Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 as an Independent Predictor of Coronary Heart Disease

The discovery of inflammatory cells in the cap of atherosclerotic plaques led to the postulate that inflammation has a key role in the cascade of events leading to plaque rupture. 1 , 2 Supporting this idea are recent reports that levels of plasma markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein are elevated in those at risk for coronary heart disease. 3 – 5 A 2 phospholipases are a family of enzymes that can hydrolyze phospholipids at the sn 2 position to generate lysophospholipids and fatty acids. Several recent reports link type II secretory phospholipase A 2 to atherogenesis and the risk of coronary heart . . .