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Lipoprotein(a) levels in centenarians

M Malaguarnera1, P Ruello, M Rizzo

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Catania, Cannizzaro Hospital, Via Messina, 829, l-951 26 Catania, Italy.

Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
|January 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels are higher in centenarians than in younger adults. Despite this increase, elevated Lp(a) does not appear to be a risk factor for vascular events or impact longevity.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases are significant causes of mortality in the elderly.
  • Serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is implicated in atherogenic processes.
  • Understanding Lp(a) levels in extreme longevity is crucial for assessing vascular risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare serum Lp(a) levels between centenarians and a younger control group.
  • To investigate the relationship between Lp(a) levels and longevity.

Main Methods:

  • Serum Lp(a) levels were measured using the ELISA method.
  • A cohort of centenarians (mean age 102.8 years) was compared to a control group (mean age 51.1 years).
  • Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t test.

Main Results:

  • Centenarians exhibited significantly higher mean Lp(a) levels (39.6 mg/dl) compared to the control group (16.78 mg/dl) (p < 0.005).
  • The elevated Lp(a) in centenarians may be due to specific low molecular weight isoforms.
  • No direct correlation was found between elevated Lp(a) and acute vascular accidents in this cohort.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated serum Lp(a) levels are observed in centenarians.
  • High Lp(a) levels alone do not appear to be a risk factor for vascular events in extreme old age.
  • These findings suggest that elevated Lp(a) does not preclude exceptional longevity.

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