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High-Density Lipoprotein-Specific Phospholipid Efflux Assay
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Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2: a risk marker or a risk factor?
Amir Lerman1, Joseph P McConnell
1Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. lerman.amir@mayo.edu
The American Journal of Cardiology
|July 25, 2008
Summary
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) is a unique biomarker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. It specifically indicates plaque inflammation and remains a significant predictor even when accounting for traditional risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biochemistry
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is influenced by multiple biomarkers.
- Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) is implicated in the inflammatory processes of atherosclerotic plaques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical utility of Lp-PLA(2).
- To evaluate Lp-PLA(2) as both a cardiovascular risk marker and a causal factor in plaque inflammation and rupture.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on Lp-PLA(2) in primary and secondary prevention populations.
- Analysis of Lp-PLA(2) association with cardiovascular risk, considering both mass concentration and enzyme activity.
- Assessment of the impact of conventional CVD risk factors on Lp-PLA(2) risk estimates.
Main Results:
- Lp-PLA(2) is consistently associated with increased cardiovascular risk across different populations.
- This association remains significant even after adjusting for conventional CVD risk factors.
- Risk estimates were comparable whether Lp-PLA(2) mass or activity was measured.
Conclusions:
- Lp-PLA(2) demonstrates significant clinical utility as a biomarker for cardiovascular risk.
- Lp-PLA(2) plays a role in the causal pathway of plaque inflammation, contributing to rupture-prone plaque formation.
- Its unique specificity for plaque inflammation makes it a valuable addition to CVD risk assessment.
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