LIPOPROTEIN (A)

Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a) is similar to low density lipoproteins (LDL), but also contains a large glycoprotein molecule called apolipoprotein( a) or apo(a). The lipid composition of Lp(a) is nearly identical to th at of LDL. The structure of apo(a) is similar to that of plasminogen. Several genetic polymorphisms have been described for apo(a). The incr easing interest in Lp(a) is due to the positive correlation which exis ts between the plasma level of Lp(a) and the incidence of ischaemic he art disease. Plasma Lp(a) level varies greatly from one individual to another and is basically dependent on genetic factors, especially for the isoforms of apo(a). A level above 30 mg.dl is associated with incr eased risk of atherosclerosis-related diseases. There are few treatmen ts which are effective in significantly reducing raised levels of Lp(a ).