'APO(a) isoforms and LP(a) concentration in predicting risk for coronary artery disease: A study in men

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a) is formed by assembly of LDL-particles and the carbohydrate rich protein, apolipoprotein (a) [apo (a)]. Elevated plasma Lp (a) levels are an independent predictor of the development of premature coronary artery disease (CAD), but is not clear whether the apo (a) isoform plays on additional and independent role or not. To investigate the possible effect of apo (a) isoform on premature CAD (in patients < 55 years of age), we have analyzed apo (a) isoforms, Lp (a) level and their relation with many recognized CAD risk factors, in 60 male patients with angiographically defined CAD and in 60 male control with no angiographic evidence of CAD. The results show elevated Lp (a) concentration (29.4±16.1, vs. 16.5±9.9 P