Association between lipoprotein(a) and ischemic stroke: Fibrinogen as a mediator

Assessing the Causal Relationships Between Lipid Species and Stroke by Using Mendelian Randomization

Circulating lipids and changes in lipid profiles have long been associated with the development of stroke but causal relationships remain unclear.In this study, we aimed to assess the causal relationships between lipid species and multiple stroke phenotypes to inform stroke prevention and treatment strategies. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis using data from genome-wide association studies. The primary method for causal assessment was inverse variance weighting (IVW), complemented by the MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode methods. Sensitivity analyses, based on MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO, and Cochran's Q statistics, were also applied to reinforce the results. In total, potential causality was observed for 133 pairs of lipids with stroke types(P < 0.05). After multiple testing correction (PFDR < 0.05), potential causal associations remained for 10 pairs of lipids, including specific sterol esters and phosphatidylcholines, with various stroke subtypes. The findings demonstrate the significant role that genetically determined lipid profiles may play in the pathogenesis of stroke. Further research is needed to establish whether these biomarkers can be used for stroke prevention or treatment.

Lipoprotein(a) and panvascular disease

Panvascular disease (PVD) is an emerging clinical concept that encompasses a spectrum of atherosclerotic conditions involving multiple major vascular beds, including the coronary, cerebral, peripheral, and valvular arteries. Although not formally recognized as a nosological entity, in this review, PVD is adopted as a conceptual framework to reflect the systemic nature of atherosclerosis affecting vascular territories supplying the heart, brain, and peripheral circulation. This perspective enables a more integrated understanding of disease processes across organ systems that are often studied in isolation. Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a genetically regulated, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-like particle that has garnered increasing attention as an independent pathogenic risk factor for PVD. Accumulating evidence from epidemiological, genetic, and mechanistic studies has confirmed the multifaceted role of Lp(a) in promoting atherogenesis, vascular calcification, inflammation, and thrombogenesis across multiple vascular beds. Elevated Lp(a) levels are associated with increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event risk, even after controlling for traditional risk factors. This review systematically outlines the structure, genetic determinants, and pathogenic mechanisms of Lp(a), and synthesizes current clinical evidence regarding its role in various PVD subtypes. The interactions between Lp(a) and traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and hypertension are explored in depth, highlighting their synergistic contributions to vascular injury and disease progression. Furthermore, sex-based differences in Lp(a)-associated risk, response to therapy, and biological behavior are discussed, providing insights into personalized cardiovascular risk stratification. In addition, the review summarizes current and emerging therapeutic strategies targeting Lp(a), including niacin, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and gene-editing technologies. These advances offer promising new avenues for reducing residual cardiovascular risk attributable to elevated Lp(a). In conclusion, viewing Lp(a)-associated pathology through the lens of PVD provides a comprehensive and unifying approach to understanding its systemic impact. This framework supports the development of integrated risk assessment tools and multi-targeted interventions, ultimately aiming to improve outcomes for patients with complex, multisite vascular involvement.

Lipoprotein (a) and cerebrovascular disease

The role of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] in cerebrovascular disease is a topic of importance. In this narrative review, pertinent studies have been leveraged to comprehensively examine this relationship from diverse perspectives.Lp(a) shares structural traits with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Lp(a) is synthesized by hepatocytes, and its plasma levels are genetically determined by the LPA gene, which produces apolipoprotein (a).Numerous epidemiological studies have confirmed the positive correlation between elevated serum Lp(a) levels and the occurrence or recurrence of cerebrovascular events, especially ischemic strokes, in adults. It should be noted that the correlation strength varies among studies and is marginal in Mendelian randomization studies.Regarding pediatric patients, screening is currently limited to those with a relevant medical history. Lp(a) seems to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of arterial ischemic stroke in children because environmental thrombotic and atherogenic factors are generally not present.Phase 3 trials of novel Lp(a) targeting agents, such as pelacarsen and olpasiran, are anticipated to demonstrate their efficacy in reducing the incidence of stroke. Given the richness of the literature, new guidelines regarding Lp(a) screening and management in targeted populations are warranted to provide more effective primary and secondary prevention.

Investigating the impact of remnant cholesterol on new-onset stroke across diverse inflammation levels: Insights from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS)

BACKGROUND

Prior research underscores the significant impact of remnant cholesterol (RC) on stroke occurrence due to its proatherogenic and proinflammatory traits. This study aims to explore diverse risks of new-onset stroke associated with RC, considering distinct inflammation levels in the middle-aged and senior population in China.

METHODS

We analyzed 6509 participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) across four waves (2011-2018). We employed a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model, incorporated restricted cubic spline techniques, and conducted sensitivity analyses to evaluate the association among RC, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and the risk of new-onset stroke.

RESULTS

Over 7 years, 540 new-onset strokes occurred. Individuals in the highest quartile of RC levels exhibited a heightened risk of new-onset stroke, with a multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) peaking at 1.50 (95% confidence interval 1.12-2.00, P for trend = 0.021), showing a non-linear correlation (P nonlinearity = 0.049). High hsCRP alone had an adjusted HR of 1.10 (95% CI 0.87-1.39), compared to 1.40 (95% CI 1.00-1.96) for high RC alone. Additionally, concurrent high RC and hsCRP showed an adjusted HR of 1.43 (95% CI 1.05-1.96). Consistency persisted across various hsCRP thresholds, after adjusting for additional parameters, or excluding chronic diseases in the primary model, reinforcing result robustness.

CONCLUSION

Our findings reveal a substantial and non-linear association between higher baseline RC levels and an elevated risk of new-onset stroke. Moreover, elevated levels of both RC and hsCRP jointly pose the highest risk for new-onset stroke, surpassing the risk associated with each factor individually.