Lever
Lifestyle
- Regular physical activity
- Smoking cessation
- Weight management
Blutwerte · Marker
Lp-PLA2
Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 · PLAC Test
Herzmarker
- Einheit:
- ng/mL
Lp-PLA2 quantifies the enzyme activity associated with the hydrolysis of oxidized phospholipids in lipoproteins.
Reference Ranges
Reference
120–342ng/mL
120
342
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · ng/mLReference ranges may vary based on laboratory and population-specific studies.
Overview
Übersicht
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an enzyme primarily associated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles in the bloodstream. It plays a role in the hydrolysis of oxidized phospholipids, leading to the production of pro-inflammatory lysophosphatidylcholine and oxidized non-esterified fatty acids. These products contribute to the inflammatory processes within atherosclerotic plaques, potentially leading to plaque instability and rupture. Clinically, Lp-PLA2 is considered a significant biomarker for cardiovascular diseases, particularly in assessing the risk of coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, and other atherosclerotic conditions. Elevated levels of Lp-PLA2 have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events, making it a valuable tool for risk stratification and management in patients with or at risk for cardiovascular diseases. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, Lp-PLA2 may be of interest due to its role in inflammation and cardiovascular health. While not directly linked to athletic performance, maintaining optimal cardiovascular health is crucial for longevity and physical endurance. Biohackers may monitor Lp-PLA2 to optimize cardiovascular risk profiles and potentially enhance longevity. However, researchers have noted that Lp-PLA2 levels can be influenced by factors such as LDL cholesterol levels, inflammation, and genetic predispositions. It is important to consider these confounders when interpreting Lp-PLA2 results. Additionally, fasting is not required for Lp-PLA2 testing, and it is not significantly affected by the time of day, making it a convenient marker for routine cardiovascular risk assessment.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated Lp-PLA2 levels indicate increased cardiovascular risk, particularly for coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke. Lower levels may suggest reduced inflammatory activity within atherosclerotic plaques.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Rising Lp-PLA2 levels suggest increasing cardiovascular risk and may warrant lifestyle or therapeutic interventions. Re-test in 3-6 months.
Falling Values
Falling levels indicate reduced cardiovascular risk and effective management of inflammation.
Re-test Interval
6 months if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Increased LDL cholesterol
- Chronic inflammation
- Atherosclerosis
- Metabolic syndrome
- Genetic predisposition
Cause
Low Levels
- Low LDL cholesterol
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Healthy lifestyle
- Low cardiovascular risk
- Genetic factors
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Increased fruit and vegetable intake
- Reduced saturated fat consumption
Lever
Supplementation
- Omega-3 fish oil
- Plant sterols
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation, especially if on medication.
Testing Guidelines
✓Fasting Not Required
✓Not Time-Sensitive
Testing Frequency
Annually for individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease.
Interfering Factors
- Recent acute inflammation
- Lipid-lowering medications
Related Peptides & Hormones
Crp
hormone or peptideCorrelated with
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that reference ranges for Lp-PLA2 levels and the optimal targets for intervention remain debated, particularly regarding confounding factors such as lipid profiles and comorbidities. Researchers have not yet established the precise mechanisms by which Lp-PLA2 contributes to plaque instability and cardiovascular events. Additionally, unanswered clinical questions include the long-term effects of Lp-PLA2 inhibition on cardiovascular outcomes and the biomarker's role in diverse populations.
26 Research Publications
652
Total Citations
13
Human/RCT
3.2
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
Lp-PLA2: an emerging biomarker of coronary heart disease.
ReviewInfluence8.0
89
This review discussed Lp-PLA2 as an emerging biomarker for coronary heart disease. Researchers emphasized its proinflammatory role in atherosclerosis and presented a new ELISA method for measuring Lp-PLA2 levels in plasma.
02Top
#02
Cardiovascular Biomarkers: Tools for Precision Diagnosis and Prognosis.
Netala Vasudeva Reddy, et al. · International journal of molecular sciences · 2025
ReviewInfluence5.0
87
This study reviewed various cardiovascular biomarkers, highlighting their roles in diagnosing and managing cardiovascular diseases. Researchers found that biomarkers like Lp-PLA2 provide insights into lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis, aiding in risk stratification and personalized medicine.
Key findings
- 01Researchers observed that enzyme markers are essential for identifying heart injury during acute events.
- 02Researchers found that protein and peptide markers are important for diagnosing conditions like heart failure and myocardial infarction.
- 03Researchers noted that emerging biomarkers, including microRNAs, offer new ways to detect heart disease early and assess its severity.
03Top
#03
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 activity and risk of recurrent stroke.
HumanInfluence5.0
72
This study investigated the association between Lp-PLA2 activity and recurrent stroke risk. Researchers found that patients in the highest quartile of Lp-PLA2 activity had a significantly increased risk of recurrent stroke compared to those in the lowest quartile.
04
#04
Inflammatory biomarkers and cerebral small vessel disease: a community-based cohort study.
Zhang Ding-Ding, et al. · Stroke and vascular neurology · 2022
HumanInfluence4.0
70
Researchers investigated the association between inflammatory biomarkers, including Lp-PLA2, and MRI markers of cerebral small vessel disease. They found that high levels of endothelial-related inflammatory biomarkers were linked to increased white matter hyperintensity and lacunes.
Key findings
- 01Researchers found that high levels of endothelial-related inflammatory biomarkers were associated with increased white matter hyperintensity volume.
- 02They observed that lacunes in the brain were also linked to these endothelial-related inflammatory markers.
- 03Additionally, fewer deep medullary veins were associated with systemic inflammation, indicating different inflammatory processes at play.
05
#05
Pathophysiological role and clinical significance of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (Lp-PLA₂) bound to LDL and HDL.
ReviewInfluence2.0
68
Researchers reviewed the biochemical properties of Lp-PLA2 and its association with LDL and HDL. They found that LDL-associated Lp-PLA2 is a cardiovascular risk marker, while HDL-associated Lp-PLA2 may have protective effects.
06
#06
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2): a review of its role and significance as a cardiovascular biomarker.
Vittos Oana, et al. · Biomarkers : biochemical indicators of exposure, response, and susceptibility to chemicals · 2012
ReviewInfluence2.0
63
This systematic review assessed Lp-PLA2's significance in cardiovascular diseases. Researchers found a consistent association between elevated Lp-PLA2 levels and cardiovascular events across diverse populations, confirming its role as a biomarker of vascular inflammation.
Key findings
- 01Researchers observed a strong connection between Lp-PLA2 levels and various cardiovascular events.
- 02The findings were consistent across different sexes and ethnic backgrounds.
- 03Lp-PLA2 may serve as an important target for future cardiovascular disease prevention and personalized medicine.
07
#07
Deciphering the Causal Role of sPLA2s and Lp-PLA2 in Coronary Heart Disease.
ReviewInfluence1.0
41
This study examined the causal relationship between Lp-PLA2 and coronary heart disease. Researchers found that elevated levels of Lp-PLA2 are unlikely to be causal risk factors for the disease, suggesting that prior genetic studies could improve the efficiency of drug development.
08
#08
Identification of Inflammation-Related Biomarker Lp-PLA2 for Patients With COPD by Comprehensive Analysis.
Human
38
Researchers identified Lp-PLA2 as a promising biomarker for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study demonstrated that Lp-PLA2 levels correlate with disease severity and can effectively assess exercise tolerance in patients.
09
#09
[Lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2].
Rubinstein Ardon & Izkhakov Elena · Harefuah · 2011
Meta-Analysis
31
Researchers examined the role of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) as an inflammatory biomarker linked to plaque instability in coronary heart disease. They found that high levels of Lp-PLA2 are associated with increased cardiovascular risk and may indicate the need for more aggressive treatment in at-risk patients.
Key findings
- 01Researchers observed that Lp-PLA2 is an inflammatory biomarker that indicates plaque instability in arteries.
- 02The study found that high levels of Lp-PLA2 are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients.
- 03Researchers noted that Lp-PLA2 levels can help identify individuals at moderate to high risk for coronary heart disease.
10
#10
Novel biomarkers for cardiovascular risk assessment: current status and future directions.
ReviewInfluence1.0
16
This review highlighted the need for novel biomarkers like Lp-PLA2 for better cardiovascular risk assessment. Researchers noted that traditional risk algorithms may miss significant CVD events, emphasizing the potential of multi-biomarker panels for improved prediction.
Clinical Trials (8)
8
Total Trials
3,240
Total Enrolled
Preeclamptic Patients and Pentraxin 3 & Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2
NCT04239352COMPLETED
Sponsor
Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital
Enrollment
80
Started
2020
Primary outcome
study group
Pre-Eclampsia
Serum Lipid Levels and Lp-PLA2 in Chronic Periodontitis
NCT03041480COMPLETED
Sponsor
Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital
Enrollment
75
Started
2015
Primary outcome
Estimation of serum Lp-PLA2
Chronic Periodontitis (Disorder)
Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
NCT03362112COMPLETED
Sponsor
Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University
Enrollment
1,713
Started
2015
Primary outcome
Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2
Type2 Diabetes
Physiopathology of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Mechanistic Studies
NCT02959723UNKNOWN
Sponsor
Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven
Enrollment
100
Started
2015
Primary outcome
Circulating Inflammatory Biomarkers: CRP, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, albumin, Lp-PLA2 activity, Thrombin Activatable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor (TAFI), vitamin D
Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Clinical and Laboratory Biomarkers in Patients With Atherothrombotic Stroke
NCT02450721UNKNOWN
Sponsor
St. Petersburg State Pavlov Medical University
Enrollment
97
Started
2011
Primary outcome
Mean concentration of Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 (LP-PL-A2)
Carotid Artery DiseasesStroke
ST Elevation in Acute Chest Pain; Could Measurement of Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) be Helpful to the Clinician?
NCT01041339COMPLETED
Sponsor
Alexhander Izhaki
Enrollment
40
Started
2010
Acute Chest Syndrome
Lp-PLA2 and Coronary Atherosclerosis in Humans
NCT01557088COMPLETED
Sponsor
Mayo Clinic
Enrollment
166
Started
2009
Primary outcome
Lp-PLA2 Assessment
Coronary AtherosclerosisEndothelial Dysfunction
SB-480848 In Subjects With Coronary Heart Disease
Sponsor
GlaxoSmithKline
Enrollment
969
Started
2005
Primary outcome
On treatment sustained inhibition of plasma Lp-PLA2 activity.
Atherosclerosis
Publication Trend
Research publications about Lp-PLA2 over time
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