Racial Differences in Lp-PLA2 Levels in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Lee Keane K, Fortmann Stephen P, Varady Ann, Fair Joan M, Go Alan S, Quertermous Thomas, Hlatky Mark A, Iribarren Carlos
Primary Institution: Stanford University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
What factors are associated with racial variation in lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) levels among older adults?
Conclusion
Racial differences in Lp-PLA2 mass and activity levels exist, with Whites having the highest levels and African-Americans and Asians having the lowest.
Supporting Evidence
- Whites had the highest Lp-PLA2 mass and activity levels, followed by Hispanics, and then African-Americans and Asians.
- After adjusting for covariates, race remained significantly correlated with Lp-PLA2 levels.
- The study included a diverse cohort of healthy older adults free of clinical coronary heart disease.
Takeaway
This study found that different races have different levels of a substance in the blood that can predict heart problems, and these differences are not explained by lifestyle or other health factors.
Methodology
The study measured Lp-PLA2 mass and activity in 714 healthy older adults using multivariable linear regression to evaluate the association with race after adjusting for various covariates.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in self-reported race and lifestyle factors.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional and may not capture all lifestyle factors influencing Lp-PLA2 levels; the number of non-White participants was relatively modest.
Participant Demographics
Participants were 714 healthy older adults aged 60-72, including 540 Whites, 60 African-Americans, 62 Hispanics, and 52 Asians.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.0001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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