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Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
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Lipoprotein(a) and ageing

Giuseppe Lippi1, Giovanni Targher, Gian Luca Salvagno

  • 1U.O. Diagnostica Ematochimica, Dipartimento di Patologia e Medicina di Laboratorio, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Italy. glippi@ao.p.it

Clinical Laboratory
|November 20, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Elderly individuals, especially men, show higher lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels. Elevated Lp(a) may be compatible with longevity, despite being a cardiovascular disease risk factor.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
  • Controversy exists regarding serum Lp(a) levels in the elderly population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare serum Lp(a) concentrations in elderly outpatients (>= 75 yrs) versus younger outpatients (< 75 yrs).
  • To assess the association between age, sex, and Lp(a) levels in a general outpatient cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of serum Lp(a) and lipid profiles from 2128 medical outpatients.
  • Cohort divided into elderly (>= 75 yrs, n=299) and younger (< 75 yrs, n=1829) groups.
  • Comparison of Lp(a) levels and cardiovascular risk thresholds between age groups and sexes.

Main Results:

  • Elderly men had a more favorable traditional lipid profile than younger men.
  • No significant lipid profile differences were observed between elderly and younger women.
  • Both elderly men and women exhibited significantly higher median Lp(a) concentrations.
  • The proportion of patients exceeding the 300 mg/L Lp(a) threshold was not significantly higher in the elderly.

Conclusions:

  • Elderly patients demonstrate similar or higher serum Lp(a) values compared to younger individuals.
  • Elevated serum Lp(a) concentrations appear compatible with longevity.
Abstract

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