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Review
. 2024 Jul;24(7):167-172.
doi: 10.1007/s11892-024-01543-5. Epub 2024 May 28.

Exploring the Interplay between Diabetes and Lp(a): Implications for Cardiovascular Risk

Corral Pablo  1 , Arrupe Matías  2 , Augusto Lavalle Cobo  3 , Gimenez Sergio  4 , Renna Nicolás Federico  5
Affiliations
Review

Exploring the Interplay between Diabetes and Lp(a): Implications for Cardiovascular Risk

Corral Pablo et al. Curr Diab Rep. 2024 Jul.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The objective of this manuscript is to review and describe the relationship between Lp(a) and diabetes, exploring both their association and synergy as cardiovascular risk factors, while also describing the current evidence regarding the potential connection between low levels of Lp(a) and the presence of diabetes.

Recent findings: Epidemiological studies suggest a potential relationship between low to very low levels of Lp(a) and diabetes. Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is an intriguing lipoprotein of genetic origin, yet its biological function remains unknown. Elevated levels of Lp(a) are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular atherosclerosis, and coexisting diabetes status confers an even higher risk. On the other hand, epidemiological and genetic studies have paradoxically suggested a potential relationship between low to very low levels of Lp(a) and diabetes. While new pharmacological strategies are being developed to reduce Lp(a) levels, the dual aspects of this lipoprotein's behavior need to be elucidated in the near future.

Keywords: Cardiovascular risk; Diabetes; Lipoprotein a; Low lp(a); Lp(a).

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