Some Less Known Risk Factors of Atherogenesis – Homocysteine, Lipoprotein (a) andC-reactive Protein

Overview

Atherosclerosis and its complications belong to the most frequent causes of morbidity and mortality in thedeveloped countries. Far from all cases of early atherosclerosis can be explained by presence of „classical“ riskfactors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and namely by oxidised forms of lipoproteins of lowdensity, by smokingor due to not fully compensated diabetesmellitus). Our review brings information of another three serious risk factors– homocysteine, lipoprotein (a), and highly sensitive C-reactive protein. Metabolic relations among them are givenas well as results of comparatively independent clinical studies and possibilities to influence these risk factors.Though they are comparatively independent, one feature connects them – they participate significantly on thedevelopment of endothelial dysfunction, which is supposed to be the initial stadium of atherogenesis.

Key words:
homocysteine, lipoprotein (a), C-reactive protein, atherosclerosis, risk factors, endothelial dysfunction.