In vitro diagnostics company LipoScience has presented data from two studies involving low density lipoprotein particle (LDL-P). The data indicate the importance of LDL-P measurements in identifying cardiovascular disease risk. Previous studies have indicated that many patients with relatively normal levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) have increased LDL-P, illustrating discordance between the two measures of LDL. Clinicians are increasingly aware of the importance of utilizing LDL-P as measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to help manage a patient’s cardiovascular disease risk. The data further validates the need for increased awareness of LDL-P as an indicator of cardiovascular disease, and the value of NMR as a differentiated platform technology.
Data from one study, “Discordance in Low-Density Lipoprotein Particle Number (LDL-P) and Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) Level” highlights the relationship between these two biomarkers in assessing cardiovascular risk. The study examined the Apo B and LDL-P values of 1,196 subjects. It found that a considerable percentage of patients had much higher LDL-P levels despite attaining normal levels of Apo B.
Another study, “NMR-Based Lipoprotein Particle Profiling Identifies Novel Signatures for Cardiovascular Disease,” explored the associations of LDL-P with cross sectional coronary artery disease (CAD) and CAD severity, and its potential as a predictor of incident cardiovascular events. The study analyzed plasma from 1,736 patients who were undergoing cardiac catheterization. The study found novel lipoprotein signatures that independently discriminate the presence and extent of CAD and predict incident mortality and myocardial infarction.
LDL-P was measured in both studies using LipoScience’s NMR LipoProfile test, which utilizes NMR spectroscopy to measure LDL particle number and standard lipid values. Read more information specifically directed to laboratory professionals.
