title: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2.
abstract: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LP-PLA2) is an emerging inflammatory marker that is used to assess the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated events. Several epidemiologic studies have demonstrated an independent association between plasma Lp-PLA2 concentration and risk for cardiovascular events. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) and fenofibrates can reduce Lp-PLA2 concentrations in plasma, and orally active, specific Lp-PLA2 inhibitors have been developed and are in clinical trials to evaluate the potential of Lp-PLA2 as a therapeutic target. This article reviews recent studies of Lp-PLA2 in the setting of CVD, discusses the proposed mechanisms of action of Lp-PLA2, and describes methods for measurement and their clinical application. Recent evidence that suggests Lp-PLA2's potential usefulness as a therapeutic target also is reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, The Mayo Clinic and Foundation, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. mcconnell.joseph@mayo.edu
authors.forename: Joseph P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: McConnell
authors.forename: Daniel M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Hoefner
mesh_terms: D043203:1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000201:enzymology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000201:enzymology / Q000453:epidemiology; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008244:Lysophosphatidylcholines / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D054467:Phospholipases A2
chemical_list: D005227:Fatty Acids; D008244:Lysophosphatidylcholines; D054467:Phospholipases A2; D043203:1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase