Title:Targeting the Role of Lipoprotein (a) in Stroke
Volume: 17
Issue: 1
Author(s): Zahra Mazhar, Andrew Hughes and Mahdi Garelnabi*
Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Nutritional Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 3 Solomont Way, Suite 4, Lowell, MA 01854,United States
Keywords:
Stroke, cardiovascular diseases, lipoproteins, microRNA, ischemia.
Abstract: Background: Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind only
heart disease and cancer, with over 140,000 associated deaths per year.
Methods: Considerable research is ongoing to examine the role of modifiable risk factors which
may cause or contribute to stroke. Although age and family history are generally considered to be
the major risk factors, there are several modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that are linked to
the pathogenesis of a stroke. Lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a), is a type of low-density lipoprotein
containing an integral apolipoprotein B100 (apoB100) component with an attached apolipoprotein
A-1 (ApoA-1) isoform via a disulfide linkage. Lp(a) metabolism is of great interest as it sheds light
on its role in pathogenesis of not only cardiovascular disorders but also stroke. Although Lp(a) has
been identified as an “LDL-like particle”, its metabolism differs from low density lipoprotein
(LDL). Despite some ambiguity in the literature regarding the causative effect of Lp(a) on stroke,
there are clear associations of high plasma Lp(a) concentration and risk of stroke. Furthermore, the
small isoforms of ApoA-1-containing lipoproteins have been shown to increase atherogenicity in
atherosclerotic patients.
Conclusion: Currently, there is little research examining the importance of small molecule Lp(a)
distribution and risk for stroke, both on a first-case and recurrent basis. Understanding the role of
Lp (a) in stroke requires investigating its molecular mechanisms particularly the key microRNA (s)
components that control its expression and function (s). Therefore, the main objective of this review
is to discuss the broader link between Lp(a) and stroke and to identify opportunities for future
investigation and potential research prospects on the role of Lp (a) in stroke.
