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Updated: Jun 12, 2025
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Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
Published on: October 12, 2017
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Lipoprotein(a) and cardiovascular disease
Michael B Boffa1,2, Marlys L Koschinsky2,3
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
The Biochemical Journal
|September 20, 2024
Summary
High lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels are a major risk for cardiovascular diseases. This review covers Lp(a) biochemistry, disease links, concentration factors, and emerging Lp(a)-lowering drugs.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a significant, independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and calcific aortic valve disease.
- Lp(a) comprises a low-density lipoprotein-like particle with an attached apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) glycoprotein.
- Despite advanced clinical development of Lp(a)-lowering therapies, key questions about Lp(a) metabolism and pathogenicity persist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biochemical characteristics of Lp(a) and apo(a).
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying Lp(a)'s disease-causing potential.
- To discuss factors influencing plasma Lp(a) concentrations and the action of Lp(a)-lowering drugs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of biochemical and clinical studies on Lp(a).
- Analysis of factors affecting Lp(a) biosynthesis and catabolism.
- Examination of the mechanisms of action for novel Lp(a)-lowering therapeutics.
Main Results:
- Lp(a) and apo(a) possess distinct biochemical features contributing to cardiovascular risk.
- Genetic and physiological factors significantly influence plasma Lp(a) levels.
- Emerging drugs demonstrate potent Lp(a) reduction in clinical trials.
Conclusions:
- Understanding Lp(a) biochemistry is crucial for its pathogenic role in cardiovascular diseases.
- Further research into Lp(a) metabolism and pathogenicity is warranted.
- Novel Lp(a)-lowering therapies hold promise for cardiovascular risk reduction.
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