Lipoprotein(a) Gene Polymorphism Increases a Risk Factor for Aortic Valve Calcification

Abstract

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a multifactorial condition. Both environmental andgenetic factors play an important role in its etiology. CAVD exhibits a broad spectrum, varying frommild valve thickening to severe valve calcification and stenosis. Progression of the disease consistsof chronic inflammation, lipoprotein deposition, and active leaflet calcification. It is a process similarto coronary artery disease. In this study, we investigated Lp(a) levels and gene polymorphismsassociated with calcific aortic stenosis from blood samples after echocardiography in the evaluationof 75 patients diagnosed with CAVD and 77 controls. Blood tests were run in our laboratory to ruleout certain risk factors before echocardiography examination. A significant association amongsmoking, elevated LDL level and creatinine, low albumin levels, Lp(a) level, rs10455872, andrs3798220 polymorphisms may be considered genetic risk factors for the development of calcificaortic stenosis.