Lipoprotein(a), homocysteine and coronary atherosclerosis in young and middle-aged men

Abstract

Aim. To investigate the association between serum homocysteine, lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and coronary atherosclerosis in young and middle-aged men.

Material and methods. The study included 40 men aged 29-58 years (mean age 43,8±6,2 years), with coronary heart disease (CHD) verified by coronary angiography. The control group (CG) included 27 CHD-free men. In all participants, concentrations of homocysteine, Lp(a), total cholesterol (TCH), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein CH (HDL-CH) were assessed. Low-density lipoprotein CH (LDL-CH) level was calculated using Friedewald formula.

Results. Concentrations of homocysteine, Lp(a), TCH, and LDL-CH were significantly higher in CHD patients than in CG individuals: 12,4±5,8 and 10,0±2,9 micromol/l (p<0,05); 37±40 and 13±11 mg/dl (p<0,01); 6,4±1,3 and 5,6±1,0 mmol/l (p<0,01); 4,4±1,2 and 3,4±0,9 mmol/l (p<0,001), respectively. No significant inter-group differences in TG and HDL-CH levels were observed. In multiple regression analysis, coronary atherosclerosis presence and severity was independently associated with Lp(a), but not with homocysteine level. There was a positive correlation between Lp(a) and homocysteine concentrations.

Conclusion. In young and middle-aged men, coronary atherosclerosis was associated with increased Lp(a) level, being unassociated with homocysteine concentration.