Association Between Lipoprotein(a) and Risk Factors of Atherosclerosis in Russian Population (Data of Observational ESSE-RF study)

Abstract

Experimental and clinical data indicate a significant contribution of lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) to the atherogenesis. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms of this relationship are not fully understood. Aim . To investigate the distribution of Lp(a) in the population of the regions participating in the Study “Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases in the Regions of the Russian Federation” (ESSE-RF) and to evaluate its associations with cardiovascular risk factors. Material and methods . Representative samples of the male and female population of 7 regions of the Russian Federation, aged from 25 to 64 years, enrolled in the multi-center cross-sectional epidemiological study were analyzed. A total of 10332 people were examined, of whom 3732 were men (36.0%) and 6600 were women (64.0%), the average age was equal in both sexes. Results . The mean value of Lp(a) reached 22.4 mg/dl (standard deviation 21.3 mg/dl) and significantly differed from the median (11.1 mg/dl; interquartile range from 3.9 to 20.2 mg/dl), forming the right-skewed distribution in both male and female population. Lp(a) levels were statistically significantly correlated with the level of low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDL-C), ароВ/аpoAI and total cholesterol. Notably, the odds ratios were growing by quintiles, and increased along with increasing lipid values (p<0.0001). Lp(a) levels were also positively associated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and negatively correlated with blood concentration of glucose and triglycerides (TG). There were no associations with body mass index, waist circumference and smoking status. Conclusion . According to the ESSE-RF data, there are significant positive associations of Lp(a) with the LDL-C level, the ароВ/аpoAI ratio, total cholesterol, and hs-CRP. Negative associations are established with glucose and TG levels. The future studies should be planned with the notion of the Lp(a)’s right-skewed distribution type.