Evidence That Multiple Genes Influence Baseline Concentrations and Diet Response of Lp(a) in Baboons

We investigated the response of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels to dietary fat and cholesterol in 633 baboons fed a series of 3 dietsa basal diet low in cholesterol and fat, a high-fat diet, and a diet high in fat and cholesterol. Measurement of serum concentrations in samples taken while the baboons were sequentially fed the 3 diets allowed us to analyze 3 Lp(a) variablesLp(a)Basal, Lp(a)RF (response to increased dietary fat), and Lp(a)RC (response to increased dietary cholesterol in the high-fat environment). On average, Lp(a) concentrations significantly increased 6% and 28%, respectively, when dietary fat and cholesterol were increased (P