Inflammation
How much do oxidised phospholipids explain Lp(a) danger, and can drugs lower them? An update review (Eur J Clin Invest 2022)
Original title: Oxidized phospholipids and lipoprotein(a): An update
This narrative review updates current understanding of oxidised phospholipids (OxPLs), predominantly carried on Lp(a), and their contribution to cardiovascular risk. While elevated Lp(a) is an established independent causal cardiovascular risk factor and OxPLs are known to play a role in atherosclerosis, the authors note that key questions remain unresolved: how much OxPLs specifically contribute to Lp(a) atherogenicity, how established and emerging lipid-lowering drugs affect OxPL levels on Lp(a), and whether reducing them would provide clinical benefit. The review summarises available data on OxPLs and cardiovascular risk alongside the effects of current and emerging hypolipidaemic medications on Lp(a)-bound OxPLs.
Original abstract
Over the past few years, there has been an undiminished interest in lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and oxidized phospholipids (OxPLs), mainly carried on this lipoprotein. Elevated Lp(a) has been established as an independent causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease. OxPLs play an important role in atherosclerosis. The main questions that remain to be answered, however, is to what extent OxPLs contribute to the atherogenicity of Lp(a), what effect hypolipidaemic medications may have on their levels and the potential clinical benefit of their reduction. This narrative review aimed to summarize currently available data on OxPLs and cardiovascular risk, as well as the effect of established and emerging hypolipidaemic medications on Lp(a)-OxPLs.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 18 August 2026. Methods.