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Effects of Dietary Factors on Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2)

  • Nutrition (William S. Harris, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an enzyme which binds to oxidized LDL and has a pro-inflammatory role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The Lp-PLA2 Studies Collaboration showed the relationship between Lp-PLA2 levels and activity with coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke. Levels and activity of Lp-PLA2 are reduced by statins. There have been limited studies focused on dietary factors and effects on LpPLA2. A recent article from the Nurses’ Health Study (HNS) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS) has provided interesting insights. In this cross sectional study, a lower LpPLA2 activity was found to be related to several dietary factors including higher percentage of energy consumed as protein instead of carbohydrate, mild to moderate intake of alcohol, higher mono-unsaturated fat intake instead of carbohydrate, and not being overweight. It is unknown whether changes in Lp-PLA2 by diet alter cardiovascular risk.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Charlene Nell, Team Support Administrator, Green Lane Cardiovascular Research Unit, for excellent secretarial assistance.

Disclosure

C-K. Wong: none; H.D. White has received grants from Sanofi-Aventis, Eli Lilly, Merck Sharpe & Dohme, The Medicines Company, NIH, Neuren Pharma, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Roche, Johnson & Johnson, Proctor & Gamble and Schering Plough; and has received consulting fees or honorarium from Sanofi-Aventis, Neuren Pharma, GlaxoSmithKline, CSL Limited, and Bayer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand

    Cheuk-Kit Wong

  2. Green Lane Cardiovascular Service, Auckland City Hospital, Private Bag 92024, Auckland, New Zealand

    Harvey D. White

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  1. Cheuk-Kit Wong
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  2. Harvey D. White
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Correspondence to Harvey D. White.

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Wong, CK., White, H.D. Effects of Dietary Factors on Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2). Curr Atheroscler Rep 13, 461–466 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-011-0201-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-011-0201-4

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