title: Lp-PLA2: A new target for statin therapy.
abstract: Inflammation plays an important role in atherogenesis and plaque vulnerability. Inflammatory-type markers have been evaluated for their association with atherosclerotic vascular disease and their ability to improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk stratification. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) is a vascular-specific inflammatory enzyme that increases the risk of CVD events and stroke approximately twofold. A consensus panel recently recommended the measurement of Lp-PLA(2) in moderate-risk and high-risk patients for improved risk stratification and modification of low-density lipoprotein target levels. Lipid-lowering agents, particularly statins, lower Lp-PLA(2) mass and activity; therefore, Lp-PLA(2) may represent an important target of lipid-lowering therapy for reducing the inflammatory nature of atherosclerosis and plaque vulnerability. It is unknown whether lowering inflammatory markers such as Lp-PLA(2) will have a direct benefit on CVD events and mortality. A large morbidity and mortality trial was recently initiated to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of darapladib, an Lp-PLA(2) antagonist, in patients with high-risk coronary heart disease.
authors.affiliation: Rush Heart and Vascular Institute, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 W. Harrison, Suite 1159, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. lynne_t_braun@rush.edu
authors.forename: Lynne T
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Braun
authors.forename: Michael H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Davidson
mesh_terms: D043203:1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000201:enzymology / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000201:enzymology; D009017:Morbidity / Q000639:trends; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D015996:Survival Rate / Q000639:trends
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D043203:1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase