Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2: a cardiovascular risk predictor and a potential therapeutic target.
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), present in the circulation and in atherosclerotic plaque, is an inflammatory marker with potential use as a predictor of cardiovascular risk and as a therapeutic target. Although Lp-PLA2 is associated with both LDL and HDL, it is important to determine whether Lp-PLA2 has a predominantly pro- or anti-atherogenic effect. Increasing evidence suggests a proatherogenic role for Lp-PLA2. Epidemiologic and clinical evidence suggests Lp-PLA2 is an independent predictor of risk and may be superior to other inflammatory markers owing to its specificity and minimal biovariation. Lp-PLA2 inhibitors currently being investigated in clinical trials are promising novel anti-inflammatory agents with a specificity for the vascular bed and a potential for decreasing plaque vulnerability.
Ali
Muzammil
M
Texas Heart Institute at St Luke's Epicopal Hospital, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA. mmadjid@gmail.com
Madjid
Mohammad
M
D043203:1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000097:blood*; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology / Q000453:epidemiology; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015994:Incidence; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors
D015415:Biomarkers; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D043203:1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase