Rarely, mutations in apolipoprotein E are associated with lipoprotein glomerulopathy, a condition characterized by progressive proteinuria and renal failure with varying degrees of plasma remnant accumulation.
Lipoprotein glomerulopathy is clinically characterized by proteinuria and progression to renal failure and is caused by glomerular lipoprotein thrombi formation in association with increased levels of serum apolipoprotein E. The disease has a male predominance and can affect virtually any age group.
Lipid and lipoprotein parameters, including levels of total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol; triglycerides; lipoprotein(a); apolipoprotein A-IV; and the apolipoprotein E and A-IV polymorphisms, were assessed in 177 patients who had mostly mild to moderate renal insufficiency and were followed prospectively for up to 7 yr.