Serum Apolipoprotein A-I and Large High-Density Lipoprotein Particles Are Positively Correlated with FEV₁ in Atopic Asthma

Abstract

Rationale: Although lipids, apolipoproteins, and lipoprotein particles are important modulators of inflammation, varying relationships exist between these parameters and asthma.Objectives: To determine whether serum lipids and apolipoproteins correlate with the severity of airflow obstruction in subjects with atopy and asthma.Methods: Serum samples were obtained from 154 atopic and nonatopic subjects without asthma, and 159 subjects with atopy and asthma. Serum lipid and lipoprotein levels were quantified using standard diagnostic assays and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Airflow obstruction was assessed by FEV 1 % predicted.Measurements and Main Results: Serum lipid levels correlated with FEV 1 only in the subjects with atopy and asthma. Serum levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) were positively correlated with FEV 1 in subjects with atopy and asthma, whereas a negative correlation existed between FEV 1 and serum levels of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, apolipoprotein B (apoB), and the apoB/apoA-I ratio. NMR spectroscopy identified a positive correlation between FEV 1 and HDL NMR particle size, as well as the concentrations of large HDL NMR particles and total IDL NMR (intermediate-density lipoprotein) particles in subjects with atopy and asthma. In contrast, LDL NMR particle size and concentrations of LDL NMR and VLDL NMR (very-low-density lipoprotein) particles were negatively correlated with FEV 1 in subjects with atopy and asthma.Conclusions: In subjects with atopy and asthma, serum levels of apoA-I and large HDL NMR particles are positively correlated with FEV 1 , whereas serum triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and apoB are associated with more severe airflow obstruction. These results may facilitate future studies to assess whether apoA-I and large HDL NMR particles can reduce airflow obstruction and disease severity in asthma.

Emerging Roles of Apolipoprotein E and Apolipoprotein A-I in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Lung Disease

“…For example, a positive correlation was found between serum apoA-I levels, as well as HDL, and higher FEV 1 in a cohort of 159 subjects with atopic asthma, whereas a similar positive correlation was found in an analysis of the 14,135 subjects without respiratory disease who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (73,74). These studies suggest that circulating levels of apoA-I may have a protective effect on airflow obstruction in asthma.…”

The A’s Have It

“…40 Furthermore, serum samples were analyzed by using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to identify the subset of HDL particles that mediated the association with FEV 1 . This technique measures the nuclear magnetic resonance proton signal from the terminal methyl group on lipids to determine the amount of each type of lipoprotein particle and also categorizes lipoprotein particles based on size.…”

Association between Allergies and Hypercholesterolemia: A Systematic Review

“…Using multivariate logistic regression models, they reported that while plasma ApoB concentrations were not associated with symptoms of either asthma or allergy, serum ApoA1 levels significantly correlated with a high prevalence of atopic or nonatopic wheeze and asthma. In a recent but smaller study, Barochia et al [38 ]assessed the abovementioned findings. They enrolled 154 atopic and not atopic adult subjects without asthma, and 159 subjects with atopy and asthma.…”

“…Serum lipoprotein levels and airflow obstruction were assessed using standard diagnostic assays, and nuclear magnetic resonance and spirometry, respectively. They reported that HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) and ApoA1 were positively correlated with forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV 1 %) in subjects with atopy and asthma, but there was a negative correlation between FEV 1 % and serum levels of TG, LDL-C, ApoB, and the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio [38]. Previously, in 24 asthmatic patients, Scichilone et al [39 ]detected serum LDL subclass levels and a severe degree of airflow obstruction (FEV 1 %) and vital capacity (VC%).…”

“…Both reported that the size of LDL particles leads to the amplification of the inflammatory cascade in allergic diseases. Barochia et al [38] reported a positive correlation between FEV 1 % predicted and a higher level of HDL or ApoA1 in asthma whereas Scichilone et al [39] noted that asthma was associated with smaller LDL particles. Conversely, not all studies analyzed this parameter, leading to a lack of data needed to better characterize the precise interaction existing between hypercholesterolemia and atopy.…”