Evidence-based assessment of lipoprotein(a) as a risk biomarker for cardiovascular diseases - Some answers and still many questions.

Abstract

The present article is aimed at outlining the current state of knowledge regarding the clinical value of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) as a marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by summarizing the results of recent clinical studies, meta-analyses and systematic reviews. The literature supports the predictive value of Lp(a) on CVD outcomes, although the effect size is modest. Lp(a) would also appear to have an effect on cerebrovascular outcomes, however the effect appears even smaller than that for CVD outcomes. Consideration of apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) isoforms and LPA genetics in relation to the simple assessment of Lp(a) concentration may enhance clinical practice in vascular medicine. We also describe recent advances in Lp(a) research (including therapies) and highlight areas where further research is needed such as the measurement of Lp(a) and its involvement in additional pathophysiological processes.

• Authors: Kazuhiko Kotani, Maria-Corina Serban, Peter Penson, Giuseppe Lippi, Maciej Banach
• Journal: Critical reviews in clinical laboratory sciences (Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci) Vol. 53 Issue 6 Pg. 370-8 (12 2016) ISSN: 1549-781X [Electronic] England
• PMID: 27173621 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• Lipoprotein(a)

Topics

• Biomarkers (blood)
• Cardiovascular Diseases (blood, epidemiology)
• Evidence-Based Medicine
• Humans
• Lipoprotein(a) (blood)