Lipoprotein(a) serum levels in patients affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

A recent study has suggested that symptoms of chronic bronchitis predict th e risk of coronary disease independently of the known major cardiovascular risk factors. High serum levels of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) have also been co nsidered as an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease. Therefor e, the aim of the present study was to investigate the behaviour of Lp(a) i n patients affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Serum levels of total-cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL -C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, apolipopro tein (Apo) B-100, and Lp(a) were measured in 90 COPD patients and in 90 nor mal subjects matched for age, sex and smoking habit. COPD patients showed l ower serum levels of Apo B-100 (P < 0.0001) and Lp(a) (P < 0.003) compared to controls. Conversely, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and triglycerides were similar be tween patients and controls. No significant differences were found in Apo B -100 and Lp(a) levels of patients either undergoing different therapeutic r egimens, or with different smoking habits. A significant correlation betwee n Apo B-100 and Lp(a) (rho = 0.433, P < 0.0001) was also observed. In concl usion, COPD patients do not show an atherogenetic lipid pattern and their i ncreased risk of coronary disease could be attributable to different factor s, such as the ongoing hypercoagulability state often associated with COPD. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.