The role of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 as a marker for atherosclerosis

Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2007 Aug;9(2):97-103. doi: 10.1007/s11883-007-0004-9.

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • 1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase / genetics
  • 1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase / physiology*
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Coronary Artery Disease / drug therapy
  • Coronary Artery Disease / enzymology*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Inflammation / enzymology*
  • Male
  • Phospholipases A / physiology
  • Phospholipases A2
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Risk Factors
  • Stroke / enzymology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Hypolipidemic Agents
  • Phospholipases A
  • Phospholipases A2
  • 1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase