Lipoprotein(a), atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
Lipoprotein(a) denotes cholesterol-rich particles similar to low density lipoproteins but characterized by an extra large hydrophilic glycoprotein, Apo(a), added to low density lipoproteins. Apolipoprotein(a) is bound to ApoB-100 by a disulfide bridge. Eleven different Apo(a) isoforms of varying sizes coded for by alleles at the Apo(a) gene locus on chromosome 6 have been identified, ranging in Mr between roughly 400-800 kDa. The level of lipoprotein(a) is inversely correlated with isoform size. A strong independent association between high lipoprotein(a) levels and atherosclerotic disorders is documented. Lipoprotein(a) is selectively retained in the intima and engulfed by macrophages in unmodified form. Human Apo(a) is very similar to plasminogen, which suggests that lipoprotein(a) represents a link between atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
Dahlén
G H
GH
Department of Clinical Chemistry, Umeå University Hospital, Sweden.
D000328:Adult; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D017270:Lipoprotein(a); D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000097:blood* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000097:blood*
D017270:Lipoprotein(a); D008074:Lipoproteins