Cardiology - Apolipoprotein C-III

Apolipoprotein C-III is a 79 amino acid protein created mainly in the liver and to a lesser extent in the intestine. APO C-III circulates in the plasma in association with triglyceride rich lipoproteins (chylomicrons, VLDL and IDL) and HDL. APO C-III modulates the uptake of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins by the LDL receptor related protein through inhibition of lipoprotein lipase. Elevated levels of APO C-III are associated with hypertriglyceridemia. APO C-III levels have also been reported higher in many conditions including type 2 diabetes; hyperbilirubinemia; kidney deficiency; and decreased thyroid function. Factors that influence APO C-III levels are gender, age and menopause