Major reduction in plasma Lp(a) levels during sepsis and burns

Plasma levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], an atherogenic particle, vary widely between individuals and are highly genetically determined. Whether Lp(a) is a positive acute-phase reactant is debated. The present study was designed to evaluate the impact of major inflammatory responses on plasma Lp(a) levels. Plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), low density lipoprotein cholesterol, Lp(a), and apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] fragments, as well as urinary apo(a), were measured serially in 9 patients admitted to the intensive care unit for sepsis and 4 patients with extensive burns. Sepsis and burns elicited a major increase in plasma CRP levels. In both conditions, plasma concentrations of Lp(a) declined abruptly and transiently in parallel with plasma low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and closely mirrored plasma CRP levels. In 5 survivors, the nadir of plasma Lp(a) levels was 5- to 15-fold lower than levels 16 to 18 months after the study period. No change in plasma levels of apo(a) fragments or urinary apo(a) was noticed during the study period. Turnover studies in mice indicated that clearance of Lp(a) was retarded in lipopolysaccharide-treated animals. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Lp(a) behaves as a negative acute-phase reactant during major inflammatory response. Nongenetic factors have a major, acute, and unexpected impact on Lp(a) metabolism in burns and sepsis. Identification of these factors may provide new tools to lower elevated plasma Lp(a) levels.