Serum total lipids, lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein A in acute viral hepatitis and chronic liver disease

Serum total lipids, lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A (Apo A), and liver function tests have been investigated in patients with acute viral hepatitis and chronic liver disease. Hypertriglyceridaemia, absence of α and pre β bands on the lipoprotein electrophoresis pattern, low level of Apo A, and presence of abnormal lipoproteins (β-VLDL and β₂-LP) were observed in the early phase of acute hepatitis. A positive correlation was found between Apo A and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and a negative one between Apo A and triglyceride, bile acids, total bilirubin, and serum alanine aminotransferase. Lipoprotein abnormalities in the early phase of acute hepatitis are probably due to low lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity. The reappearance of α lipoprotein and the increase of Apo A are sensitive indices of improvement of liver function. In chronic liver disease low levels of cholesterol and Apo A indicate the severity of liver cell injury.