Performance Characteristics and Clinical Value of the Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 by an Enzymatic Kinetic Method.

Abstract

To analyze the performance characteristics, stability, and clinical value of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) using an enzymatic kinetic method. The performance characteristics included reference intervals, precision, and accuracy. We assessed Lp-PLA2 stability by comparing Lp-PLA2 changes under different conditions. Lp-PLA2 was determined in the following groups: control individuals, patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), patients of different lipid subgroups within CHD, and patients with high total cholesterol (TC). Also, correlations between Lp-PLA2 and traditional cardiovascular risk factors were assessed. The mean (SD) reference interval of serum Lp-PLA2 activity was 451 (113) U per L with sex differences. Inter- and intra-assay precision revealed coefficients of variance (CVs) of 1.81% to 2.63% and 1.43% to 1.77%. The average bias was 0.33%. Lp-PLA2 activity was stable. In the CHD group, high-lipid subgroups, and high-TC group, Lp-PLA2 was elevated, and correlation was observed between Lp-PLA2 and traditional risk factors. Lp-PLA2 activity has important clinical value in CHD.