Indications of an autoimmune component in LP(a) associated disorders

The exceptionally strong independent association found between Lp(a) lipoprotein [Lp(a)] levels and atherosclerotic disorders indicate that Lp(a) is a factor of considerable importance in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The association between Lp(a) and diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and renal diseases suggest that Lp(a) may be involved in immunological mechanisms. Lp(a) has a great tendency to aggregate and bind to glucosaminoglycans, fibrin and fibronectin and is preferentially retained in the extracellular matrix during development of atherosclerosis and is in vitro phagocytosed by macrophages, probably as small aggregates. It was previously found that the Lp(a) level is significantly related to the HLA class II genotype in male patients with early coronary artery disease. In this paper additional results of interleukin determinantions in relation to HLA type and Lp(a) levels are presented and discussed. It is suggested that an autoimmune process, perhaps triggered by a concomitant intracellular infection may occur, especially in patients with inherited high Lp(a) levels in combination with certain inherited HLA class II genotypes.