Lp(a): HOW MUCH IMPORTANT IS ITS ROLE AS ATHEROSCLEROSIS RISK FACTOR
Abstract
Lp(a) is composed by one LDL particle which is linked by disulfide bridge to one glycoprotein called apolipoprotein a. The apo a is a distinctive marker for Lp(a) and its polymorphism contributes to heterogeneity of Lp(a). It has a high degree of structural homology with plasminogen but not the same function, so that it may have protrombotic actiνity. Ιn addition to its LDL-like properties it may be atherogenic. Plasma concentration of Lp(a) is strongly controlled by genetic factors and is related to the size of apo a and its gene alleles. Plasma Lp(a) levels vary widely but in the white population the normal level is up to 30mg%. Some epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that Lp(a) is an indepetent risk factor for cardiovascul ar disease in certain subjects. The management of these subjects include the control of the concurrent risk factors and in some cases the treatment with nicotinic acid or oestrogen.References
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