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Lipoprotein(a) as a cardiovascular risk factor
1Departments of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Lipoprotein Study Unit, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine
|January 18, 2011
Summary
High levels of Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a particle similar to LDL cholesterol, increase cardiovascular disease risk. Current treatments are limited, so managing other risk factors is crucial for patients with elevated Lp(a).
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Cardiology
Background:
- Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is characterized by apoB100 and apo(a) proteins.
- Apo(a) protein shares structural similarities with plasminogen and exhibits size polymorphism.
- Lp(a) particle size and density heterogeneity are partly due to apo(a) genetic variations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics of Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)].
- To discuss the association between high Lp(a) levels and cardiovascular disease risk.
- To highlight the current limitations in managing Lp(a) plasma levels.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on Lp(a) composition, genetics, and clinical significance.
- Analysis of the relationship between Lp(a), atherogenic and thrombogenic potentials.
- Examination of factors influencing Lp(a) plasma levels and current therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- High plasma Lp(a) levels are linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk.
- Lp(a)'s atherogenic and thrombogenic properties are exacerbated by other risk factors like high LDL or low HDL.
- The apo(a) gene's alleles are associated with varying Lp(a) plasma levels.
Conclusions:
- No universally accepted dietary or pharmacological methods exist to normalize Lp(a) levels.
- Patients with high Lp(a) should focus on managing modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.
- Further research is needed to develop effective strategies for normalizing Lp(a) plasma levels.
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