USE OF IMMUNOSORPTION FOR SELECTIVE DECRE ASE IN LIPOPROTEIN(A) LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Lipoprotein (a) [L(a)] is an atherogenic lipoprotein, its human plasma concentration correlates with the occurrence of coronary heart diseas e. The procedure for selectively removing L(a) with an anti-L(a) immun osorbent was performed to treat 3 patients who had high L(a), normal t otal cholesterol and other lipoprotein levels. All the patients had co ronary stenosis as documented by angiography. After L(a)-apheresis, th e level of L(a) decreased by 72%, while that of other plasma component s, including low density lipoproteins virtually unchanged. Thus, the p rocedure of L(a)-apheresis is an effective and safe method for lowerin g human blood L(a) concentrations. In addition, this in vivo model all ows information on L(a) metabolism to be obtained.