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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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The Emerging Lipid Risk: Lipoprotein(a).
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. shl1106@yuhs.ac.
Korean Circulation Journal
|December 10, 2025
Summary
Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a key genetic risk factor for cardiovascular disease and aortic stenosis. New therapies targeting Lp(a) show promise in lowering levels, but clinical outcomes are pending.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a recognized causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and aortic stenosis.
- Elevated Lp(a) levels (≥50 mg/dL) indicate increased cardiovascular risk, influenced by genetic factors like the kringle IV type 2 repeat variant.
- Lp(a) shares structural similarities with LDL but includes apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)), contributing to its atherogenic and thrombogenic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of Lp(a) as a cardiovascular risk factor.
- To discuss the mechanisms by which Lp(a) promotes atherosclerosis and valve calcification.
- To summarize ongoing therapeutic strategies targeting Lp(a).
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological and genetic studies.
- Analysis of Lp(a) structure and function.
- Review of ongoing clinical trials for Lp(a)-lowering therapies.
Main Results:
- Lp(a) promotes atherosclerosis via LDL-like properties and apo(a) interactions with vascular cells.
- Apo(a) interferes with fibrinolysis and oxidized phospholipids on apo(a) enhance oxidative stress and valve calcification.
- Investigational therapies (antisense oligonucleotides, siRNAs, small molecules) have demonstrated significant Lp(a) level reductions (80-100%) in trials.
Conclusions:
- Lp(a) is a significant, genetically determined risk factor for cardiovascular and valvular diseases.
- Emerging therapies show potent Lp(a) lowering capabilities.
- Further clinical outcome data are needed to confirm the efficacy of these novel Lp(a)-targeting treatments.
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