INCREASED CONCENTRATIONS OF SERUM LP(A) LIPOPROTEIN IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY GOUT

Objectives-To investigate if serum Lp(a) Lipoprotein (Lp(a)), a risk f actor for atherosclerotic diseases, increases in patients with gout, w ho frequently also have atherosclerotic disease. Methods-Fasting blood samples were taken for measurement of Lp(a) and other variables in 17 5 male patients with primary gout. Serum concentrations of Lp(a) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The median value and fr equency distribution of Lp(a) in gout patients were compared with thos e in 172 control male subjects. In addition, we examined the effect of niceritorol on serum Lp(a) values in gout patients in whom the Lp(a) concentration was greater than 20 mg/dl. Results-Serum Lp(a) was signi ficantly higher in patients with gout than control subjects (median 15 .5 mg/dl upsilon 8.6 mg/dl; p < 0.01). The frequency distribution of L p(a) in gout was significantly shifted towards greater concentrations compared with control, although skewed distribution was noted in both groups. Serum Lp(a) concentration was not related to age, body mass in dex, alcohol intake, creatinine, fasting blood sugar or uric acid in p atients with gout. Niceritorol decreased the serum concentrations of L p(a) in gout. Conclusions-These observations suggest that serum Lp(a) concentrations are increased in patients with gout and may play a role as one of the risk factors for atherosclerotic diseases in gout. Nice ritorol seems effective in decreasing high levels of Lp(a) in patients with gout without detrimental influence on serum uric acid concentrat ion.