Lipoprotein(a): novel target and emergence of novel therapies to lower cardiovascular disease risk.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

This article summarizes recent observations on the role of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] as a risk factor mediating cardiovascular disease.

Recent findings

Lp(a) is a highly prevalent cardiovascular risk factor, with levels above 30 mg/dl affecting 20-30% of the global population. Up until now, no specific therapies have been developed to lower Lp(a) levels. Three major levels of evidence support the notion that elevated Lp(a) levels are a causal, independent, genetic risk factor for cardiovascular disease: epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses, genome-wide association studies and Mendelian randomization studies. Recent studies also have noted that individuals with low levels of Lp(a) are associated with a higher risk of incident type 2 diabetes mellitus, and co

SUBMITTER: Tsimikas S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5061509 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature