Positive correlation between lipoprotein(a), LDL particle size and severity of coronary artery disease

A total of 490 patients undergoing coronary angiography for the evaluation of chest pain were investigated in order to examine the relationship between serum apolipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) and LDL particle size. Lp(a) is a large molecule that shares some homology with plasminogen and whose plasma levels are associated with increased risk for atherosclerosis. In these patients, the severity of coronary artery disease was measured by Gensini scores and the distribution of the LDL subfraction was analyzed using a Quantimetrix Lipoprint LDL System. The serum Lp(a) concentration was correlated with the fraction of small dense LDL (P‹0.001) and mean LDL size (P=0.003). Furthermore, increased Lp(a) level and small dense LDL fraction were significantly correlated with a high Gensini score. The Gensini score was significantly higher in small LDL with high Lp(a) level groups.

Abstract