Lipoprotein(a) and its Clinical Importance

Reports have shown that lipoprotein (Lp)(a) can serve as an indicator of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Several cardiovascular disease risk factors including age, ethnicity and type 2 diabetes mellitus have been linked to Lp(a) metabolism. Given the structural similarity between Lp(a) and plasminogen, there may be a relationship between Lp(a) level and thrombosis and atherogenesis. In this review, we summarize the latest data about Lp(a) and related conditions on the PubMed database using the following keywords: “Lp(a) and diseases” and “Lp(a) and racial groups”. All available information was extracted and categorized according to the purpose of this study. In conclusion, evidence suggest that increased level of Lp(a) results in coronary artery disease and increases the risk of ischemic stroke. Lack of Lp(a) has no adverse effect on human health. Moreover, Lp(a) can be effective in wound healing as it degrades apolipoprotein(a) products which might have anti-tumor and anti-angiogenetic effects.