Mechanisms and significance of lipoprotein(a) in hepatocellular carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
The liver plays a key role in the metabolism of plasma apolipoproteins, endogenous lipids and lipoproteins. Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common fatal malignant tumors in China and in other Southeast Asian countries. It has been demonstrated that plasma lipid profiles are changed in liver cancer.


METHODS
A MEDLINE database search was performed to identify relevant articles using the keywords "hepatocellular carcinoma" and "lipoprotein(a)". The search was conducted and research articles were reviewed from 1960 to 2008.


RESULTS
Production and homeostasis of lipids, apolipoproteins and lipoproteins depend on the integrity of hepatocellular functions, which ensures normal lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in vivo. When hepatocellular injury or liver cancer occurs these processes can be impaired. It has been suggested that plasma levels of apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) and/or lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) may be considered as sensitive markers of hepatic impairment.


CONCLUSIONS
Plasma levels of apo(a) and Lp(a) display significant correlations with hepatic status. Most studies demonstrated that the plasma levels of apo(a) and Lp(a) can be considered as an additional clinical index of liver function.
Jiang
Jing-Ting
JT
Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, Third Affiliated Hospital, Suzhou University, Changzhou 213003, China.
Wu
Chang-Ping
CP
Xu
Ning
N
Zhang
Xue-Guang
XG
D053241:Apoprotein(a) / Q000378:metabolism*; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D050356:Lipid Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D017270:Lipoprotein(a) / Q000378:metabolism*; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*
D017270:Lipoprotein(a); D053241:Apoprotein(a)