LIPOPROTEIN(A) LEVELS IN THE JAPANESE POPULATION - INFLUENCE OF AGE AND SEX, AND RELATION TO ATHEROSCLEROTIC RISK-FACTORS - THE JICHI-MEDICAL-SCHOOL COHORT STUDY

The authors studied the distribution of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels with stratification for age acid sex, as well as the relation between Lp(a) and atherosclerotic risk factors in a large Japanese population between 1992 and 1993. The subjects were 1,235 males and 1,762 females over 30 years old. Lp(a) was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbe nt assay, Lp(a) levels were higher in females than in males, The incre ase in Lp(a) with age was statistically significant, and the proportio n of subjects with Lp(a) levels >30 mg/dl also increased with age. In the obese subjects (body mass index (BMI) (kg/m(2)) >26), Lp(a) levels were lower than in the non-obese subjects (BMI less than or equal to 26) (p < 0.01 in males; p < 0.05 in females). Male alcohol drinkers ha d lower Lp(a) levels than nondrinkers (p < 0.05). Age, low density lip oprotein subtracting Lp(a) cholesterol [Lp(a) x 0.3], and fibrinogen l evel were all positively correlated with Lp(a) in both sexes, Alcohol consumption (g/day) and triglycerides were inversely correlated with L p(a) in males, while total cholesterol subtracting Lp(a) cholesterol [ Lp(a) x 0.3], high density lipoprotein, and factor VII were positively correlated in females. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed t hat triglycerides in males and BMI and fibrinogen in females were sign ificant independent variables. The authors conclude that Lp(a) level i s affected by various factors, such as alcohol drinking, BMI, sex, and age, and is not only correlated with lipid levels but also with hemos tatic factors such as fibrinogen and factor VII.