prominent protein constituents of plasma VLDL, chylomicrons, and a subfraction of HDL as well as of remnant lipoproteins which are derived from the lipoprotein lipase-mediated intravascular catabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins; recognized by the LDL receptor and Apo E receptor; any defect in the Apo E metabolism leads to increased plasma Apo E levels; a strong association has been found between high levels of Apo E and type III hyperlipoproteinemia.
