GPIHBP1 autoantibodies in a patient with unexplained chylomicronemia

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

  • Xuchen Hu
  • Geesje M. Dallinga-Thie
  • G. Kees Hovingh
  • Sandy Y. Chang
  • Norma P. Sandoval
  • Tiffany Ly P. Dang
  • Isamu Fukamachi
  • Kazuya Miyashita
  • Katsuyuki Nakajima
  • Masami Murakami
  • Loren G. Fong
  • Ploug, Michael
  • Stephen G. Young
  • Anne P. Beigneux

Background GPIHBP1, a glycolipid-anchored protein of capillary endothelial cells, binds lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in the interstitial spaces and transports it to the capillary lumen. GPIHBP1 deficiency prevents LPL from reaching the capillary lumen, resulting in low intravascular LPL levels, impaired intravascular triglyceride processing, and severe hypertriglyceridemia (chylomicronemia). A recent study showed that some cases of hypertriglyceridemia are caused by autoantibodies against GPIHBP1 (“GPIHBP1 autoantibody syndrome”). Objective Our objective was to gain additional insights into the frequency of the GPIHBP1 autoantibody syndrome in patients with unexplained chylomicronemia. Methods We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to screen for GPIHBP1 autoantibodies in 33 patients with unexplained chylomicronemia and then used Western blots and immunocytochemistry studies to characterize the GPIHBP1 autoantibodies. Results The plasma of 1 patient, a 36-year-old man with severe hypertriglyceridemia, contained GPIHBP1 autoantibodies. The autoantibodies, which were easily detectable by Western blot, blocked the ability of GPIHBP1 to bind LPL. The plasma levels of LPL mass and activity were low. The patient had no history of autoimmune disease, but his plasma was positive for antinuclear antibodies. Conclusions One of 33 patients with unexplained chylomicronemia had the GPIHBP1 autoantibody syndrome. Additional studies in large lipid clinics will be helpful for better defining the frequency of this syndrome and for exploring the best strategies for treatment.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Clinical Lipidology
Volume11
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)964-971
Number of pages8
ISSN1933-2874
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2017

    Research areas

  • Chylomicrons, Endothelial cells, Intravascular lipolysis, Lipids, Triglycerides

ID: 185504462