The macromolecular complex known as lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a) is made up of the LDL particle, which contains apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100), and the large, highly polymorphic glycoprotein known as apolipoprotein (a) (apo(a)). The liver produces apo(a), which contains triple loop structures known as kringles. Two parts of Lp(a) are covalently linked by a disulfide bond between one of the kringle domains in apo(a) and apoB-100. A significant locus that regulates the concentration of Lp(a) is the LPA gene, which is located on the reverse side of chromosome 6q2. According to a few previous studies, Lp(a) has no useful role in physiological metabolism. However, recent research suggests that Lp(a) inhibits fibrinolysis, which reduces the risk of increased bleeding during childbirth and provides cholesterol for cell proliferation during tissue repair. In addition, Lp(a) is believed to be engaged with tissue fix and wound recuperating.

However, this association between Lp(a) and fibrinolysis was not supported by the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) consensus statement 2022. Due to its disordered plasma concentration, Lp(a) is thought to be an independent predictor of numerous cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Low Lp(a) concentrations were linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), whereas high Lp(a) concentrations were linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). According to studies, Chinese people with higher levels of lipoprotein (a) have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes may be reduced by lowering elevated Lp(a) levels below 30 ng/mL. Lp(a) may likewise act as an autonomous gamble biomarker for type 2 diabetes and foresee repetitive adverse results in type 2 diabetes patients with past cardiovascular occasions.

There are significant variations in plasma Lp(a) concentrations among individuals, within populations, and across populations. Lp(a) concentrations in humans range from less than 0.1 mg/dl to more than 200 mg/dl, and the mean Lp(a) values may differ by threefold between populations. For instance, people of African descent typically have higher levels of lipoprotein (a) than most Asian and European populations. It is essential to keep in mind that Lipoprotein (a) levels can be affected by genetic variants in the LPA gene as well as the size of apolipoprotein (a). It has been demonstrated that the plasma concentration of Lp(a) is inversely correlated with the size of apo(a), and genetic variants in the LPA gene may also contribute to variation in Lp(a) levels