[Use of immunosorption for selective decrease of lipoprotein (A) levels in patients with coronary atherosclerosis]

Abstract

Lipoprotein (a) [L(a)] is an atherogenic lipoprotein, its human plasma concentration correlates with the occurrence of coronary heart disease. The procedure for selectively removing L(a) with an anti-L(a) immunosorbent was performed to treat 3 patients who had high L(a), normal total cholesterol and other lipoprotein levels. All the patients had coronary stenosis as documented by angiography. After L(a)-apheresis, the level of L(a) decreased by 72%, while that of other plasma components, including low density lipoproteins virtually unchanged. Thus, the procedure of L(a)-apheresis is an effective and safe method for lowering human blood L(a) concentrations. In addition, this in vivo model allows information on L(a) metabolism to be obtained.