The LPA gene C93T polymorphism influences plasma lipoprotein(a) levels and is independently associated with susceptibility to peripheral arterial disease

BackgroundPlasma lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels are mainly genetically determined. The C93T polymorphism is a naturally occurring variant of the LPA gene that may influence Lp(a) concentration. The role of Lp(a) in the pathogenesis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has not been firmly established.MethodsA total of 299 patients with PAD and 312 PAD-free control subjects were investigated. Genotyping of the LPA C93T polymorphism was performed by means of PCR-RFLPs. Plasma Lp(a) levels were determined by ELISA.ResultsSubjects carrying at least one LPA 93T allele had lower Lp(a) levels. The prevalence rate of the 93T allele was significantly higher in control subjects (19.5%) than in PAD patients (13.0%, P = 0.012). In multivariate logistic regression analysis with covariates including traditional risk factors, the 93T allele was independently associated with a reduced risk of PAD (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.51-0.95, P = 0.031).ConclusionThe 93T allele of the LPA gene is associated with a reduced risk of PAD and low Lp(a) levels.