Epidemiology
Hepatic and renal function markers modulate Lp(a) variability in 153 dyslipidaemic cardiovascular patients (Front Cardiovasc Med 2026)
Original title: Clinical correlates of lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein B levels in patients with dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease
This cross-sectional study evaluated 153 adults with cardiometabolic risk (mean age 57.9 ± 12.3 years, 79.1% with dyslipidaemia, 75.2% with established cardiovascular disease), assessing anthropometric, biochemical and inflammatory correlates of lipoprotein(a) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB). Mean Lp(a) was 30.14 ± 31.50 mg/dL and mean ApoB was 119.87 ± 36.01 mg/dL; ApoB correlated significantly with total cholesterol (r = 0.49, P < 0.001), triglycerides (r = 0.46, P < 0.001) and LDL-C (r = 0.26, P < 0.01). Decision tree regression identified gamma-glutamyl transferase, creatinine and uric acid as factors shaping Lp(a) variability, suggesting hepatic and renal function modulate circulating Lp(a) alongside its genetic determination. A small, single cross-sectional sample that is hypothesis-generating rather than definitive.
Original abstract
Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with residual cardiovascular risk persisting despite optimized lipid-lowering therapy. Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) have emerged as independent, causal biomarkers of cardiovascular risk, reflecting atherogenic particle burden beyond conventional lipid measures. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical, metabolic, and biochemical correlates of Lp(a) and ApoB levels in patients with dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational analysis was performed in 153 adults evaluated for cardiometabolic risk. Anthropometric, biochemical, and inflammatory parameters were assessed. Correlation analyses were conducted to identify associations between lipoproteins and metabolic variables. Decision tree regression was used to explore distribution patterns of Lp(a) and ApoB variability.
Results: The study population exhibited a mean age of 57.9 ± 12.3 years, with a predominance of dyslipidemia (79.1%) and established cardiovascular disease (75.2%). The mean Lp(a) concentration was 30.14 ± 31.50 mg/dL, while ApoB averaged 119.87 ± 36.01 mg/dL. ApoB correlated significantly with total cholesterol (r = 0.49, p < 0.001), triglycerides (r = 0.46, p < 0.001), and LDL-C (r = 0.26, p < 0.01). Decision tree analysis identified GGT, creatinine, and uric acid as factors that influence of Lp(a) variability.
Conclusions: Both hepatic and renal function markers significantly modulate Lp(a) levels, while ApoB remains a robust indicator of atherogenic particle load. Integrating Lp(a) and ApoB assessment into cardiovascular risk profiling may improve identification of residual risk and guide personalized therapeutic strategies in dyslipidemic populations.
Summary written by lp-a.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 17 August 2026. Methods.