Epidemiology
A systematic review of Lp(a) in Japanese cardiovascular disease patients confirms the elevated-risk association despite study heterogeneity (JACC Asia 2025)
Original title: Lipoprotein(a) in Japanese Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review
This systematic literature review synthesises evidence on lipoprotein(a) and cardiovascular disease specifically in Japanese patients, a population whose Lp(a) characterisation had remained largely unexplored. To ensure comparability, the review restricted its focus to studies using the widely adopted LATEX-based immunoassay method, and concentrated on findings from the 'high' Lp(a) subgroups even though the definition of 'high' varied across studies. A consistent association between elevated Lp(a) and increased cardiovascular risk emerged, aligning with international findings, though variability across studies was noted, likely reflecting differences in study design, endpoints and follow-up duration. The authors note that although no therapy yet specifically targets elevated Lp(a), several randomised controlled trials are ongoing, and call for continued research into the clinical implications of elevated Lp(a) specifically among Japanese individuals.
Original abstract
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but its characterization within the Japanese population remains unexplored. This systematic literature review synthesizes evidence on the association between Lp(a) levels and CVD in Japanese patients. To ensure comparability, the review focused on studies using the widely used LATEX-based immunoassay method. Most studies categorized patients into "high" and "low" Lp(a) groups; this review concentrates on findings from the "high" groups to evaluate the impact of elevated Lp(a). Although definitions of "high" Lp(a) varied, a consistent association between elevated Lp(a) and increased cardiovascular risk has been observed, aligning with international findings. Variability across studies was noted, likely due to differences in study design, endpoints, and follow-up durations. Although no approved therapies specifically target elevated Lp(a), several randomized controlled trials are currently ongoing. Continued research is essential to better understand the clinical implications of elevated Lp(a) among Japanese individuals.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 17 August 2026. Methods.