Levels of lipoprotein(a) in normal and compromised pregnancy

Abstract

This study has demonstrated that high levels of lipoprotein(a) interfere with uteroplacental circulation and play a role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Lipoprotein(a) concentrations are associated with the severity of the disease. We suggest that high levels of lipoprotein(a) might affect the placenta and fetus.

Lipoprotein(a) levels in women with pre‐eclampsia and in normotensive pregnant women

“…In the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia, endothelial cell injury is a crucial theme, and marked dyslipidemia might contribute to endothelial cell dysfunction 4,19 . Various studies point out an association between elevated levels of Lp(a) and pre‐eclampsia 11,13 , 14 . The present study was designed to compare Lp(a) concentrations between normotensive pregnant and pre‐eclamptic women to explore the association between serum Lp(a) levels and pre‐eclampsia.…”

“…Moreover, diminished plasmin‐mediated activation of transforming growth factor‐β‐like substances, that mediate the trophoblast invasion, by Lp(a) were observed in cell culture and in transgenic mice 23,24 . Because of this, increased Lp(a) concentrations might interfere with uteroplacental circulation, causing decreased blood flow in the placenta and might play a role in the development of pre‐eclampsia 11 . Moreover, the characteristic lesions seen in pre‐eclampsia called ‘acute atherosis’ resemble atherosclerosis 3 .…”

“…3 However, whether plasma levels of Lp(a) change in pre-eclampsia or not, has yet to be clarified. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16]…”

Lipoprotein (a): impact by ethnicity and environmental and medical conditions

“…There are many contradictory reports in findings have been reported by others (117)(118)(119)(120)(121)(122)(123) (124)(125)(126)(127). In pregnan cies complicated with preeclampsia or hypertension, a sig nificantly elevated Lp(a) concentration has been observed in some studies (128)(129)(130)(131)(132)(133)(134)(135)(136), but not consistently (120,121,(137)(138)(139)(140)(141)(142)(143). Of note, the majority of these studies did not assess apo(a) isoform sizes.…”

Umbilical Cord Blood Changes in Neonates from a Preeclamptic Pregnancy

“…Moreover, Mori et al described a positive correlation between maternal Lp(a) levels and the severity of PE (Mori et al, 2003).…”