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Mechanisms of Low Levels of Apolipoprotein B

Completed
Conditions
Heart Diseases
Cardiovascular Diseases
Hypobetalipoproteinemia
Registration Number
NCT00005565
Lead Sponsor
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Brief Summary

To determine mechanisms of low levels of apolipoprotein B.

Detailed Description

BACKGROUND:

Elevated apoB levels are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Hypobetalipoproteinemia (HBLP) is characterized by apoB levels less than the 5 percentile. Dr. Welty, the principal investigator, sequenced mutations for truncated forms of apoB-67, apoB-55 and apoB-44.4 which causes HBLP, described a kindred from the Framingham Heart Study with HBLP due to an unidentified apoB gene mutation and purified apoB-67 containing lipoprotein particles. Heterozygous apoB-67 subjects have one normal allele making apoB-100; therefore, apoB levels would be predicted to be at least 50 percent of normal; however, they are 24 percent of normal. Dr. Welty has shown that these lower than expected levels result from decreased production of VLDL apoB-100, LDL apoB-100 and apoB-67, increased catabolism of VLDL apoB-100, and increased direct removal of apoB-67 from VLDL.

DESIGN NARRATIVE:

The first aim is to locate the apoB gene mutation in the Framingham kindred. The second aim is to perform stable isotope studies in the apoB-55 and apoB-44.4 kindreds to determine if apoB metabolism for these shorter truncations is similar to that for apoB-67. In aim three, apoB-100 synthesis is studied in heterozygous apoB-70 transgenic mice. If it is 25-25 percent of normal litter mates, the mechanism for this reduction in apoB-100 levels will be studied in hepatocytes isolated from the transgenic mice. In specific aim 4, size and composition of VLDL are compared in apoB-67 subjects and controls to determine if larger size or compositional changes account for the faster catabolism of VLDL apoB-100. The study has been extended through June 2007.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Male
Target Recruitment
Not specified
Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
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