Association in Vivo of Glycated Apolipoprotein A-I with High Density Lipoproteins

Abstract
In diabetic patients, hyperglycaemia results in the non-enzymatic glycation of apolipoprotein A-I, the major protein of human high density lipoproteins. The effect of the non-enzymatic glycation on the association of apolipoprotein A-I with high density lipoprotein in vivo has been studied in the rat. The distribution volume obtained after injection of glycated apolipoprotein A-I was 2- to 3-fold higher in kidneys and approximately 30% lower in adrenals and ovaries than that obtained with apolipoprotein A-I. Analysis by gel chromatography of serum from donor rats shows that glycation diminishes the interaction between apolipoprotein A-I and high density lipoprotein. The findings in this study suggest that non-enzymatic glycation of apolipoprotein A-I may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes mellitus.