Abstract
Lipoprotein(a) is a macromolecular complex of enigmatic function in human plasma. Concentrations of Lp(a) constitute a quantitative genetic trait. They are primarily determined by the LPA locus on chromosome 6q26-27, which is characterized by a unique type of copy number variation (CNV), the kringle-IV type 2 (K-IV-2) repeats. Meta-analysis of prospective studies as well as old and new genetic evidence have identified Lp(a) as an independent risk factor for atherothrombotic disease. The K-IV-2 CNV in LPA is the strongest known common genetic variation predicting risk for CHD: small isoforms of this CNV are associated with a doubling of risk for CHD. Together with observations that removal of Lp(a) from plasma may be beneficial in individuals with severe CHD, the strong genetic evidence justifies the consideration of Lp(a) in clinical practice.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
