Apolipoprotein (a) concentrations are not related to the risk of venous thrombosis

The protein moiety of lipoprotein (a) consists of apoB-100 and apolipoprotein (a). Lipoprotein (a) is an independent risk factor for premature atherosclerosis. Apolipoprotein (a) and plasminogen are structurally homologous. Through interference with the fibrinolytic system, lipoprotein (a) may act as a thrombogenic factor. Therefore, we have determined apolipoprotein (a) in 203 patients with venous thrombosis and/or embolism below the age of 45 years and in 115 healthy volunteers. The frequency distribution of apolipoprotein (a) in thrombosis patients resembled that in the reference group. It is concluded that there is no clinically relevant association between apolipoprotein (a) concentrations and the risk of venous thrombosis in young subjects.