Lp-PLA2 Activity

Overview:

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 is an enzyme carried mainly on LDL particles and produced by inflammatory cells. Unlike general inflammatory markers such as CRP, which rise with inflammation anywhere in the body, Lp-PLA2 is more closely associated with inflammation within artery walls specifically. Higher activity has been linked to a greater likelihood of plaque becoming unstable. It is used as an additional marker when cardiovascular risk is uncertain from standard measurements, rather than as a first-line test. Trials of medications targeting the enzyme did not reduce cardiovascular events, so it is regarded as a marker rather than a treatment target.

Categories:

Heart, Inflammation

Biomarkers:

1 biomarker