Changes of Plasma Lipoprotein(a) Levels as a Acute Phase Reactantfrom Antepartum to Postpartum Period

Lee, Jae Chan; Seo, Jung Ho; Park, Hyoung Moo; Hur, Min

Abstract

Lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)] represents a class of lipoprotein particles defined by the presence of apolipoprotein(a), a unique glycoprotein linked by a disulfide bond to apolipoprotein B-100 to form a single macromolecule. It was known that Lp(a) levels were associated with risk factor for cardiovascular disease and were fluctuated during pregnancy and postpartum. In the present study, plasma Lp(a) levels were estimated in two groups of women comprising 48 normal spontaneous vaginal delivery group and 52 Cesarean section delivery group. The changes of plasma Lp(a) concentrations were serially estimated before delivery, postpartum 1 weeks and postpartum 6 weeks. The result can be summarized as follows.1. Mean ploasma Lp(a) levels were changed from 43.9 +/- 28.4 mg/dl at delivery to 68.5 +/- 35.5 mg/dl at postpartum 1 weeks 73.1 +/- 35.7 mg/dl versus 63.7 +/- 35.1 mg/dl. And after postpartum 6 weeks, mean plasma Lp(a) levels were returned to near initial levels 48.4 +/- 21.1 mg/dl versus 42.2 +/- 16.7 mg/dl.3. Lp(a) levels were significantly rised postpartum 1 weeks compared with before delivery(p < 0.05) and after postpatum 6 weeks(p < 0.05). In conclusion, serum Lp(a) levels were increased postpartum 1 weeks with significant value, and returned to initial levels after postpartum 6 weeks. Our findings suggests that Lp(a) has the characteristics of an acute phase reactant rather modulated by endogenous hormone.