Apolipoprotein(a)
Apolipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) also known as lipoprotein(a), is bound to both HDL and LDL. Lp(a) interferes with plasminogen, the clot dissolving enzyme, which binds to the arterial endothelial lining. This in turn contributes to blood clot formation, and over a prolonged period of time, would lead to significant damage to the coronary arteries. Unlike Apo A-I or Apo B, whose levels vary as a result of diet, exercise, etc., levels of Lp(a) are predominantly a genetic trait that remain more or less constant after puberty. Levels greater than 30mg/dl have been demonstrated to independently increase the risk of coronary heart disease by six fold.
Swiss-Prot Accession Number: P08519
