Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2025

Isolation and Analysis of Plasma Lipoproteins by Ultracentrifugation
Published on: January 28, 2021
Lipoprotein(a): from Causality to Treatment
1Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Schöpfstrasse 41, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria. Florian.Kronenberg@i-med.ac.at.
Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a causal cardiovascular disease risk factor. Genetic studies confirm this, paving the way for new Lp(a)-lowering therapies to manage this risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a significant, genetically determined risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Lack of suitable animal models has historically hindered research into Lp(a)'s causal role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence establishing lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) as a causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- To discuss current and future management strategies for elevated Lp(a) levels.
Main Methods:
- Review of genetic studies, including Mendelian randomization principles.
- Analysis of genetic variants in the LPA gene associated with Lp(a) levels and cardiovascular outcomes.
Main Results:
- Genetic studies strongly link LPA gene variants to lifelong high Lp(a) and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
- This genetic evidence underpins the development of targeted Lp(a)-lowering drugs.
Conclusions:
- Lipoprotein(a) is a key genetically determined cardiovascular risk factor.
- Emerging Lp(a)-lowering therapies hold promise for future cardiovascular disease prevention if outcome trials are positive.
More Related Videos
07:29Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
Published on: October 12, 2017
09:15Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Considering cholesterol and...