Role of lipoprotein (a) in ischemic stroke / 中国脑血管病杂志

ABSTRACT

Lipoprotein (a) (Lp [a]) is an low density lipoprotein-like particle with constant individual concentration through life determined mainly by LPA gene variations and racial difference. Previous studies had proved the causal relationship between Lp (a) and cardiovascular disease due to potential pathogenic mechanisms including proatherogenic and prothrombotic effect. Lp (a) had been reported to be associated with ischemic stroke by many studies, especially among young people, but the conclusions remain controversial. Traditional lipid-lowering therapies, such as statins or fibrates do not effectively reduce Lp (a) levels. Possible treatment options consist of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors,cholesteryl ester transfer protein,antisense oligonucleotide and apheresis.but their clinical benefits need to be confirmed by further trials. In this review,aspects of Lp (a) including the structure properties,correlation with ischemic stroke,probable pathophysiological mechanisms and recent advances in lowering Lp (a) are summarized.