A New Biomarker for CVD in HIV-Infected Patients

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ is frequently elevated in HIV-infected patients and is associated with surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease.

Blood levels of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (Lp-PLA₂), an inflammatory enzyme found in atherosclerotic plaques, have been shown to predict risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population. Unlike C-reactive protein, Lp-PLA₂ is not affected by systemic inflammation, which may make it particularly useful for assessing cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic infectious diseases. Now, investigators have measured this enzyme in HIV-infected patients and assessed its relation to surrogate markers of atherosclerosis.

Lp-PLA₂ activity and mass were measured on frozen blood samples from 341 HIV-infected adults. Samples from 75% of the participants showed abnormal Lp-PLA₂ mass. Higher Lp-PLA₂ activity — but not mass — w…

Reviewing Author

Rajesh T. Gandhi, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; ID Images (idimages.org); Infectious Diseases Society of America COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines; International Antiviral Society–USA (Guidelines Committee)

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHIV Medicine Association; Infectious Diseases Society of America (Board of Directors)

Rajesh T. Gandhi, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; ID Images (idimages.org); Infectious Diseases Society of America COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines; International Antiviral Society–USA (Guidelines Committee)

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHIV Medicine Association; Infectious Diseases Society of America (Board of Directors)

A New Biomarker for CVD in HIV-Infected Patients

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Reviewing Author