Lipoprotein(a): An update on its role in human health and disease

Abstract

Over the past few years, there has been an undiminished interest on lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. High Lp(a) levels have been proposed as an independent causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). The main question that remains to be answered, however, is the potential clinical benefit of Lp(a) reduction. This will contribute to the enrichment of our knowledge on the exact pathophysiological role of this lipoprotein. This narrative review aims to summarize currently available data on the structure, metabolism, and pathogenicity of Lp(a).