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REVIEW ARTICLE| VOLUME 349, P53-62, MAY 2022

Non-genetic influences on lipoprotein(a) concentrations

Byambaa Enkhmaa
Lars Berglund

Highlights

•An elevated level of plasma Lp(a) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
•Lp(a) level is genetically regulated, but some non-genetic factors influence it.
•Lp(a) levels decrease with saturated fat intake, sex hormones and liver disease.
•Kidney disease increases Lp(a) levels with variability across apo(a) isoform size.

Abstract

An elevated level of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a genetically regulated, independent, causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, the extensive variability in Lp(a) levels between individuals and population groups cannot be fully explained by genetic factors, emphasizing a potential role for non-genetic factors. In this review, we provide an overview of current evidence on non-genetic factors influencing Lp(a) levels with a particular focus on diet, physical activity, hormones and certain pathological conditions. Findings from randomized controlled clinical trials show that diets lower in saturated fats modestly influence Lp(a) levels and often in the opposing direction to LDL cholesterol. Results from studies on physical activity/exercise have been inconsistent, ranging from no to minimal or moderate change in Lp(a) levels, potentially modulated by age and the type, intensity, and duration of exercise modality. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in postmenopausal women lowers Lp(a) levels with oral being more effective than transdermal estradiol; the type of HRT, dose of estrogen and addition of progestogen do not modify the Lp(a)-lowering effect of HRT. Kidney diseases result in marked elevations in Lp(a) levels, albeit dependent on disease stages, dialysis modalities and apolipoprotein(a) phenotypes. In contrast, Lp(a) levels are reduced in liver diseases in parallel with the disease progression, although population studies have yielded conflicting results on the associations between Lp(a) levels and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Overall, current evidence supports a role for diet, hormones and related conditions, and liver and kidney diseases in modifying Lp(a) levels.