Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 concentrations in plasma are associated with the extent of coronary artery disease and correlate to adipose tissue levels of marine n-3 fatty acids

Schmidt, Erik Berg; Koenig, Wolfgang; Khuseyinova, Natalie; Christensen, Jeppe Hagstrup

doi:10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2006.11.027

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Volume 196, Issue 1 , Pages 420-424, January 2008

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ concentrations in plasma are associated with the extent of coronary artery disease and correlate to adipose tissue levels of marine n-3 fatty acids

Received 21 August 2006; received in revised form 15 November 2006; accepted 17 November 2006. published online 11 December 2006.

Abstract

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (Lp-PLA₂) is an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In the present study, plasma levels of Lp-PLA₂ were measured in patients (n=301) admitted to elective coronary angiography because of suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). In a multiple linear regression analysis, the degree of CAD (0-, 1-, 2- or 3-vessel disease) and plasma LDL cholesterol significantly correlated to Lp-PLA₂ levels. Also the content of the marine n-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in adipose tissue, a measure of long-term intake of seafood independently and inversely (r=−0.18, p<0.01) correlated with plasma levels of Lp-PLA₂. The results support the view that Lp-PLA₂ may relate to CAD and that intake of marine n-3 fatty acids might reduce plasma Lp-PLA₂ suggesting another mechanism by which n-3 fatty acids could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.