Lipoprotein(a) cholesterol is a modified version of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or LDL to which a typical glycoprotein called apolipoprotein is covalently attached. It is the basic cause of atherogenic risks which results due to multiple mechanisms that includes inhibition of the fibrinolysis, higher levels of cholesterol deposition in the walls of the arteries, and an enhanced levels of oxidation of the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
There is enough evidence today to prove that there is a link between Lipoprotein (a) cholesterol and the increased risk of coronary artery diseases in middle aged men and women, increased levels of Lipoprotein(a) cholesterol has been the prevalent cause of vascular diseases.
Lipoprotein(a) cholesterol is made in our liver, which gradually enters into the bloodstream. Lipoprotein(a) cholesterol accumulated under the lining of the arterial wall, which contributes to the development of atherosclerosis by encouraging the inflammation as well as the development of foam cells.
Lipoprotein(a) cholesterol comprises of a component that has similar properties like that if a plasminogen, a blood clotting protein. Hence, Lipoprotein(a) cholesterol can contribute to the formation of blood clot as well. Together, these functions act as the final recipe for different types of heart diseases. However, the real function of Lipoprotein(a) cholesterol is not known yet.
Although it has been proven that higher levels of Lipoprotein(a) cholesterol can increase the chances of heart disease, more extensive studies are being performed today to establish the relationship between Lipoprotein(a) cholesterol and heart diseases. |