Apolipoprotein- A1

The human body contains biochemical substances (lipoproteins) that carry cholesterol through the bloodstream. The two primary types of cholesterol are as follows:

• High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL)
• Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL)

Apolipoprotein A1 (APO A1) is the primary protein component in HDL. APO A1 helps remove excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues and subsequently delivers that cholesterol to the liver. The protein also regulates cholesterol levels present in cells.

Consequently, low APO A1 levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as the following:

• Coronary heart disease 
• Strokes 
• Peripheral artery diseases 
• Aortic valve diseases

It’s essential to note that decreased APO A1 levels are not solely responsible for an individual developing CVD. Some other risk factors include:

• Unhealthy diet
• Physical inactivity
• Excessive consumption of tobacco products or alcohol
• Hypertension
• Diabetes

Individuals engaging excessively with the listed behavioural patterns may experience increased blood pressure levels, high blood glucose levels and obesity. These symptoms indicate an increased risk for CVD but do not necessarily mean that the individual will develop the condition.

Remedial actions addressing the behavioural patterns can significantly reduce the associated risks for the disease. However, in cases of hypertension and diabetes, drug treatment is necessary to minimize cardiovascular risk.

The Apolipoprotein A1 test (APO A1 test) assesses APO A1 levels to determine the probability of a person developing CVD. The assessment is part of a more extensive CVD testing process. While decreased APO A1 levels associate with increased cardiovascular risk, apolipoprotein B (APO B) also plays a significant role.

APO B is a primary component in LDL, and elevated levels of the same may act as a trigger for cardiovascular issues. Consequently, an APO A1 test should be supplemented with assessment of APO B levels to screen for CVD thoroughly.

For the APO A1 test, anti-apolipoprotein A1 antibodies combine with a controlled antigen. The reaction between the two substances eventually agglutinates (particles clumping together due to a serological response). A turbidimeter assesses the final complex by measuring the loss of light intensity when passing through the particulate matter.

The normal APO A1 ranges differ based on factors such as age and gender. For adult males, anything slightly above or equal to 120 mg/dL is an acceptable level. In the case of adult females, the normal range sits at 140 mg/dL or slightly higher.

Deficient APO A1 levels (less than 20 mg/dL) imply an existing liver disease or a genetic disorder. In rare cases, gammopathy (the presence of abnormal proteins in the blood) may produce a false test result.

Apollo 24|7 offers an Apolipoprotein A1 test that can comprehensively evaluate APO A1 levels in an individual. In addition to assessing cardiovascular risk, the results of such tests can help in the following: 

• Conducting sequential studies for individuals with inconsistent lipid measures 
• Supplementing studies that examine cardiovascular risk factors associated with family history