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Unusually elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) in Afro-American populations from south of Lake Maracaibo

Abstract:

Objective. Lipoproteína(a), [Lp(a)], is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. In Venezuela, Lp(a) concentration in African descending populations is unknown, thus, the aim of this study was to determine the Lp(a) concentration and lipid profile behavior in an Afro-venezuelan population from Bobures, Santa María and San José de Heras located at Sucre county, in Zulia State, Venezuela. Material and Method. 311 healthy Afro-American individuals were chosen by stratified random sampling. Lp(a) was quantified by the double antibody ELISA method. Using the Z test of Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Lp(a) distribution resulted in a not normal distribution, and results are shown as median. The comparisons were realized by Mann-Whitney test or one factor ANOVA (previous logarithmic conversion) and Tukey post hoc test, according to the case, considering significant a value of p <0,05. Results. Lipid profile in our Afro-Americans was normal, to exception of serum HDL-c level, which was diminished in the Bobures population (38,59 ± 11,65 mg/dL) presenting significant differences with Santa Maria (51,38 ± 14,46 mg/dL) (p=0,001) and San José (46,15 ± 11,99 mg/dL) (p=0,03). The Lp(a) concentration in our Afro-Americans was unusually risen, (Bobures: 59,00 mg/dL; Santa María: 47,00 mg/dL; San José: 41,00 mg/dL). Likewise, Bobures population presents a significantly higher concentration of Lp(a) regarding Santa María (p=0,009) and San José (p=0,02). Conclusions. Lipoprotein(a) in our Afro-American groups is even higher than those reported previously in other blacks populations of USA and Africa, what could explain the high prevalence of coronary artery disease in this populations.