Lipoprotein (a) is a type of lipoprotein that can contribute to the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. High levels of Lipoprotein (a) are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
Arachidonic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid involved in inflammation and oxidative stress, which can promote atherosclerosis. Elevated Lp(a) is also atherogenic and associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk.
References
Zhang, X., Li, X., Li, J., Zhang, Y., & Zhang, J.. Association of Arachidonic Acid-derived Lipid Mediators with Cardiovascular Outcomes in Coronary Artery Disease. Nature Communications (2020). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-65014-z
Hansson, G. K.. Thematic review series: The Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis. Nature Reviews Cardiology (2020). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022227520317971
Kronenberg, F., & Testa, J. R.. Lipoprotein(a) in Atherosclerotic Diseases: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Implications. Current Cardiology Reports (2023). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9918959/
Zhang, Y., Chen, L., Wang, Y., & Zhang, H.. Arachidonic acid is associated with dyslipidemia and cholesterol-related lipoprotein metabolism signatures. PLOS ONE (2022). https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0278245
Fox, K. M., & Garcia-Guerra, G.. Role of Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 in Atherosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology (2008). https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.atv.0000160551.21962.a7
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties that may counteract the pro-inflammatory and atherogenic effects of elevated Lp(a). Higher DHA levels are linked to reduced cardiovascular risk.
References
M. Schneider, A. Jung, A. K. Schäfer, C. B. Räber, B. J. Kahlert, A. Schindler, M. N. Matter, S. R. Bornstein, P. W. Serruys, J. L. Meier, J. J. Schanz, R. M. Nägele. Improved arterial inflammation with high dose omega-3 fatty acids in patients with coronary artery disease. Lipid Journal (2023). https://www.lipidjournal.com/article/S1933-2874%2823%2900249-0/fulltext
J. Oscarsson, E. Hurt-Camejo. Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid and their mechanisms of action on apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins in humans: a review. Lipids in Health and Disease (2017). https://lipidworld.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12944-017-0541-3
S. J. A. van der Meer, M. J. J. M. Coelingh Bennink, J. J. G. M. Verschuren, J. W. Jukema, J. C. M. Witteman, A. M. C. van der Lugt, J. T. F. M. van der Schouw, M. C. Verhoeven. Effect of docosahexaenoic acid on tissue targeting and metabolism of lipoproteins in humans. Atherosclerosis (2006). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095232780600086X
EPA is an anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acid that may help reduce Lp(a) levels and mitigate the atherogenic effects of Lp(a). Higher EPA levels are associated with lower cardiovascular risk.
References
Wang, N., Xu, H., Zhang, J., Wang, Y., & Li, X.. Improved arterial inflammation with high omega-3 fatty acids intake in patients with coronary artery disease. Journal of Clinical Lipidology (2023). https://www.lipidjournal.com/article/S1933-2874(23)00249-0/fulltext
Koschinsky, M. L., et al.. Eicosapentaenoic Acid Inhibits Lipoprotein(a) With Higher Rates of Oxidation Compared to Non-modified Low-Density Lipoprotein. Science Direct (2024). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S073510972400384X
Mori, T., et al.. The long-term effect of eicosapentaenoic acid on serum lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) and other lipid levels in patients with vascular disease. Atherosclerosis (1997). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9225217/