Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
Published on: October 12, 2017
Lipoprotein (a) and the risk of ischemic stroke in young women
R J Wityk1, S J Kittner, J L Jenner
1Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. rwityk@jhmi.edu
Background And Purpose:
lipoprotein (a) (lp (a)) is a lipid-containing particle similar to LDL which has been found in atherosclerotic plaque. The role of lp (a) in ischemic stroke remains controversial, but some studies suggest lp (a) is particularly important as a risk factor for stroke in young adults. We investigated the role of lp (a) as a risk factor for stroke in young women enrolled in the Stroke Prevention in Young Women Study.
Methods:
subjects were participants in a population-based, case-control study of risk factors for ischemic stroke in young women. Cases were derived from surveillance of 59 regional hospitals in the central Maryland, Washington DC, Pennsylvania and Delaware area. Lp (a) was measured in 110 cases and 216 age-matched controls. Demographics, risk factors, and stroke subtype were determined by interview and review of medical records.
Results:
lp (a) values were higher in blacks than whites, but within racial groups, the distribution of lp (a) values was similar between cases and controls. After adjustment for age, race, hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking, coronary artery disease, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, the odds ratio for an association of lp (a) and stroke was 1.36 (95% CI 0.80-2.29). There was no dose-response relationship between lp (a) quintile and stroke risk. Among stroke subtypes, only lacunar stroke patients had significantly elevated lp (a) values compared to controls.
Conclusions:
we found no association of lp (a) with stroke in a population of young women with ischemic stroke. Small numbers of patients limit conclusions regarding risk in ischemic stroke subtypes, but we could not confirm previous suggestions of an association of lp (a) with atherosclerotic stroke in young adults.
Related Concept Videos
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Ischemic Heart Disease: Overview
Atherosclerosis, the primary malefactor, orchestrates this dangerous condition. It manifests as the accumulation of fatty deposits, akin to insidious plaques, within arterial walls. As time elapses, these plaques metamorphose, hardening and narrowing...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

