[Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (Lp-PLA₂): Relevant biomarker and therapeutic target?]

Over the last fifteen years, numerous studies have sought to decipher the role of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (Lp-PLA₂) in vascular inflammation-related diseases, notably atherosclerosis. Despite the disappointing results of clinical trials using the Lp-PLA₂ inhibitor darapladib, new pathophysiological, epidemiological and genetic data have enabled the development of new inhibitors. Recent studies also show that Lp-PLA₂ is involved in vascular inflammation-related diseases other than atherosclerosis (ischemic stroke, Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, diabetes, cancers…), and inhibition of Lp-PLA₂ could have beneficial therapeutic in these diseases. This review aims to present new data on Lp-PLA₂ and to evaluate its current interest as a biomarker but also as a therapeutic target.