[Lipoprotein (a) studies in thyroid diseases]

High lipoprotein (a) levels have been established as a risk factor for atherosclerosis. The physiological and pathological function of lipoprotein (a) and the effect of other factors of lipoprotein (a) plasma concentrations are not well known. The role of thyroid hormones concerning Lp(a) plasma concentrations are not fully cleared. The Lp(a) levels are genetically determined, relatively stable, while the thyroid hormones react differently. 30 hyperthyroid and 29 hypothyroid patients were studied. The thyroid status and lipid parameters were investigated. A significant correlation was observed between the cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, Apolipoprotein B and the thyroid hormone levels. The HDL-cholesterol and Apolipoprotein A correlated inversely with the thyroid hormone levels. Data obtained on the Lp(a) and thyroid hormone was in contrast with those of other studies. Hyperthyroid patients were increased Lp(a) concentrations as compared those of euthyroid subjects. In severe thyreotoxicosis (especially with high levels of antithyroid antibodies) elevated Lp(a) plasma concentrations were found. In hypothyroid patients the high levels of Lp(a) were measured as described in previous studies. Authors concluded that further studies are needed to investigate this phenomenon.