Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
07:30

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions

Published on: April 23, 2021

Lipoprotein (a) as a risk factor for silent cerebral infarction in hemodialysis patients

Naoya Fukunaga1, Futoshi Anan, Koji Kaneda

  • 1Department of Nephrology, Oita Red Cross Hospital, Oita 870-0033, Japan.

Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental
|September 23, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Elevated lipoprotein (a) levels are significantly linked to silent cerebral infarctions (SCIs) in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). This finding highlights Lp(a) as a potential biomarker for cerebrovascular events in chronic kidney disease patients.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Neurology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

  • Silent cerebral infarctions (SCIs) are linked to increased mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients.
  • Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels rise with renal dysfunction, suggesting a role in cerebrovascular events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between elevated Lp(a) levels and the occurrence of SCIs in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing HD.
  • To identify potential biomarkers for cerebrovascular disease in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • Cranial magnetic resonance imaging was used to identify SCIs in 62 Japanese HD patients.
  • Patients were divided into with-SCI (n=34) and without-SCI (n=28) groups.
  • Demographic, metabolic profiles, Lp(a) levels, and smoking habits were compared between groups.

Main Results:

  • Lp(a) levels were significantly higher in the with-SCI group (P < .0001).
  • The proportion of smokers was higher in the with-SCI group (P < .05).
  • Lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher uric acid levels were observed in the with-SCI group.
  • Multiple logistic regression identified Lp(a) as a significant predictor of SCI (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.09-1.38; P < .0001).

Conclusions:

  • Patients with chronic renal failure on HD have a higher prevalence of SCIs.
  • Elevated Lp(a) levels are significantly associated with the presence of SCIs in HD patients.
  • Lp(a) may serve as a valuable biomarker for predicting cerebrovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis.

More Related Videos

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein07:29

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein

Published on: October 12, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications01:24

Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications

DialyzersA hemodialysis (HD) dialyzer is a plastic cartridge containing thousands of parallel hollow fibers, which serve as semipermeable membranes. These fibers are typically made from cellulose-based or other synthetic materials. During HD, blood is pumped into the top of the cartridge and distributed among these fibers. Simultaneously, dialysis fluid, known as dialysate, is introduced into the bottom of the cartridge, bathing the outside of the fibers. Across the semipermeable membrane,...
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
Hemodialysis I: Introduction01:25

Hemodialysis I: Introduction

Hemodialysis (HD) is a medical treatment that artificially removes waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions effectively. In this process, blood is filtered through a semipermeable membrane, allowing for the selective removal of waste while preserving necessary components like blood cells and proteins. Hemodialysis is typically performed in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe kidney...
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...