Relationship between lipoprotein (a) and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in asymptomatic individuals

Author(s)

Victor França ^[1] ; Érica Ivana Lázaro Gomes ^[2] ; Edite Vieira Silva de Campos ^[3] ; Vanessa Helena de Souza Zago ^[4] ; Valéria Sutti Nunes ^[5] ; Eliana Cotta de Faria ^[6]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Faculdade de Ciências Médicas. Department of Clinical Pathology - Brasil

^[2] Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Faculdade de Ciências Médicas. Department of Clinical Pathology - Brasil

^[3] Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Faculdade de Ciências Médicas. Department of Clinical Pathology - Brasil

^[4] Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas - Brasil

^[5] Universidade de Sao Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina. Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP - Brasil

^[6] Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Faculdade de Ciências Médicas. Department of Clinical Pathology - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Clinics; v. 77, 2022-12-02.

Abstract

Abstract Background: This study aimed to evaluate the associations between Lipoprotein (a) ‒ Lp(a) levels and carotid Intima-Media Thickness (cIMT) and with carotid plaques in healthy subjects because of previous contradictory data. Methods: A total of 317 healthy normolipidemic subjects (20‒77 years old) were selected. The cIMT and atherosclerotic plaques were determined by B-mode ultrasonography. Mann-Whitney tests were performed to compare the groups according to Lp(a) levels and to explore the associations between Lp(a), carotid plaques, and cIMT, logistic and linear regression analyses were performed. Results: Studied population (51% females, median age 43 years old) presented carotid plaques and cIMT ≥ 0.9 mm in 23% and 18% of the participants, respectively. The group with Lp(a) levels > 30 mg/dL presented significantly higher age and atherosclerotic plaques. Indeed, multivariate linear regression analysis showed a significant association between Lp(a), age, and race. On the other hand, logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the subjects with Lp(a) > 30 mg/dL have a significantly high risk of carotid plaques. Conclusion: The data from the present study indicate that Lp(a) levels above 30 mg/dL contribute to the development of carotid plaques even in apparently healthy participants. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 06/60585-9 - Relation of the plasma HDL-cholesterol concentration with blood monocyte and whole body cholesterol metabolism parameters
• Grantee: Eder Carlos Rocha Quintão
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants