RACIAL VARIATION OF CORD PLASMA LIPOPROTEIN(A) LEVELS IN RELATION TO CORONARY RISK LEVEL - A STUDY IN 3 ETHNIC-GROUPS IN SINGAPORE

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is recognized as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. Studies have also shown that there are racial differ ences in the Lp(a) profile. The multiracial population of Singapore ha s demonstrated a differential prevalence of coronary artery disease, w hich is concordant with the plasma Lp(a) profile in the adult populati ons of Singapore. The level of Lp(a) is under strict genetic control, and its plasma concentration is determined significantly by inheritanc e. Expression of tile racial profile of Lp(a) at birth was studied in the cord blood of 542 male and 468 female newborns from three ethnic: groups of Singapore using the sandwich-ELISA. The Lp(a) levels were th en related to the coronary risk levels of their respective adult popul ations. Lp(a) levels in Singapore newborns were found to be independen t of the infant's birth weight and sax but were significantly influenc ed by race. Indian newborns had significantly higher plasma levels of Lp(a), Chinese newborns had the lowest Lp(a) levels at birth, The rank ing of Lp(a) levels at birth was concordant with the relative coronary mortality rates for the respective adult populations of Singapore, Ra cial differences in plasma Lp(a) levels are present and expressed at b irth.