Local Production of Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A 2 and Lysophosphatidylcholine in the Coronary Circulation

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Background— Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is a novel marker and participant in vascular inflammation. Inflammation also is associated with coronary atherosclerosis. We tested the hypothesis that local coronary production of Lp-PLA2 is enhanced in patients with early coronary atherosclerosis and associated with local endothelial function. Methods and Results— Coronary angiography, blood flow, flow reserve, endothelial function assessment, and intravascular ultrasound with volumetric analysis were performed in 15 patients with mild coronary atherosclerosis and in 15 control subjects. Plasma samples were collected simultaneously from the left main coronary artery and coronary sinus for measurement of Lp-PLA2, lysophosphatidylcholine (a product of Lp-PLA2), and C-reactive protein. Hemodynamic parameters and cholesterol were similar in both groups. Arterial Lp-PLA2 levels were similar in patients and control subjects: 225 ng/mL (interquartile range [IQR], 196 to 273 ng/mL) versus 221 ng/mL ...