title: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2): a promising vascular-specific marker for screening cardiovascular risk?
abstract: Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease that can be assessed by circulating biomarkers. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) is an enzyme produced in atherosclerotic plaque and is bound to low density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. It has a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis by promoting vascular inflammation. It is emerging as a vascular-specific marker and predictor of risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Increasing evidence from many prospective epidemiologic studies have shown that elevated levels of Lp-PLA(2) are associated with future CVD events. Measurement of Lp-PLA(2) in individuals may provide clinically relevant information about their future risk of CVD events. Pharmacologic therapies and/or risk factor modification could be initiated after identification of individuals at risk for CVD. This review provides an overview of the pathophysiology, epidemiologic evidence, and clinical utility of Lp-PLA(2).
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0610, USA.
authors.forename: Joung Hee
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Marguerite M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Engler
mesh_terms: D043203:1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase / Q000378:metabolism*; D054316:Biomarkers, Pharmacological; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology / Q000453:epidemiology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D016017:Odds Ratio; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D054316:Biomarkers, Pharmacological; D043203:1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase