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Iannuzzo G, Tripaldella M, Mallardo V, Morgillo M, Vitelli N, Iannuzzi A, Aliberti E, Giallauria F, Tramontano A, Carluccio R, Calcaterra I, Di Minno MND, Gentile M. Lipoprotein(a) Where Do We Stand? From the Physiopathology to Innovative Terapy. Biomedicines 2021; 9:838. [PMID: 34356902 PMCID: PMC8301358 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of epidemiologic studies have demonstrated a strong association between increasing lipoprotein a [Lp(a)] and cardiovascular disease. This correlation was demonstrated independent of other known cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. Screening for Lp(a) in the general population is not recommended, although Lp(a) levels are predominantly genetically determined so a single assessment is needed to identify patients at risk. In 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines recommend Lp(a) measurement at least once a lifetime, fo subjects at very high and high CV risk and those with a family history of premature cardiovascular disease, to reclassify patients with borderline risk. As concerning medications, statins play a key role in lipid lowering therapy, but present poor efficacy on Lp(a) levels. Actually, treatment options for elevated serum levels of Lp(a) are very limited. Apheresis is the most effective and well tolerated treatment in patients with high levels of Lp(a). However, promising new therapies, in particular antisense oligonucleotides have showed to be able to significantly reduce Lp(a) in phase II RCT. This review provides an overview of the biology and epidemiology of Lp(a), with a view to future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Iannuzzo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (V.M.); (M.M.); (N.V.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Maria Tripaldella
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (V.M.); (M.M.); (N.V.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Vania Mallardo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (V.M.); (M.M.); (N.V.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Mena Morgillo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (V.M.); (M.M.); (N.V.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Nicoletta Vitelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (V.M.); (M.M.); (N.V.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Arcangelo Iannuzzi
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, A. Cardarelli Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Emilio Aliberti
- North Tees University Hospital Stockton-on-Tees, Stockton TS19 8PE, UK;
| | - Francesco Giallauria
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, “Federico II” University of Naples, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.G.); (A.T.); (R.C.)
| | - Anna Tramontano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, “Federico II” University of Naples, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.G.); (A.T.); (R.C.)
| | - Raffaele Carluccio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, “Federico II” University of Naples, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.G.); (A.T.); (R.C.)
| | - Ilenia Calcaterra
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (V.M.); (M.M.); (N.V.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Matteo Nicola Dario Di Minno
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (V.M.); (M.M.); (N.V.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Marco Gentile
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (V.M.); (M.M.); (N.V.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (M.G.)
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Abstract
Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] and its measurement, structure and function, the impact of ethnicity and environmental factors, epidemiological and genetic associations with vascular disease, and new prospects in drug development have been extensively examined throughout this Thematic Review Series on Lp(a). Studies suggest that the kidney has a role in Lp(a) catabolism, and that Lp(a) levels are increased in association with kidney disease only for people with large apo(a) isoforms. By contrast, in those patients with large protein losses, as in the nephrotic syndrome and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, Lp(a) is increased irrespective of apo(a) isoform size. Such acquired abnormalities can be reversed by kidney transplantation or remission of nephrosis. In this Thematic Review, we focus on the relationship between Lp(a), chronic kidney disease, and risk of cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemma C Hopewell
- Clinical Trial Service Unit & Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Richard Haynes
- Clinical Trial Service Unit & Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Baigent
- Clinical Trial Service Unit & Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Ellis KL, Boffa MB, Sahebkar A, Koschinsky ML, Watts GF. The renaissance of lipoprotein(a): Brave new world for preventive cardiology? Prog Lipid Res 2017; 68:57-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Enkhmaa B, Anuurad E, Berglund L. Lipoprotein (a): impact by ethnicity and environmental and medical conditions. J Lipid Res 2015; 57:1111-25. [PMID: 26637279 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.r051904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Levels of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], a complex between an LDL-like lipid moiety containing one copy of apoB, and apo(a), a plasminogen-derived carbohydrate-rich hydrophilic protein, are primarily genetically regulated. Although stable intra-individually, Lp(a) levels have a skewed distribution inter-individually and are strongly impacted by a size polymorphism of the LPA gene, resulting in a variable number of kringle IV (KIV) units, a key motif of apo(a). The variation in KIV units is a strong predictor of plasma Lp(a) levels resulting in stable plasma levels across the lifespan. Studies have demonstrated pronounced differences across ethnicities with regard to Lp(a) levels and some of this difference, but not all of it, can be explained by genetic variations across ethnic groups. Increasing evidence suggests that age, sex, and hormonal impact may have a modest modulatory influence on Lp(a) levels. Among clinical conditions, Lp(a) levels are reported to be affected by kidney and liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byambaa Enkhmaa
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA
| | | | - Lars Berglund
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System, Sacramento, CA
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