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Is lipoprotein(A) a risk factor for atherosclerosis of the retinal arteries?

E Tedeschi-Reiner1, Z Reiner, R Iveković

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia.

Collegium Antropologicum
|January 17, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) are not a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis in retinal arteries. This study found no strong association between plasma Lp(a) and retinal vessel changes in adult males.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Lipidology

Background:

  • Elevated plasma lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a known risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD).
  • Limited data exists on the association between plasma Lp(a) and atherosclerosis specifically affecting retinal arteries.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential risk conferred by elevated plasma Lp(a) levels on the development of atherosclerosis in retinal vessels.
  • To compare Lp(a) levels in adult males with and without retinal arterial atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • Direct ophthalmoscopy was used to determine and grade atherosclerotic changes in retinal vessels (Scheie scale 1-4).
  • Plasma Lp(a) levels were quantified using radial immunodiffusion.
  • A cohort of 73 adult males with retinal changes was compared to 45 matched healthy controls.

Main Results:

  • A very weak correlation was observed between plasma Lp(a) levels and the incidence of retinal atherosclerosis.
  • No statistically significant association was found between the degree of atherosclerotic changes and plasma Lp(a) levels.

Conclusions:

  • Plasma Lp(a) is not identified as a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis of the retinal arteries.
  • Further research may be warranted to explore other potential contributors to retinal arterial atherosclerosis.

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