Abstract
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an enzyme that belongs to the superfamily of phospholipase A2 enzymes. Although initial studies showed that Lp-PLA2 might be protective against atherosclerosis, emerging data seem to suggest that Lp-PLA2 may be proatherogenic, which is an effect thought to be mediated by lysophosphatidylcholine and oxidized nonesterified fatty acids, two mediators generated by Lp-PLA2. This article reviews the potential mechanisms by which Lp-PLA2 may participate in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations, namely, coronary artery disease and stroke.
MeSH terms
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1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase / genetics
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1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase / physiology*
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Biomarkers / metabolism
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Clinical Trials as Topic
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Coronary Artery Disease / drug therapy
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Coronary Artery Disease / enzymology*
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Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Humans
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / pharmacology
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use
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Inflammation / enzymology*
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Male
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Phospholipases A / physiology
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Phospholipases A2
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Polymorphism, Genetic
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Risk Factors
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Stroke / enzymology*
Substances
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Biomarkers
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Enzyme Inhibitors
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
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Hypolipidemic Agents
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Phospholipases A
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Phospholipases A2
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1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase