Objectives: To examine the plasma levels of secretory type IIA phospholipase A2 (sPLA(2)-IIA), lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble platelet endothelial CAM-1 (sPECAM-1), as well as ICAM-1 (K469E) and PECAM-1 (Leu125Val) gene polymorphisms, in patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP) and stable AP (SAP).
Design and methods: We enrolled 75 patients with SAP, 72 with UAP and 80 controls without angina. Blood samples were obtained before angiography.
Results: The concentrations of sPLA(2)-IIA, sICAM-1 and sPECAM-1 were higher for UAP patients than for SAP patients and controls, and the level of Lp(a) was higher for UAP patients than for controls. Lp(a) and sPLA(2)-IIA levels were significantly correlated, and high plasma Lp(a) level (> or =300 mg/L) was an independent risk factor for angina.
Conclusion: Lp(a) may play an important role in the development of angina. Further research should investigate the role of sPLA(2)-IIA, sICAM-1 and sPECAM-1 in UAP.