Background Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a risk factor for atherosclerosis
and increases with age. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of
ageing on Lp(a) for three different apo(a) phenotypes. Methods We
measured plasma Lp(a) concentrations in 551 unrelated Japanese subjects (20-88 years
of age). We performed statistical analyses separately for three apo(a) phenotypes:
the low-molecular-weight (LMW) phenotype with the F, B or S1 isoform, the
intermediate-molecular-weight (IMW) phenotype with the S2 isoform and the
high-molecular-weight (HMW) phenotype with the S3 or S4 isoform.
Results For each phenotype, the mean plasma Lp(a) concentration and the
frequency of Lp(a) concentrations ≥ 250 mg/L increased with age. Further, a
statistically significant difference was always found between the younger subjects
(20-39 years of age) and the elderly (over 60 years). The frequency of coronary heart
disease increased with age, particularly for the LMW and IMW phenotypes.
Conclusions We conclude that ageing elevates plasma Lp(a)
concentrations, which may have a role in the prevalence of coronary heart disease in
the elderly, especially those with the LMW or IMW phenotypes.
