Serum apoprotein A-I and A-II levels in liver diseases and cholestasis.

Serum apoprotein A-I and A-II levels were determined by electroimmunoassay in patients with liver diseases and cholestasis. Significant decreases in apoprotein A-I and A-II levels were observed in such patients. The decreases were especially pronounced in the early phase of acute hepatitis and cholestasis. The decreases in A-II levels were more prominent than the decreases in A-I in severe hepatic dysfunction or cholestasis. Accordingly, the A-I/A-II ratio showed no change in the convalescent phase of acute hepatitis or chronic hepatitis but increased significantly in the early phase of acute hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, hepatoma, and cholestasis. The results suggested the existence of a high density lipoprotein with an abnormal apoprotein composition or a more profound decrease of HDL3 than of HDL2 in severe hepatocellular dysfunction of cholestasis.