ApoCII
Apolipoprotein C-II (ApoC-II) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the APOC2 gene. ApoC-II plays a critical role in the metabolism of lipids and is essential for the activation of Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), an enzyme necessary for the hydrolysis of triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol. This process is vital for the normal breakdown and transport of fats within the body.
Function[edit | edit source]
ApoC-II is primarily found associated with chylomicrons and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), two types of particles that transport triglycerides from the intestines and liver, respectively, to peripheral tissues. By activating LPL, ApoC-II facilitates the removal of triglycerides from the bloodstream, thereby converting VLDL to low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and chylomicrons to chylomicron remnants, which are then cleared by the liver.
Genetic and Clinical Aspects[edit | edit source]
The APOC2 gene is located on chromosome 19 in humans. Mutations in this gene can lead to ApoC-II deficiency, a rare genetic disorder characterized by severely elevated plasma triglyceride levels, pancreatitis, xanthomas (deposits of fatty materials in the skin), and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Treatment options for ApoC-II deficiency include dietary fat restrictions and, in some cases, infusion of purified ApoC-II or gene therapy.
Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
In the absence of functional ApoC-II, LPL cannot effectively hydrolyze triglycerides, leading to their accumulation in the plasma. This condition, known as Hypertriglyceridemia, is a risk factor for atherosclerosis, pancreatitis, and other cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the role of ApoC-II in lipid metabolism has been crucial for developing therapeutic strategies for managing hypertriglyceridemia and related conditions.
Research Directions[edit | edit source]
Research on ApoC-II has expanded beyond its role in lipid metabolism to include its potential involvement in inflammation, obesity, and insulin resistance. Studies are exploring the therapeutic potential of targeting ApoC-II to treat metabolic disorders and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
