title: The role of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 as a marker for atherosclerosis.
abstract: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an enzyme that belongs to the superfamily of phospholipase A2 enzymes. Although initial studies showed that Lp-PLA2 might be protective against atherosclerosis, emerging data seem to suggest that Lp-PLA2 may be proatherogenic, which is an effect thought to be mediated by lysophosphatidylcholine and oxidized nonesterified fatty acids, two mediators generated by Lp-PLA2. This article reviews the potential mechanisms by which Lp-PLA2 may participate in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations, namely, coronary artery disease and stroke.
authors: Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 6565 Fannin, M.S. A-601, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors: Salim S
authors: SS
authors: Virani
authors: Vijay
authors: V
authors: Nambi
mesh_terms: D043203:1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007249:Inflammation / Q000201:enzymology*; D008297:Male; D010741:Phospholipases A / Q000502:physiology; D054467:Phospholipases A2; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000201:enzymology*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D010741:Phospholipases A; D054467:Phospholipases A2; D043203:1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase