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Abnormally high lipoprotein(a) levels in African-American communities from venezuela faced to other african-descending populations: Are ethnic origins related?

Abstract:

Objective. Lipoprotein(a) is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. In Venezuela, Lipoprotein(a) concentration in African descending populations is unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine Lipoprotein(a) levels and lipid profile behavior in an Afro-Venezuelan sample from Bobures, Santa María and San José de Heras, townships located at Sucre municipality, in Zulia State, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Materials and Methods. 311 healthy Afro-American individuals were chosen by stratified random sampling. Lipoprotein(a) was quantified by double antibody ELISA method. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test demonstrated an non-normal Lipoprotein(a) distribution, and results are shown as median. Comparisons were made by Mann-Whitney test or one factor ANOVA (previous logarithmic conversion), according to the case, considering significant a value of p <0.05. Results. Lipid profile in African-Americans was normal, with the exception of HDL-c levels, which were diminished in Bobures township (38.59 ± 11.65mg/dL) presenting significant differences with Santa María (51.38 ± 14.46mg/dL; p=0.001) and San José (46.15 ± 11.99mg/dL; p=0.03). Lipoprotein(a) concentration in Afro-Americans was unusually high (Bobures: 59.00mg/dL; Santa María: 47.00mg/dL; San José: 41.00mg/dL). Likewise, Bobures township had a significantly higher concentration of Lipoprotein(a) regarding Santa María (p=0,009) and San José (P=0.02). Conclusions. Lipoprotein(a) levels in these Afro-American groups are even higher than those reported previously in other black populations of USA and Africa; although, the prevalence of coronary artery disease and stroke is not higher when compared to other municipalities in Zulia state, finding that would be explained by a possible predominance of Lipoprotein(a) high size isoforms in these townships.