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The importance of Lp(a)-fibronectin interaction in atherogenesis
1Department of Biochemistry, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Turkey.
Insights
Elevated levels of lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) and fibronectin are linked to coronary heart disease (CHD). This study found higher concentrations of both markers in CHD patients compared to healthy individuals, suggesting their role in disease development.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Elevated serum lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) is a recognized risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD).
- The apo(a) component of Lp(a) interacts with fibronectin, facilitating cellular uptake and lipid accumulation, contributing to foam cell formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the concentrations of fibronectin and Lp(a) in patients with CHD and healthy subjects.
- To assess the relationship between lipid profiles and these markers in CHD patients.
Main Methods:
- Assay of serum fibronectin and Lp(a) levels in CHD patients and a control group.
- Measurement of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, VLDL, and HDL cholesterol levels.
Main Results:
- Patients with CHD exhibited significantly different serum lipid profiles compared to the control group (p < 0.001).
- Plasma fibronectin levels were significantly elevated in CHD patients (p < 0.05).
- Serum Lp(a) levels were significantly higher in CHD patients compared to controls (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- This study confirms significantly elevated plasma fibronectin and serum Lp(a) levels in patients with coronary heart disease.
- These findings support the role of fibronectin and Lp(a) as potential biomarkers and contributors to the pathogenesis of CHD.
Abstract:
An elevated concentration of lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) in serum has been considered a risk factor for coronary heart disease by various investigators. The apo(a) portion of Lp(a) binds to the carboxyterminal heparin binding domain of fibronectin. Lp(a) bound to fibronectin is internalized through the fibronectin receptor pathway and thereby causes increased accumulation of lipid and foam cell formation. In the present study, fibronectin and Lp(a) concentrations have been assayed in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and healthy subjects. Serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, VLDL and HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary heart disease were significantly different from the control group (p < 0.001). Plasma fibronectin (p < 0.05) and serum Lp(a) (p < 0.001) levels were found to be significantly elevated when compared with the control group.