Cholesteryl Esters, Serum Establishing a diagnosis of lecithin-
cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) deficiency Evaluating the
extent of metabolic disturbance by bile stasis or liver disease
Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and
general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Cholesterol in the blood serum normally is 60% to 80% esterified
with fatty acids, largely as a result of the action of the
enzyme lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), which
circulates in the blood in association with the high-density
lipoproteins. LCAT transfers an acyl group for lecithin to
cholesterol. Familial deficiency of LCAT is uncommon, usually
occurring individuals of northern Europe descent, and is
associated with erythrocyte abnormalities (target cells) and
decreased (20% or less) esterification of plasma cholesterol.
This is associated with early atherosclerosis, corneal
opacification, hyperlipidemia, and mild hemolytic anemia.
Persons with liver disease may have impaired formatio