Association of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 with coronary artery disease in African-Americans and Caucasians

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 May;95(5):2376-83. doi: 10.1210/jc.2009-2498. Epub 2010 Mar 1.

Abstract

Context: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) is bound predominately to low-density lipoprotein and has been implicated as a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD).

Objective: We investigated the association between Lp-PLA(2) and CAD in a biethnic African-American and Caucasian population.

Design: Lp-PLA(2) mass, activity, and index, an integrated measure of mass and activity, and other cardiovascular risk factors were determined in 224 African-Americans and 336 Caucasians undergoing coronary angiography.

Main outcome measures: We assessed the distribution of Lp-PLA(2) levels and determined the predictive role of Lp-PLA(2) as a risk factor for CAD.

Results: Levels of Lp-PLA(2) mass and activity were higher among Caucasians compared with African-Americans (293 +/- 75 vs. 232 +/- 76 ng/ml, P < 0.001 for mass and 173 +/- 41 vs. 141 +/- 39 nmol/min/ml, P < 0.001 for activity, respectively). However, Lp-PLA(2) index was similar in the two groups (0.61 +/- 0.17 vs. 0.64 +/- 0.19, P = NS). In both ethnic groups, Lp-PLA(2) activity and index was significantly higher among subjects with CAD. African-American subjects with CAD had significantly higher Lp-PLA(2) index than corresponding Caucasian subjects (0.69 +/- 0.20 vs. 0.63 +/- 0.18, P = 0.028). In multivariate regression analyses, after adjusting for other risk factors, Lp-PLA(2) index was independently (odds ratio 6.7, P = 0.047) associated with CAD in African-Americans but not Caucasians.

Conclusions: Lp-PLA(2) activity and index was associated with presence of CAD among African-Americans and Caucasians undergoing coronary angiography. The findings suggest an independent impact of vascular inflammation among African-Americans as contributory to CAD risk and underscore the importance of Lp-PLA(2) as a cardiovascular risk factor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase / blood*
  • Black People
  • Black or African American
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Disease / blood*
  • Coronary Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Humans
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Regression Analysis
  • Risk Factors
  • White People

Substances

  • 1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase