Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 in Cardiovascular Health
Summary
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an enzyme produced by inflammatory cells and bound primarily to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles in the circulation. By hydrolysing oxidised phospholipids, it generates lysophosphatidylcholine and oxidised nonesterified fatty acids, which promote endothelial dysfunction and recruitment of immune cells into the arterial wall. Elevated Lp-PLA2 activity and mass have been linked to the progression of atherosclerosis and heightened risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. Although pharmacological inhibition of Lp-PLA2, notably with darapladib, has not yet translated into clear clinical benefit for stable coronary disease, measurement of this enzyme remains a valuable biomarker for residual cardiovascular risk. Emerging evidence also implicates adipose tissue expression, metabolic regulation and demographic factors in modulating its levels, underscoring its global importance in stratifying risk and guiding preventive strategies.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 in Cardiovascular Health publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in lipoprotein-associated phospholipase a2 in cardiovascular health across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2): An enzyme bound to lipoproteins that hydrolyses oxidised phospholipids, producing pro-inflammatory mediators.
Atherosclerosis: A chronic condition in which fatty deposits, immune cells and fibrous tissue accumulate in arterial walls, leading to plaque formation.
Lipoprotein: A complex of lipids and proteins that transports cholesterol and triglycerides through the bloodstream; subclasses include LDL and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
Biomarker: A measurable indicator of a biological state or pathological process used for disease risk assessment or monitoring.
Inflammation: A protective immune response characterised by the activation of immune cells and release of signalling molecules, which can contribute to vascular injury when chronic.
Phospholipid hydrolysis: The enzymatic breakdown of phospholipids into fatty acids and lysophospholipids, often altering cell signalling and membrane properties.
References
- Age- and Sex-Specific Association between Lipoprotein-Related Phospholipase A2 and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
- Associations between healthy food groups and platelet-activating factor, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and C-reactive protein: a cross-sectional study. European Journal of Nutrition (2023).
- Lipoprotein‐Associated Phospholipase A2 Activity Is a Marker of Risk But Not a Useful Target for Treatment in Patients With Stable Coronary Heart Disease. Journal of the American Heart Association (2016).
- Antioxidant and inflammatory aspects of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2 ): a review. Lipids in Health and Disease (2011).
- Differential expression of Lp-PLA2 in obesity and type 2 diabetes and the influence of lipids. Diabetologia (2018).
- Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA 2 ): A Novel and Promising Biomarker for Cardiovascular Risks Assessment. Disease Markers (2013).
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.