and physical activity. At the same time, treatments can be administered to lower cholesterol levels. A low level of Apo B is positive, it does not justify any treatment.
Thanks to Gaël Saintenoy, biologist.