Andrikoula and McDowell reviewed the potential contribution of apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein AI (the apo B/apo AI ratio) as potential measurements or estimates of cardiovascular risk. LDL cholesterol has been a primary target of therapy for decades. However, VLDL and IDL also have significant atherogenic potential. Altogether, LDL, IDL, and VLDL subfractions are often referred to as non-HDL cholesterol. Since these lipoproteins each carry one apo B, it has been suggested that measuring apo B molecules could indicate the atherogenic potential of all these lipoproteins. Some studies have also suggested that the anti-atherogenic properties of HDL cholesterol might be due to apo AI rather than HDL particles per se. The authors suggested that measuring the apo B/apo AI ratio could be of greater use than a standard lipid profile for more high-risk individuals who could benefit from therapy. In terms of treatment, further studies are needed to investigate whether the apo B/apo AI ratio is a better therapeutic target than LDL cholesterol alone.
Documentation centre