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A Model of Disturbed Flow-Induced Atherosclerosis in Mouse Carotid Artery by Partial Ligation and a Simple Method of RNA Isolation from Carotid Endothelium
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A Model of Disturbed Flow-Induced Atherosclerosis in Mouse Carotid Artery by Partial Ligation and a Simple Method of RNA Isolation from Carotid Endothelium

Published on: June 22, 2010

Lipoprotein(a) is associated differentially with carotid stenosis, occlusion, and total plaque area

Jonathan H Klein1, Robert A Hegele, Daniel G Hackam

  • 1Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.

Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
|July 5, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Elevated Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels independently predict carotid artery stenosis and occlusion, suggesting a link to thrombosis rather than plaque buildup. This finding highlights Lp(a) as a key factor in cardiovascular risk.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Atherosclerosis Research
  • Lipidology

Background:

  • Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is implicated as a risk factor for myocardial infarction and stroke.
  • Lp(a) is associated with thrombosis and impaired fibrinolysis.
  • Atherosclerosis manifests in distinct phenotypes like carotid stenosis, occlusion, and plaque area.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between Lp(a) levels and specific phenotypes of carotid atherosclerosis.
  • To determine if Lp(a) differentially affects carotid stenosis, occlusion, and plaque area.
  • To explore the role of thrombosis and fibrinolysis in Lp(a)]-associated cardiovascular risk.

Main Methods:

  • Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were employed.
  • The study included 876 consecutive patients from an atherosclerosis prevention clinic.
  • Data on Lp(a) levels and carotid atherosclerosis phenotypes were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Lp(a) was a significant independent predictor of carotid stenosis (P<0.0001).
  • Lp(a) also significantly predicted carotid artery occlusion (P=0.001).
  • Lp(a) was not a significant predictor of carotid plaque area (P=0.13).
  • Patients with carotid occlusion had higher Lp(a) levels (0.27+/-0.25 g/L vs. 0.17+/-0.18 g/L).

Conclusions:

  • Lp(a) is a significant independent predictor of carotid stenosis and occlusion.
  • The findings support the hypothesis that Lp(a)]'s cardiovascular risk is linked to thrombosis and impaired fibrinolysis, not plaque progression.
  • Stenosis and occlusion may result from plaque rupture and thrombosis, a mechanism potentially applicable to other arterial beds.
Abstract

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