The importance of Lp(a)-fibronectin interaction in atherogenesis.

An elevated concentration of lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) in serum has been considered a risk factor for coronary heart disease by various investigators. The apo(a) portion of Lp(a) binds to the carboxyterminal heparin binding domain of fibronectin. Lp(a) bound to fibronectin is internalized through the fibronectin receptor pathway and thereby causes increased accumulation of lipid and foam cell formation. In the present study, fibronectin and Lp(a) concentrations have been assayed in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and healthy subjects. Serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, VLDL and HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary heart disease were significantly different from the control group (p < 0.001). Plasma fibronectin (p < 0.05) and serum Lp(a) (p < 0.001) levels were found to be significantly elevated when compared with the control group.