Antioxidant and inflammatory aspects of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (Lp-PLA₂): a review

Lipids Health Dis. 2011 Sep 28:10:170. doi: 10.1186/1476-511X-10-170.

Abstract

The association of cardiovascular events with Lp-PLA2 has been studied continuously today. The enzyme has been strongly associated with several cardiovascular risk markers and events. Its discovery was directly related to the hydrolysis of the platelet-activating factor and oxidized phospholipids, which are considered protective functions. However, the hydrolysis of bioactive lipids generates lysophospholipids, compounds that have a pro-inflammatory function. Therefore, the evaluation of the distribution of Lp-PLA2 in the lipid fractions emphasized the dual role of the enzyme in the inflammatory process, since the HDL-Lp-PLA2 enzyme contributes to the reduction of atherosclerosis, while LDL-Lp-PLA2 stimulates this process. Recently, it has been verified that diet components and drugs can influence the enzyme activity and concentration. Thus, the effects of these treatments on Lp-PLA2 may represent a new kind of prevention of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the association of the enzyme with the traditional assessment of cardiovascular risk may help to predict more accurately these diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • 1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • 1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase / blood
  • 1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase / chemistry
  • 1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Anticholesteremic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antioxidants / metabolism*
  • Atherosclerosis / blood
  • Atherosclerosis / epidemiology
  • Atherosclerosis / metabolism
  • Atherosclerosis / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Inflammation Mediators / blood
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism*
  • Lipoproteins, LDL / blood
  • Lipoproteins, LDL / metabolism
  • Lysophospholipids / blood
  • Lysophospholipids / metabolism*
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Anticholesteremic Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Lipoproteins, LDL
  • Lysophospholipids
  • oxidized low density lipoprotein
  • 1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase