Summary
Objective.The aim of literature review is to analyze role of lipoprotein (a) in atherosclerosis based on the latest literature. Understanding lipoprotein (a) genetics, structure and function may improve its adaptability in clinical practice.
Background. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death, and atherosclerosis plays the main role. Lipoprotein (a) is statistically established to have impact on aortic stenosis, coronary artery disease, thrombosis, stroke, and atherosclerosis in general.
Material. It is determined that lipoprotein (a) plasma levels highly depend on its apolipoprotein (a) isoform, which is generated by Kringle IV domain repeats in apoprotein (a) chain. Patients with small isoforms in molecular size are expected to have higher plasma levels and 2−4 times bigger cardiovascular risk. It is hard to clearly detect lipoprotein (a) level due to lack of standardization and tests, designed to notice the isoforms. Lipoprotein (a) concentration is mainly stable during a lifetime for measuring lipoprotein (a) plasma levels is recommended at least once, because total lipid profile and cardiovascular risk scales could detect cardiovascular risk too late.
Methods. The literature review was executed using databases such as “Google Scholar”, “PubMed”, “Medscape” using searching strategy.
Results. Lipoprotein (a) is an independent cardiovascular risk factor and has a huge impact on atherosclerosis, but due to difficulties in testing, it is hard to apply this knowledge in daily clinical practice.
