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Lipoprotein(a) levels in Down syndrome: A conundrum
Herminia Diana Rosas1,2, Florence Lai1, Nathaniel Mercaldo1,2
1Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA.
Summary
Elevated Lipoprotein a (Lp(a)) levels in adults with Down syndrome (DS) do not increase Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. These findings suggest potential unique protective factors in DS warranting further study.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Neurology
- Genetics
Background:
- Lipoprotein a (Lp(a)) is linked to vascular issues and Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk in the general population.
- Down syndrome (DS) is associated with an increased risk of early-onset AD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Lipoprotein a (Lp(a)) levels in adults with Down syndrome (DS).
- To assess the association between Lp(a) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk in adults with DS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 96 adults with DS.
- Collected Lp(a) serum concentrations and reviewed medical charts for cognitive dysfunction risk factors.
- Utilized generalized linear regression models to analyze relationships between medical conditions, lab values, and Lp(a) levels.
Main Results:
- Insufficient evidence found linking elevated Lp(a) plasma levels (≥50 mg/dL) to an increased risk of earlier AD onset in adults with DS.
- Lp(a) elevations were not associated with typical vascular risk factors in the DS population.
Conclusions:
- Lipoprotein a (Lp(a)) elevations in Down syndrome (DS) are not associated with increased Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk.
- Adults with DS may possess distinct neuroprotective and cardioprotective factors that warrant future investigation.
