Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
Published on: October 12, 2017
Lipoprotein (a): a potential biological marker for unruptured intracranial aneurysms
J Phillips1, G Roberts, C Bolger
1Department of Neurosurgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Eire.
Insights
Elevated lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels are strongly associated with intracranial aneurysms (IAs) in families with a history of the condition. Further research is needed to explore genetic links and long-term monitoring of at-risk individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Science
- Genetics
Background:
- Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) pose significant health risks, with early detection and treatment crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality.
- Elevated serum lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an established risk factor for atherosclerosis.
- Previous studies suggest a link between Lp(a) and sporadic IA disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between elevated Lp(a) levels and the presence of IAs.
- To assess this association in asymptomatic first-degree relatives from families with a known predisposition to IAs.
Main Methods:
- Serum Lp(a) levels were measured in 25 family members and 41 healthy controls.
- All participating family members underwent 4-vessel cerebral angiography to detect aneurysms.
Main Results:
- Eleven family members were diagnosed with asymptomatic IAs, all successfully treated.
- Ten of the 11 individuals with IAs had significantly elevated Lp(a) levels (> 30 mg%).
- Mean Lp(a) levels were substantially higher in subjects with IAs (53.7 mg%) compared to those without (22.1 mg%) and controls (10.5 mg%).
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of elevated Lp(a) was observed in these families.
- A strong association exists between raised Lp(a) levels and the presence of IAs within these families.
- Long-term follow-up of young, angiographically negative family members is warranted, and further case-control studies are needed to explore apolipoprotein (a) gene polymorphisms.
Objective:
The diagnosis and treatment of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) prior to rupture reduces the high morbidity and mortality associated with their occurrence. Elevated serum lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] level, an independent risk factor for atherogenesis, has been demonstrated in sporadic IA disease (1). The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of correlation between elevated Lp(a) levels and the occurrence of IAs in asymptomatic first degree relatives of index cases from three families exhibiting a familial tendency towards IA development.
Methods:
25 family members and 41 healthy controls were screened by random serum Lp(a) sampling. All family members received 4-vessel cerebral angiography.
Results:
Eleven family members were found on angiography to harbour asymptomatic aneurysms and all were successfully treated by surgery. Of these 11, ten had significantly raised serum Lp(a) levels (> 30 mg%). Fourteen family members had negative angiograms. Eight of this latter group, mean age 43.6 +/- 3.8 years, had serum Lp(a) levels above the normal range. Mean Lp(a) levels were 53.7 +/- 1.2 mg% in subjects with aneurysms compared with 22.1 +/- 1.45 mg% in subjects without demonstrable aneurysms and 10.5 +/- 0.48 mg% in the control population.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of elevated Lp(a) levels in these families and the high degree of association of raised Lp(a) levels with the presence of IAs in several family members warrants follow up of angiographically negative young subjects. We require a case-control study to establish whether particular polymorphisms at the apoprotein (a) gene level are associated with the occurrence of IAs in these families.
