Plasma Lipoprotein (A) Levels and Apo(A) Isoforms in Native Population of Chukotka with and Without Arterial Hypertension

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels and Apolipoprotien(a) (Apo(a)) isoforms in blood plasma were determined among the native population of Chukotka (Chukchee, Eskimo) in 32 persons with and 148 persons without Arterial Hypertension (AH). Plasma Lp(a) levels were determined by radial immunodiffusion using polyclonal antibodies raised against purified Lp(a) human plasma. The range of fluctuations of Lp(a) levels was wide: 0-77 mg/dl (Chukchee), 0-48 mg/dl (Eskimo). The distribution in the total population was also highly skewed, yielding a curve similar to a negative exponential function. Insignificant differences were found in the levels of Lp(a) between persons with and without AH: 22,9±2,6 vs. 20,6±0,8 mg/dl. Apo(a) isoform S4 as homozygous appears to be more frequent in patients with AH (8,1%), than in persons without AH (1 5,3%), isoform S2 in 30,2% and 19,2%, isoform S1 in 3,9% and 2,9%, respectively (in all cases p>0,05). In conclusion, plasma Lp(a) levels in native population of Chukotka (Chukchee, Eskimo) did not differ between persons with AH and without AH. Apo(a) isoform distribution differed slightly between Chukchee and Eskimo with AH and without AH. (Int J Circumpolar Health 2001; 60: 216-221)