BETA(2) GLYCOPROTEIN-I ANTIGEN IS INCREASED IN PRIMARY HYPERLIPIDEMIA

In order to determine whether elevated levels of beta(2) glycoprotein-I (beta(2)GPI) are associated with increased plasma lipids, we measured plasma beta(2)GPI antigen levels in 47 patients with primary hyperlipidaemia (20 severe hypercholesterolaemia, nine severe hypertriglyceridaemia, and 18 mixed hyperlipidaemia) and 34 normal healthy subjects. Mean beta(2)GPI levels were significantly increased in each patient group (302.3, 272.9 and 299.1 mg/l, respectively) compared to controls (199.6 mg/l) (P<0.01). Significant correlations were demonstrated between beta(2)GPI levels and triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in the control group (r = 0.387, r = 0.559; P < 0.05), but were not observed in all patient groups. These results indicate that beta(2)GPI is increased in hyperlipidaemia and that its distribution between plasma lipid fractions is perturbed. Plasma lipid levels should therefore be considered when interpreting results of beta(2)GPI antigen assays.