[Lipoprotein (a) in an urban population of Venezuela: Evidence that estrogenic deprivation increase in lipoprotein (a) levels is transitory].
BACKGROUND
Lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)] is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease and normal serum levels of this particle is not known in our country. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine plasma Lp (a) concentration in a population sample of Maracaibo.


METHODS
Fifth hundred out-patients, consulting at Centro de Investigaciones Endocrino-Metabólicas "Dr. Félix Gómez" were randomly underwent to venipunction to obtain a fasting blood simple to assess Lp (a) by a ELISA assay.


RESULTS
No significantly differences were found when compared by sex or age separately, higher levels in Lp (a) was found in female 40-44 year group (median: 20,9 mg/dl). Thus, female population was divided in two sub-groups: < 40 years (median: 13 mg/dl) 40 yr and more (median: 16 mg/dl), finding higher Lp (a) levels in the second group (p < 0,02). Hormonal replace therapy was assessed by age, resulting that women subjected this approach shows lower levels of Lp (a) (p < 0,01), except in 60-64 year group.


CONCLUSIONS
Lp (a) in a Maracaibo was within normal levels. Hormonal replace therapy diminishes Lp (a) concentration in menopausal women, but in menopausal women without hormonal therapy Lp (a) levels experienced a sustained decrease to normal levels in a age-depended manner.
Bermúdez Pirela
V
V
Centro de Investigaciones Endocrino-Metabólicas Dr. Felix Gómez. Facultad de Medicina. Universidad del Zulia. Maracaibo, Venezuela. vbermudez@hotmail.com
Cabrera de Bravo
M
M
Mengual Moreno
E
E
Cano Ponce
C
C
Leal González
E
E
Lemus Antepaz
M
M
Amell de Díaz
A
A
Sorell Gómez
L
L
D000328:Adult; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017270:Lipoprotein(a) / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D014505:Urban Population; D014687:Venezuela
D017270:Lipoprotein(a)