Lipoprotein (a) [Lipo(a)] was first described by Berg in 1963. Lipo(a) resembles to LDL moiety, containing an apolipoprotein B subunit (apo B-100) and another apolipoprotein apo(a)] attached to apoB- 100 by a disulphide bridge.The aminoacid sequence of apo(a) is sitrikingly homologous to plasminogen, the zymogen of plasmin, a proteolytic enzyme of the fibrinolytic system. Apo (a) is genetically polymorphic, generating broad inter-individual differences. the size of apo (a) isoproteins is inversely correlated to the serum lipo(a) concentration. The serum lipo(a) concentration is an independent risk factor for coronary arter disease (CAD). This compound is thought to be synthesized in the liver and is associated with inflamation and recovery from tissue damage. Lipo(a) concentrations are not influenced by age, gender, diet or smoking habits and are genetically controlled. The interest in lipo(a) has not been restricted to CAD. increased serum lipo(a) concentrations have also been found in patients with chronic renal failure, carcinoma of the lung, stroke, Diabetes mellitus, Diabetic nephropathy, immediately after myocardial infarction. Decreased concentrations have been seen in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. [Journal of Turgut Ozal Medical Center 1997;4(4):462-471]
Key Words: Lipoprotein (a), apoprotein (a), various diseases
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