Is apolipoprotein A5 a novel regulator of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins?

Hypertriglyceridemia is an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease and is often associated with diabetes, inflammation and the metabolic syndrome. Recently, apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) was identified as a novel member of the APOA1/C3/A4 gene cluster. Data from mice over-expressing or lacking APOA5 provide direct evidence that this apolipoprotein plays a role in triglyceride metabolism. Moreover, plasma triglyceride levels were found to be strongly associated with APOA5 polymorphisms. The human APOA5 gene is regulated by transcription factors known to affect triglyceride metabolism such as PPAR alpha, ROR alpha, LXR and SREBP-1c and this supports its function. Insulin and interleukins regulate APOA5 gene expression and provide novel clues for the role of this apolipoprotein. To date, the triglyceride lowering action of apoA-V is attributed to the activation of lipoprotein lipase and an acceleration of very low density lipoprotein catabolism. Recent findings indicate that APOA5 could also influence cholesterol homeostasis and probably play a role in hypertriglyceridemia associated with diabetes and inflammation. This review aims to give a comprehensive summary of the current literature and supports the view that APOA5 plays a relevant role in lipid metabolism.