This antibody has been used to determine that atherosclerotic lesions in the human aorta contain considerable amounts of lipoproteins. These lipoproteins were observed to be complexed with components of the extracellular matrix (especially LDL and proteoglycans). The role of these matrix-lipoprotein complexes is not entirely clear, however, animal models of atherosclerosis have shown that increased cellular proliferation and increased production of extracellular matrix components occur following injury to the intimal layer of the aorta.

At least 9 distinct polymorphic forms of apolipoproteins are known. The apolipoproteins act as stabilizers of the intact lipoprotein particles. Quantitative measurements of HDL, LDL and VLDL particles in human serum are often used to estimate an individuals' relative risk of coronary heart disease. In addition, quantitative immunological measurements of certain apolipoproteins (especially A-1 and B) have been suggested to be more accurate estimators of coronary heart disease than measurements of lipoprotein particles (especially HDL and LDL). Abcam's apo-lipoproteins are derived from human plasma by density gradient ultracentrifugation and HPLC.