Kidney function decline in the elderly: impact of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2)

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Updated: May 27, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
08:50

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

Published on: June 16, 2014

Carmen A Peralta1, Ronit Katz, Michael Shlipak

  • 1San Francisco VA Medical Center, Calif., USA. carmenalicia.peralta@ucsf.edu

American Journal of Nephrology
|November 8, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Higher lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) antigen levels, but not activity, are linked to faster kidney function decline. This suggests a potential vascular pathway contributing to kidney disease progression.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Nephrology
  • Biomarkers

Background:

  • The relationship between lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) and kidney function decline is not well understood.
  • Investigating Lp-PLA(2) as a potential factor in kidney disease progression is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between Lp-PLA(2) antigen and activity levels and kidney function decline over time.
  • To identify if Lp-PLA(2) predicts rapid kidney function decline in individuals with preserved or reduced kidney function.

Main Methods:

  • The Cardiovascular Health Study cohort (n=4,359) was analyzed over 5.7 years.
  • Kidney function was estimated using cystatin C (eGFRcys).
  • Lp-PLA(2) antigen and activity were measured; rapid decline was defined as ≥3 ml/min/1.73 m(2)/year.

Main Results:

  • Higher Lp-PLA(2) antigen levels correlated with faster eGFRcys decline in individuals with baseline preserved kidney function (eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)).
  • Individuals in the highest quartile of Lp-PLA(2) antigen had significantly increased odds of rapid kidney function decline.
  • No significant associations were found between Lp-PLA(2) activity and kidney function decline or rapid decline.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated Lp-PLA(2) antigen levels are associated with accelerated kidney function decline.
  • These findings suggest a novel vascular mechanism that may contribute to the progression of kidney disease.
  • Lp-PLA(2) activity does not appear to be associated with kidney function decline.
Abstract

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