The autosomal co-dominant disorder familial hypobetalipoproteinemia (FHBL) may be due to mutations in the APOB gene encoding apolipoprotein B (apoB), the main constituent peptide of chylomicrons, very low and low density lipoproteins. We describe an 11month-old child with failure to thrive, intestinal lipid malabsorption, hepatic steatosis and severe hypobetalipoproteinemia, suggesting the diagnosis of homozygous FHBL, abetalipoproteinemia (ABL) or chylomicron retention disease (CMRD). The analysis of candidate genes showed that patient was homozygous for a variant (c.1594 C>T) in the APOB gene causing arginine to tryptophan conversion at position 505 of mature apoB (Arg505Trp). No mutations were found in a panel of other potential candidate genes for hypobetalipoproteinemia. In vitro studies showed a reduced secretion of mutant apoB-48 with respect to the wild-type apoB-48 in transfected McA-RH7777 cells. The Arg505Trp substitution is located in the βα1 domain of apoB involved in the lipidation of apoB mediated by microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), the first step in VLDL and chylomicron formation. The patient's condition improved in response to a low fat diet supplemented with fat-soluble vitamins. Homozygosity for a rare missense mutation in the βα1 domain of apoB may be the cause of both severe hypobetalipoproteinemia and intestinal lipid malabsorption.
Keywords: Apolipoprotein B; Familial hypobetalipoproteinemia; Hepatic steatosis; Lipid malabsorption; Missense mutation.
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