Lp-PLA(2)- a novel risk factor for high-risk coronary and carotid artery disease

Epps KC, Wilensky RL (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA). Lp-PLA(2)- a novel risk factor for high-risk coronary and carotid artery disease. (Review) J Intern Med2010; 269: 94-106. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA(2)) is at the crossroads of lipid metabolism and the inflammatory response. It is produced by inflammatory cells, bound to LDL and other lipoproteins, and once in the arterial wall facilitates hydrolysis of phospholipids. Elevated serum levels of Lp-PLA(2) have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk in healthy populations and in patients with known vascular disease. Here, we review the role of Lp-PLA(2) in the development of atherosclerosis and progression to unstable disease, the utility of Lp-PLA(2) as a risk predictor for coronary and carotid events and the potential clinical benefit of pharmacologic inhibition of Lp-PLA(2).