Related Experiment Videos
The relationship between infant and parent Lp(a) levels
D E Wilcken1, X L Wang, N P Dudman
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Prince Henry Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Insights
Apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) gene expression begins early, with infant levels correlating strongly with parental lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) by 8.5 months. Early screening can identify families at high cardiovascular risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Genetics
- Pediatric Endocrinology
Background:
- Atherogenesis, the development of arterial plaques, can start in childhood.
- Elevated serum lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels are a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Understanding early apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) gene expression is crucial for early risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the early expression of the apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) gene in newborns.
- To examine the relationship between infant and parental serum lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels.
- To assess the predictive value of early Lp(a) measurements for identifying cardiovascular risk in families.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) levels in 1032 newborns (3-5 days old).
- Re-measurement of Lp(a) concentrations in 51 infants at 8.5 months, along with parental samples.
- Statistical correlation and regression analyses to determine relationships between infant and parental Lp(a) levels.
Main Results:
- Infant apo(a) levels at 3-5 days showed a skewed distribution, similar to adults but lower.
- Infant Lp(a) levels at 8.5 months were highly correlated with levels at 3-5 days (r=0.73) and increased twofold.
- Infant Lp(a) levels at 8.5 months closely mirrored parental levels, with strong predictive values for parental Lp(a) >300 mg/l.
Conclusions:
- The apo(a) gene is nearly fully expressed within the first year of life.
- Infant Lp(a) levels track closely and predict parental values, indicating early genetic influence.
- Childhood Lp(a) screening can identify families with heightened cardiovascular risk for targeted prevention strategies.
Abstract:
Since atherogenesis may begin in childhood, and elevated serum lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) concentrations increase cardiovascular risk, we explored the early expression of the apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) gene and relationships between infants' and parents' serum levels. In a consecutive series of 1032 babies aged 3-5 days the distribution of apo(a) levels was positively skewed as in adults but with lower levels: 50th and 95th percentiles were the equivalent of 30 mg/l and 130 mg/l of Lp(a) in serum. Concentrations were re-measured in 51 infants when aged 8.5 +/- 2 months together with parental values. Levels at 3-5 days and 8.5 months were highly correlated (r = 0.73, P < 0.0001, n = 51) with a twofold increase at 8.5 months. Regression coefficients between 8.5 months concentrations and those of fathers, of mothers and the average level of both parents were 0.439, 0.521 and 0.93, respectively (P < 0.0001 for each), and infant and parental levels were then not different. The positive and negative predictive values of first post-natal week capillary blood apo(a) measurements detecting a parent with serum Lp(a) above 300 mg/l were 95% and 70%. We conclude that the apo(a) gene is virtually fully expressed before 1 year during which apo(a) levels track closely and are predictive of parental values. Childhood Lp(a) measurements may identify families at enhanced cardiovascular risk and facilitate targeted prevention.