DALLAS, Nov. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- diaDexus today announced findings from two studies demonstrating that high levels of the pro-inflammatory enzyme, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), are associated with an increased risk in cardiovascular disease across multiple populations. All results were presented Monday at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in Dallas. The first study showed that in diabetic patients, Lp-PLA2 conferred a greater than 2-fold increase in risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) or death from CAD, independent of traditional risk factors. A second study described Lp-PLA2’s value for predicting recurrent events in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).
“Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 may Differentially Predict the Presence of Angiographic Coronary Artery Disease and Coronary Death across Glycemic Categories”
Researchers from LDS Hospital and University of Utah in Salt Lake City, evaluated whether the predictive value of Lp-PLA2 for angiographically- confirmed CAD differs in patients by glycemic or diabetic status. Lp-PLA2 levels were measured in 1,493 patients (average age 63 years with 70% male) enrolled in the Intermountain Heart Collaborative Study using the PLAC(R) test. All patients underwent coronary angiography to diagnose the presence of CAD, and were categorized by fasting glycemic status for presence of diabetes mellitus. They were then followed for an average of seven years to determine CAD death incidence. After adjustment for traditional risk factors, Lp-PLA2 levels predicted a greater than two-fold risk in CAD (odds ratio = 2.10, p=0.05) and in CAD death (hazard ratio = 2.29, p=0.02), in patients with diabetes.
“We found that Lp-PLA2 was a strong and significant predictor of angiographic CAD and CAD death in patients with clinically diagnosed diabetes mellitus over a seven year period,” stated Jeffrey L. Anderson, M.D., associate chief of cardiology at LDS Hospital and senior investigator on the study. “This data highlights the potential importance of the PLAC test in a preventive testing regimen for diabetic patients, to better manage the cardiovascular risk commonly associated with diabetes.”
“Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Additionally to NT-proBNP and Troponin I is Useful for Early Risk Stratification in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Multimarker Approach”
Researchers from medical centers in Germany and Australia set out to define, in a multi-marker approach, the role of Lp-PLA2 alongside high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), D-Dimer, NT-proBNP, and troponin I in patients with ACS. The markers were measured in 429 consecutive patients (average age 60 years with 60.6% male) and results were correlated with incidence of a coronary event (including death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina, PCI and CABG) at 42 days. The overall incidence of coronary events was 13.1%, reflecting a mild to moderate risk population. Lp-PLA2, BNP and troponin I were found to be effective and additive markers of risk stratification. Lp-PLA2 was a better marker of risk than hsCRP in this patient population. Importantly, none of the clinical or ECG-variables of the TIMI risk score proved to be of comparable significance in risk stratification.
About Lp-PLA2
Lp-PLA2 (lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2) is an enzyme that is implicated in the vascular inflammatory pathway that leads to plaque formation and atherosclerosis. Previous hypotheses on the cause of coronary heart disease focused around lipid accumulation within the arterial walls. Increasing evidence now suggests that atherosclerosis is largely an inflammatory disease. Multiple published studies in peer-reviewed journals show a statistically significant relationship between elevated Lp-PLA2 and the risk of a major cardiovascular event.
About the PLAC Test
The PLAC test has been cleared by the FDA as an aid in predicting an individual’s risk for a coronary event and ischemic stroke associated with atherosclerosis, in conjunction with clinical evaluation and patient risk assessment. The PLAC test is currently available through laboratories nationwide, including Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, Mayo Medical Laboratories, ARUP Laboratories and Berkeley HeartLab. For more information about the PLAC test, visit www.plactest.com.
About diaDexus
diaDexus, a privately held biotechnology company based in South San Francisco, California, is focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel, patent-protected diagnostic and therapeutic products with high clinical value. More information about the company may be found at www.diaDexus.com.
diaDexus
CONTACT: Patrick Plewman of diaDexus, Inc., +1-650-246-6400; or CarolynBumgardner Wang of WeissComm Partners, +1-415-225-5050, orcarolyn@weisscommpartners.com, for diaDexus
Web site: http://www.diadexus.com//
