LIPOPROTEIN(A) LEVELS IN CENTENARIANS

In elderly subjects (above 65 years), cardio- and cerebrovascular dise ases are known to contribute to the death rate. Serum lipoprotein(a) = Lp(a), a low density lipoprotein, is involved in the atherogenic proc esses, as confirmed by several clinical trials. We evaluated serum Lp( a) levels in a group of centenarians (15 females and 7 males, mean age 102.81 +/- 2.5 years) compared to 25 healthy control subjects (10 mal es and 15 females, mean age 51.12 +/- 15.34 years). In all subjects Lp (a) serum levels were determined by ELISA-method (EIA mod. 2550 reader ). Statistical analysis of the results was performed by using the Stud ent's t test. in centenarians the mean Lp(a) level increased (39.6 +/- 23.53 mg/dl) compared to that of the control group (16.78 +/- 16.24 m g/dl) (p < 0.005). The elevated Lp(a) values observed in centenarians may be attributed to the presence of low molecular weight lipoprotein isoforms which are known to be associated with cardio-cerebrovascular risk. Therefore, it seems that elevated Lp(a) levels alone are not ris k factors for the onset of acute vascular accidents and do not influen ce longevity.