Description
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] consists of an LDL-like particle and the specific apolipoprotein(a). Lp(a) plasma concentrations are highly heritable, thus in different ethnic groups, different genetic alterations were associated with increased Lp(a) levels. Lp(a) contributes to the process of atherogenesis. The structure of apolipoprotein(a) is similar to plasminogen and tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) and it competes with plasminogen for its binding site, leading to reduced fibrinolysis. Also, because Lp(a) stimulates secretion of PAI-1, it leads to thrombogenesis. Elevated Lp(a) correlates with coronary heart disease (CHD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and stroke