1
|
Ma L, Chan DC, Ooi EMM, Marcovina SM, Barrett PHR, Watts GF. Apolipoprotein(a) Kinetics in Statin-Treated Patients With Elevated Plasma Lipoprotein(a) Concentration. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:6247-6255. [PMID: 31393573 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2019-01382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a low-density lipoprotein‒like particle containing apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)]. Patients with elevated Lp(a), even when treated with statins, are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We investigated the kinetic basis for elevated Lp(a) in these patients. OBJECTIVES Apo(a) production rate (PR) and fractional catabolic rate (FCR) were compared between statin-treated patients with and without elevated Lp(a). METHODS The kinetics of apo(a) were investigated in 14 patients with elevated Lp(a) and 15 patients with normal Lp(a) levels matched for age, sex, and body mass index using stable isotope techniques and compartmental modeling. All 29 patients were on background statin treatment. Plasma apo(a) concentration was measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS The plasma concentration and PR of apo(a) were significantly higher in patients with elevated Lp(a) than in patients with normal Lp(a) concentration (all P < 0.01). The FCR of apo(a) was not significantly different between the groups. In univariate analysis, plasma concentration of apo(a) was significantly associated with apo(a) PR in both patient groups (r = 0.699 and r = 0.949, respectively; all P < 0.01). There was no significant association between plasma apo(a) concentration and FCR in either of the groups (r = 0.160 and r = -0.137, respectively). CONCLUSION Elevated plasma Lp(a) concentration is a consequence of increased hepatic production of Lp(a) particles in these patients. Our findings provide a kinetic rationale for the use of therapies that target the synthesis of apo(a) and production of Lp(a) particles in patients with elevated Lp(a).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Dick C Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Esther M M Ooi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Santica M Marcovina
- Northwest Lipid Metabolism and Diabetes Research Laboratories, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - P Hugh R Barrett
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gerald F Watts
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Lipid Disorders Clinic, Department of Cardiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chan DC, Watts GF, Coll B, Wasserman SM, Marcovina SM, Barrett PHR. Lipoprotein(a) Particle Production as a Determinant of Plasma Lipoprotein(a) Concentration Across Varying Apolipoprotein(a) Isoform Sizes and Background Cholesterol-Lowering Therapy. J Am Heart Assoc 2019; 8:e011781. [PMID: 30897995 PMCID: PMC6509712 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.118.011781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), a low-density lipoprotein-like particle bound to the polymorphic apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)), may be causal for cardiovascular disease. However, the metabolism of Lp(a) in humans is poorly understood. Methods and Results We investigated the kinetics of Lp(a)-apo(a) and low-density lipoprotein-apoB-100 in 63 normolipidemic men. The fractional catabolic rate ( FCR ) and production rate PR ) were studied. Plasma apo(a) concentration was significantly and inversely associated with apo(a) isoform size ( r=-0.536, P<0.001) and apo(a) FCR ( r=-0.363, P<0.01), and positively with apo(a) PR ( r=0.877, P<0.001). There were no significant associations between the FCR s of apo(a) and low-density lipoprotein-apoB-100. Subjects with smaller apo(a) isoform sizes (≤22 kringle IV repeats) had significantly higher apo(a) PR ( P<0.05) and lower apo(a) FCR ( P<0.01) than those with larger sizes. Plasma apo(a) concentration was significantly associated with apo(a) PR ( r=0.930, P<0.001), but not with FCR ( r=-0.012, P>0.05) in subjects with smaller apo(a) isoform size. In contrast, both apo(a) PR and FCR were significantly associated with plasma apo(a) concentrations ( r=0.744 and -0.389, respectively, P<0.05) in subjects with larger isoforms. In multiple regression analysis, apo(a) PR and apo(a) isoform size were significant predictors of plasma apo(a) concentration independent of low-density lipoprotein-apoB-100 FCR and background therapy with atorvastatin and evolocumab. Conclusions In normolipidemic men, the plasma Lp(a) concentration is predominantly determined by the rate of production of Lp(a) particles, irrespective of apo(a) isoform size and background therapy with a statin and a proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 inhibitor. Our findings underscore the importance of therapeutic targeting of the hepatic synthesis and secretion of Lp(a) particles. Lp(a) particle catabolism may only play a modest role in determining Lp(a) concentration in subjects with larger apo(a) isoform size. Clinical Trial Registration URL : http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT 02189837.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dick C. Chan
- School of MedicineUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthAustralia
- School of Biomedical ScienceUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthAustralia
| | - Gerald F. Watts
- School of MedicineUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthAustralia
- The Lipid Disorders ClinicDepartment of CardiologyRoyal Perth HospitalPerthAustralia
| | | | | | - Santica M. Marcovina
- Northwest Lipid Metabolism and Diabetes Research LaboratoriesDivision of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and NutritionDepartment of MedicineUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWA
| | - P. Hugh R. Barrett
- School of Biomedical ScienceUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of New EnglandArmidaleNew South WalesAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Harauz G, Musse AA. A Tale of Two Citrullines—Structural and Functional Aspects of Myelin Basic Protein Deimination in Health and Disease. Neurochem Res 2006; 32:137-58. [PMID: 16900293 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-006-9108-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2006] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Myelin basic protein (MBP) binds to negatively charged lipids on the cytosolic surface of oligodendrocyte membranes and is responsible for adhesion of these surfaces in the multilayered myelin sheath. The pattern of extensive post-translational modifications of MBP is dynamic during normal central nervous system (CNS) development and during myelin degeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting its interactions with the myelin membranes and with other molecules. In particular, the degree of deimination (or citrullination) of MBP is correlated with the severity of MS, and may represent a primary defect that precedes neurodegeneration due to autoimmune attack. That the degree of MBP deimination is also high in early CNS development indicates that this modification plays major physiological roles in myelin assembly. In this review, we describe the structural and functional consequences of MBP deimination in healthy and diseased myelin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Harauz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Biophysics Interdepartmental Group, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1.
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Caplice NM, Panetta C, Peterson TE, Kleppe LS, Mueske CS, Kostner GM, Broze GJ, Simari RD. Lipoprotein (a) binds and inactivates tissue factor pathway inhibitor: a novel link between lipoproteins and thrombosis. Blood 2001; 98:2980-7. [PMID: 11698280 DOI: 10.1182/blood.v98.10.2980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] has been associated with both anti-fibrinolytic and atherogenic effects. However, no direct link currently exists between this atherogenic lipoprotein and intravascular coagulation. The current study examined the binding and functional effects of Lp(a), its lipoprotein constituents, apoliprotein (a) [apo(a)] and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and lysine-plasminogen (L-PLG), which shares significant homology with apo(a), on tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), a major regulator of tissue factor-mediated coagulation. Results indicate that Lp(a), apo(a), and PLG but not LDL bound recombinant TFPI (rTFPI) in vitro and that apo(a) bound to a region spanning the last 37 amino acid residues of the c-terminus of TFPI. The apparent binding affinity for TFPI was much higher for Lp(a) (KD approximately 150 nM) compared to PLG (KD approximately 800 nM) and nanomolar concentrations of apo(a) (500 nM) inhibited PLG binding to TFPI. Lp(a) also inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner rTFPI activity and endothelial cell surface TFPI activity in vitro, whereas PLG had no such effect. Moreover physiologic concentrations of PLG (2 microM) had no effect on the concentration-dependent inhibition of TFPI activity induced by Lp(a). In human atherosclerotic plaque, apo(a) and TFPI immunostaining were shown to coexist in smooth muscle cell-rich areas of the intima. These data suggest a novel mechanism whereby Lp(a) through its apo(a) moiety may promote thrombosis by binding and inactivating TFPI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N M Caplice
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Lipoprotein(a) is an atherogenic, cholesterol ester-rich lipoprotein of unknown physiological function. The unusual species distribution of lipoprotein(a) and the extreme polymorphic nature of its distinguishing apolipoprotein component, apolipoprotein(a), have provided unique challenges for the investigation of its biochemistry, genetics, metabolism and atherogenicity. Some fundamental questions regarding this enigmatic lipoprotein have escaped elucidation, as will be highlighted in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H H Hobbs
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas 75235, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Our understanding of the genetics, metabolism and pathophysiology of the atherogenic plasma lipoprotein Lp(a) has considerably increased over past years. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms regulating the biosynthesis and assembly of Lp(a) are poorly understood and controversially discussed. Lp(a) plasma concentrations are determined by synthesis and not by degradation. Transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms have been identified as regulating Lp(a) production in primary hepatocytes and transfected cell lines. Assembly of Lp(a) occurs extracellularly from newly synthesized apolipoprotein(a) and circulating LDL. This view has recently been challenged by in-vivo kinetic studies in humans which are compatible with an intracellular assembly event. Lp(a) assembly is a complex two-step process of multiple non-covalent interactions between apolipoprotein(a) and apolipoprotein B-100 of LDL followed by covalent disulfide linkage of two free cysteine residues on both proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Dieplinger
- Institute of Medical Biology and Human Genetics, University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Frank S, Hrzenjak A, Kostner K, Sattler W, Kostner GM. Effect of tranexamic acid and delta-aminovaleric acid on lipoprotein(a) metabolism in transgenic mice. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1999; 1438:99-110. [PMID: 10216284 DOI: 10.1016/s1388-1981(99)00044-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The assembly of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a two-step process which involves the interaction of kringle-4 (K-IV) domains in apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) with Lys groups in apoB-100. Lys analogues such as tranexamic acid (TXA) or delta-aminovaleric acid (delta-AVA) proved to prevent the Lp(a) assembly in vitro. In order to study the in vivo effect of Lys analogues, transgenic apo(a) or Lp(a) mice were treated with TXA or delta-AVA and plasma levels of free and low density lipoprotein bound apo(a) were measured. In parallel experiments, McA-RH 7777 cells, stably transfected with apo(a), were also treated with these substances and apo(a) secretion was followed. Treatment of transgenic mice with Lys analogues caused a doubling of plasma Lp(a) levels, while the ratio of free:apoB-100 bound apo(a) remained unchanged. In transgenic apo(a) mice a 1. 5-fold increase in plasma apo(a) levels was noticed. TXA significantly increased Lp(a) half-life from 6 h to 8 h. Incubation of McA-RH 7777 cells with Lys analogues resulted in an up to 1. 4-fold increase in apo(a) in the medium. The amount of intracellular low molecular weight apo(a) precursor remained unchanged. We hypothesize that Lys analogues increase plasma Lp(a) levels by increasing the dissociation of cell bound apo(a) in combination with reducing Lp(a) catabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Frank
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Trenkwalder E, Gruber A, König P, Dieplinger H, Kronenberg F. Increased plasma concentrations of LDL-unbound apo(a) in patients with end-stage renal disease. Kidney Int 1997; 52:1685-92. [PMID: 9407518 DOI: 10.1038/ki.1997.503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and its characteristic glycoprotein apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] are risk factors for atherosclerosis in the general population. Patients with renal disease show an elevation of Lp(a). Recent studies have described an arteriovenous difference of Lp(a) in the renovascular bed as well as the plasma-derived fragmented LDL-unbound apo(a) in urine, suggesting that the kidney is involved in the metabolism of Lp(a). We therefore investigated whether patients with chronic renal failure have higher levels of LDL-unbound apo(a) and whether this could account for the increased Lp(a) concentrations in these patients. In addition, we studied the possible generation of apo(a) fragments in vitro by mimicking uremic plasma conditions and by investigating the assembly of Lp(a) in cell culture experiments. Patients treated by hemodialysis (N = 185) and by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD; N = 20) had markedly elevated absolute (1.22 +/- 1.55 mg/dl and 2.14 +/- 2.86 mg/dl) as well as relative (7.5% and 7.3%) amounts of LDL-unbound apo(a) in comparison to controls (0.46 +/- 0.48 mg/dl or 4.5%). Following renal transplantation the absolute amount decreased significantly. Lp(a) plasma concentration was the most important determining variable for the absolute amount of LDL-unbound apo(a) and showed a positive correlation in both hemodialysis patients (r = 0.85) and controls (r = 0.92). In vitro experiments demonstrated that "uremization" of plasma samples did not generate a higher amount of LDL-unbound apo(a). Although LDL of renal patients has different chemical and structural properties as compared to control LDL, the extracellular assembly of Lp(a) did not differ between patients and controls. Therefore, the higher amounts of LDL-unbound apo(a) found in renal disease are not caused by an impaired assembly of Lp(a), but rather indicate a catabolic role of the kidney for LDL-unbound apo(a) as was already shown for Lp(a). Despite a small contribution, these elevated levels cannot explain the higher Lp(a) values found in patients with end-stage renal disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Trenkwalder
- Institute of Medical Biology and Human Genetics, University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Affiliation(s)
- S Djurovic
- Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo, Norway
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ramharack R, Spahr MA, Kreick JS, Sekerke CS. Expression of apolipoprotein[a] and plasminogen mRNAs in cynomolgus monkey liver and extrahepatic tissues. J Lipid Res 1996. [DOI: 10.1016/s0022-2275(20)37567-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
|
11
|
Kostner KM, Maurer G, Huber K, Stefenelli T, Dieplinger H, Steyrer E, Kostner GM. Urinary excretion of apo(a) fragments. Role in apo(a) catabolism. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 1996; 16:905-11. [PMID: 8696952 DOI: 10.1161/01.atv.16.8.905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The biosynthesis and assembly of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a marker for atherosclerotic disease, appears to be well understood. However, information is lacking concerning the mode and site of Lp(a) catabolism. Apo(a) is reported to be excreted into the urine. To study the effect of this pathway on the overall catabolism of Lp(a), urinary apo(a) was characterized by immunoblotting. More than 10 distinct apo(a) bands with molecular masses between 30 and 160 kD were observed. Apo(a) fragments were not complexed to apoB. In more than 30 individuals the size of apo(a) bands was comparable irrespective of their apo(a) phenotype, although marked differences in the relative intensities of the bands were observed. Eight batches of 24-hour urine collections collected from one proband at 2-week intervals exhibited a significant correlation between creatinine and apo(a) concentrations as measured by DELFIA (r = .93; P < .01). In 193 healthy volunteers a highly significant correlation was found between urinary apo(a) concentrations normalized to creatinine levels and plasma Lp(a) values (p = 0.659; P < .0001). Of the total plasma apo(a), 0.073%, i.e., 121 micrograms apo(a), was excreted in the form of apo(a) fragments in 24-hour urine samples from 12 healthy volunteers. We conclude that the catabolism of Lp(a) via excretion of apo(a) fragments accounts for < 1% of the daily Lp(a) catabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K M Kostner
- Second Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kronenberg F, Steinmetz A, Kostner GM, Dieplinger H. Lipoprotein(a) in health and disease. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 1996; 33:495-543. [PMID: 8989507 DOI: 10.3109/10408369609080056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] represents an LDL-like particle to which the Lp(a)-specific apolipoprotein(a) is linked via a disulfide bridge. It has gained considerable interest as a genetically determined risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease. Several studies have described a correlation between elevated Lp(a) plasma levels and coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral atherosclerosis. In healthy individuals, Lp(a) plasma concentrations are almost exclusively controlled by the apo(a) gene locus on chromosome 6q2.6-q2.7. More than 30 alleles at this highly polymorphic gene locus determine a size polymorphism of apo(a). There exists an inverse correlation between the size (molecular weight) of apo(a) isoforms and Lp(a) plasma concentrations. The standardization of Lp(a) quantification is still an unresolved task due to the large particle size of Lp(a), the presence of two different apoproteins [apoB and apo(a)], and the large size polymorphism of apo(a) and its homology with plasminogen. A working group sponsored by the IFCC is currently establishing a stable reference standard for Lp(a) as well as a reference method for quantitative analysis. Aside from genetic reasons, abnormal Lp(a) plasma concentrations are observed as secondary to various diseases. Lp(a) plasma levels are elevated over controls in patients with nephrotic syndrome and patients with end-stage renal disease. Following renal transplantation, Lp(a) concentrations decrease to values observed in controls matched for apo(a) type. Controversial data on Lp(a) in diabetes mellitus result mainly from insufficient sample sizes of numerous studies. Large studies and those including apo(a) phenotype analysis came to the conclusion that Lp(a) levels are not or only moderately elevated in insulin-dependent patients. In noninsulin-dependent diabetics, Lp(a) is not elevated. Conflicting data also exist from studies in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. Several case-control studies reported elevated Lp(a) levels in those patients, suggesting a role of the LDL-receptor pathway for degradation of Lp(a). However, recent turnover studies rejected that concept. Moreover, family studies also revealed data arguing against an influence of the LDL receptor for Lp(a) concentrations. Several rare diseases or disorders, such as LCAT- and LPL-deficiency as well as liver diseases, are associated with low plasma levels or lack of Lp(a).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Kronenberg
- Institute of Medical Biology and Human Genetics, University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Frank S, Durovic S, Kostner K, Kostner GM. Inhibitors for the in vitro assembly of Lp(a). Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 1995; 15:1774-80. [PMID: 7583555 DOI: 10.1161/01.atv.15.10.1774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Lp(a) is composed of an LDL-like core and the glycoprotein apo(a). Current evidence strongly suggests that the assembly of this atherogenic lipoprotein proceeds outside the liver cells in a two-step fashion. In the first step, a loose complex is formed involving kringle-4 motifs in apo(a) and one or more Lys side chains in apoB-100. In the second step, this complex is stabilized by a disulfide bridge. Indications are that Lp(a) assembly is critical in the determination of plasma apo(a) concentrations. Therefore, we searched for substances that interfere with the first step of Lp(a) assembly. epsilon-Aminohexoic acid (epsilon-AHA), known as an inhibitor from earlier assembly studies, had an IC50 of 4.8 mmol/L. The IC50 of Pro, HO-p-aminobenzene sulfonamide, Lys, N-epsilon-acetyl-Lys, taurine, Glu, serotonin, and benzamidine were all > 20 mmol/L. gamma-Aminobutyric acid, spermine, and spermidine exhibited IC50 on the same order of magnitude as epsilon-AHA. The substances with the highest inhibitory action were tranexamic acid and delta-aminovaleric acid. Seven of eight patients treated in a pilot study with tranexamic acid (Cyclocapron) responded with a decrease of plasma apo(a) of 18.5 +/- 8.2%. We suggest that substances that interfere with the Lp(a) assembly are worth pursuing further for their usefulness as therapeutic agents in reducing high plasma Lp(a) concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Frank
- Medical Biochemistry Department, University of Graz, Austria
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|