Lever
Lifestyle
- Regular cardiovascular exercise
- Smoking cessation
- Weight management
- Stress reduction
Blutwerte · Marker
Lp-PLA2
Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 · PLAC Test
Herzmarker
- Einheit:
- nmol/min/mL
Lp-PLA2 quantifies the enzyme activity associated with hydrolyzing oxidized phospholipids in LDL particles.
Reference Ranges
Reference
120–342nmol/min/mL
120
342
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · nmol/min/mLReference ranges may vary based on assay methods and population studies.
Overview
Übersicht
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism and immune regulation. It is primarily associated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles in the bloodstream. Lp-PLA2 hydrolyzes oxidized phospholipids in oxidized LDL (oxLDL), leading to the production of pro-inflammatory molecules such as lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC) and oxidized fatty acids (oxFA), which are implicated in vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. Researchers have found that Lp-PLA2 serves as a significant biomarker for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), reflecting vascular inflammation and atherosclerotic disease progression. Elevated levels of Lp-PLA2 are associated with an increased risk of coronary events, stroke, and heart failure. Its measurement can aid in risk stratification and personalized medicine approaches for cardiovascular risk management. In the context of athletic performance, biohacking, or longevity, Lp-PLA2 may provide insights into cardiovascular health and inflammation status, which are critical for optimizing physical performance and extending healthy lifespan. However, researchers observed that the enzyme's activity can be influenced by genetic factors, such as CYP2C19 polymorphisms, and pharmacological interventions targeting Lp-PLA2 have shown inconsistent clinical outcomes. Confounding factors such as hyperlipidemia, genetic variability, and the presence of other inflammatory conditions can affect Lp-PLA2 levels. Fasting is not typically required for testing, but consistent timing and conditions are recommended for accurate longitudinal assessments.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated Lp-PLA2 levels indicate increased vascular inflammation and a higher risk of cardiovascular events such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Reduced levels may suggest lower inflammatory activity and cardiovascular risk.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising Lp-PLA2 values suggest worsening vascular inflammation and increased cardiovascular risk. Re-test every 3-6 months if values are rising.
Falling Values
Falling values may indicate improved cardiovascular health or effective anti-inflammatory treatment.
Re-test Interval
6 months if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Atherosclerosis
- Diabetes
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
- Genetic predisposition
- Hyperlipidemia
- Obesity
Cause
Low Levels
- Low cardiovascular risk
- Effective anti-inflammatory treatment
- Genetic factors
- Low LDL levels
- Healthy lifestyle
- Absence of chronic inflammation
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Mediterranean diet
- Increased omega-3 fatty acids
- Reduced saturated fat intake
- High fiber diet
Lever
Supplementation
- Omega-3 fish oil
- Curcumin
- Resveratrol
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 or as directed by a healthcare provider.
Interfering Factors
- Recent acute illness
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Genetic polymorphisms
Related Peptides & Hormones
Crp
hormone or peptideCorrelated with
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that the optimal reference ranges for Lp-PLA2 activity and its role as a therapeutic target remain debated, particularly regarding confounding factors such as genetic variations and comorbidities. Emerging research directions include exploring Lp-PLA2's dual roles in lipid metabolism and inflammation across various diseases. However, clinical questions remain unanswered regarding its efficacy in guiding individualized treatment decisions and the consistency of its predictive value for cardiovascular events across diverse populations.
23 Research Publications
540
Total Citations
10
Human/RCT
2.9
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
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.
03Top
#03
Pathophysiological role and clinical significance of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (Lp-PLA₂) bound to LDL and HDL.
ReviewInfluence2.0
68
Researchers reviewed the role of Lp-PLA2 bound to LDL and HDL in atherosclerosis. They found that LDL-associated Lp-PLA2 is a cardiovascular risk marker, while HDL-associated Lp-PLA2 may have protective effects against heart disease.
04
#04
Cardiovascular Biomarkers: Tools for Precision Diagnosis and Prognosis.
Netala Vasudeva Reddy, et al. · International journal of molecular sciences · 2025
ReviewInfluence3.0
65
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, emphasizing their importance in 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.
05
#05
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
Researchers conducted a systematic review on Lp-PLA2's significance in cardiovascular diseases. They found a consistent association between elevated Lp-PLA2 levels and cardiovascular events, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for risk stratification.
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.
06
#06
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.
07
#07
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.
08
#08
[Lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2].
Rubinstein Ardon & Izkhakov Elena · Harefuah · 2011
Review
31
This study highlighted Lp-PLA2 as an inflammatory biomarker linked to plaque instability in coronary heart disease. Researchers found that elevated Lp-PLA2 levels correlate with increased cardiovascular event risk and plaque inflammation.
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.
09
#09
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.
10
#10
Lp-PLA2 Inhibition-The Atherosclerosis Panacea?
Review
15
This review examined the potential of Lp-PLA2 as a therapeutic target in atherosclerosis. Researchers found that increased Lp-PLA2 levels correlate with cardiovascular risk and that inhibiting Lp-PLA2 may reduce inflammation and improve patient outcomes.
Publication Trend
Research publications about Lp-PLA2 over time
9totalTrack your bloodwork in PepStack
Log lab results, track trends and optimize your biomarkers over time.
Legal Disclaimer
This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Many substances listed may not be approved for human use and may be subject to drug regulation laws (e.g., AMG in Germany, FDA in the US). PepStack does not encourage the use of any substance on humans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Use of this information is entirely at your own risk. PepStack assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content provided. Full disclaimer