Lp(a) concentrations are related to plasma lipid concentrations

Lp(a) concentrations are controlled primarily by genetic variation at LPA, the locus encoding the unique protein apo(a). However, the high heritability is in part a consequence of nearly a 1000-fold range of Lp(a) concentrations found in healthy individuals. As determined by use of siblings genetically identical-by-descent at the LPA locus, there is substantial within-genotype variation in Lp(a) concentrations (ranges averaged about 58% of mean values for 87 sibling groups). This within-genotype variation could affect risk of CVD for nearly 15% of individuals in a population. Furthermore, Lp(a) concentrations are significantly and independently correlated with two key indicators of lipoprotein metabolism, plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Taken together, these data suggest that it is both possible and desirable to develop strategies for modifying Lp(a) concentrations.