The role of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 as a marker for atherosclerosis

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an enzyme that belongs to the superfamily of phospholipase A2 enzymes. Although initial studies showed that Lp-PLA2 might be protective against atherosclerosis, emerging data seem to suggest that Lp-PLA2 may be proatherogenic, which is an effect thought to be mediated by lysophosphatidylcholine and oxidized nonesterified fatty acids, two mediators generated by Lp-PLA2. This article reviews the potential mechanisms by which Lp-PLA2 may participate in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations, namely, coronary artery disease and stroke.