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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
09:15
Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
Lp-PLA2: A new target for statin therapy.
Lynne T Braun1, Michael H Davidson
1Rush Heart and Vascular Institute, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 W. Harrison, Suite 1159, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. lynne_t_braun@rush.edu
Current Atherosclerosis Reports
|April 29, 2010
Summary
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) is an inflammatory marker linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke. A new trial investigates if blocking Lp-PLA(2) with darapladib reduces CVD events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Inflammation Research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Inflammation is a key factor in atherosclerosis and plaque instability.
- Inflammatory markers can improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment.
- Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) is a vascular enzyme that doubles the risk of CVD events and stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of Lp-PLA(2) in CVD risk stratification.
- To assess the impact of lipid-lowering therapies on Lp-PLA(2).
- To investigate the efficacy and safety of darapladib, an Lp-PLA(2) inhibitor, in high-risk coronary heart disease patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on inflammatory markers in atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of consensus panel recommendations for Lp-PLA(2) measurement.
- Initiation of a large morbidity and mortality trial for darapladib in high-risk patients.
Main Results:
- Lp-PLA(2) measurement is recommended for risk stratification in moderate-to-high risk patients.
- Statins and other lipid-lowering agents reduce Lp-PLA(2) mass and activity.
- A large-scale clinical trial is underway to assess darapladib's effect on CVD events and mortality.
Conclusions:
- Lp-PLA(2) is a significant marker for atherosclerotic vascular disease and plaque vulnerability.
- Targeting Lp-PLA(2) may reduce the inflammatory component of atherosclerosis.
- The ongoing trial will determine if inhibiting Lp-PLA(2) directly benefits CVD outcomes.
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