Copyright © 2003 by the European Society of Cardiology.
Lipoprotein(a), Chlamydia pneumoniae, leptin and tissue plasminogen activator as risk markers for valvular aortic stenosis
a Department of Medical Biosciences, Clinical Chemistry, Umeå University, Sweden
b Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Sweden
c Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Umeå University, Sweden
d Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Oulu, Finland
Received March 19, 2002; accepted May 29, 2002 * Correspondence: Christine Ahlbeck Glader, MD, PhD, TheAthrosclerosis Research Unit, King Gustaf V Research Institute, Karolinska Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
Aims The aim of the present study was to identify risk markers for the development of valvular aortic stenosis (AS). Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG antibody titres in plasma and in circulating immune complexes as well as leptin and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) in plasma were studied.
Methods and Results One hundred and one patients (41 women and 60 men, mean age 71±8 years) with significant AS and 101 age- and sex-matched controls were included in this study. All patients underwent aortic valve replacement at the University Hospital in Ume
, Sweden. The controls had no symptoms of cardiovascular disease and they were examined echocardiographically. An Lp(a) level 
480 mg.l–1, a C. pneumoniae-specific IgG titre 1/128, a high leptin level and a high t-PA mass concentration in plasma were identified as risk markers for AS. A strong synergism between Lp(a) and C. pneumoniae IgG antibodies in circulating immune complexes was found.
Conclusion Our data indicate that a chronic C. pneumoniae infection and a high plasma Lp(a) level might influence and aggravate aortic heart valve sclerosis via the formation of circulating immune complexes. The present study also strongly suggests an association between high plasma leptin, t-PA mass concentration and AS.
Key Words: Lipoprotein(a) • valvular aortic stenosis • chlamydia pneumoniae • circulating immune complexes • leptin • tissue plasminogen activator
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