Apolipoprotein A-IV: A potential therapeutic target for atherosclerosis

Apolipoprotein A-IV is lipid-binding protein, which is synthesized by the intestine and secreted into mesenteric lymph. ApoA-IV is correlated with chylomicrons and high density lipoprotein, but a large portion is free-lipoprotein, in circulation. Studies showed that apoA-IV has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, and is able to mediate reverse cholesterol transport, which suggest that it may has anti-atherosclerotic effects and be related to protection from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This article focus on current studies and the possible anti-atherogenic mechanism related to apoA-IV, in order to provide a new therapeutic target for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.