Lipoprotein (a) concentration as a risk factor for ischaemic stroke and its subtypes

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is implicated in atherogenesis, thrombosis, and impaired fibrinolysis.
• Elevated plasma Lp(a) is a recognized risk factor for atherosclerotic disease progression.
• The link between lipoproteins and ischaemic stroke (IS) risk is complex and debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum Lp(a) concentration and the risk of IS.
• To determine if Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for IS and its subtypes.

Main Methods:

• A prospective case-control study involving 231 acute IS patients and 163 controls.
• Collected demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, including serum Lp(a) levels.
• Analyzed Lp(a) concentrations and stratified risk by quartiles and TOAST classification.

Main Results:

• Serum Lp(a) was significantly higher in IS cases (81.81 nmol/L) versus controls (59.75 nmol/L).
• Increased Lp(a) levels (Q4 vs. Q1) were associated with a 2.23-fold higher risk of IS (OR 2.23; p=0.008).
• Lp(a) > 75 nmol/L was linked to a 2.4-fold higher risk of large-artery atherosclerosis stroke (OR 2.4; p=0.001), even after adjustment for other risk factors.

Conclusions:

• Serum Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for ischaemic stroke.
• Lp(a) is a significant risk factor specifically for the large-artery atherosclerotic subtype of IS.