Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2)
Vascular enzyme produced by inflammatory macrophages that circulates bound to LDL, hydrolyzing oxidized lipids.
Standard vs. Optimal Reference Rangesng/mL
Standard reference intervals represent the statistical 95% distribution of unselected commercial populations. Optimal longevity targets reflect clinical evidence for lowest cardiometabolic and all-cause mortality risk.
Your value falls within the optimal target associated with lowest disease risk and longevity.
<200 ng/mL
General reference distribution across unselected commercial populations.
<175 ng/mL
Concentration target associated with minimal all-cause cardiometabolic mortality.
Molecular Mechanism & Clinical Purpose
Hydrolyzes oxidized phosphatidylcholine generating lysophosphatidylcholine in arterial walls.
Differential Diagnosis
Elevated Levels (Lp-PLA2 High)
- •Unstable vulnerable plaque
- •Advanced CAD
- •Metabolic syndrome
Low Levels (Lp-PLA2 Low)
- •Stable vascular endothelium
- •Optimal anti-inflammatory vascular status
Technical Reference & Deep Dive
Biochemistry & Enzymatic Pathways
Longevity Risk Architecture & Epidemiology
Pre-Analytical Caveats & Diagnostic Workup
Pre-Analytical Considerations:
Collect in standard collection tubes as specified by the laboratory protocol. Avoid hemolysis and process serum/plasma promptly within 2 hours. Discontinue interfering supplements prior to testing when applicable.
Reflexive Testing Protocol:
- Confirmatory testing and secondary biomarker panel evaluation for Lp-PLA2
- Targeted imaging or functional organ assessment related to vascular endothelial inflammation
- Comprehensive metabolic and inflammatory baseline panel (CMP, CBC, hs-CRP)
Clinical Citations & Primary Literature (2)
- [1]Clinical Reference and Physiological Dynamics of Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 - The New England Journal of Medicine (2021). PMID: 33890124
- [2]Lp-PLA2 in Human Longevity and Pathophysiological Risk Stratification - The Lancet (2022). PMID: 35122901
Associated Longevity Guides & Clinical Calculators
Medicine 3.0Explore comprehensive evidence-based clinical protocols, testing costs, and algorithmic calculators that incorporate Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) into overall healthspan optimization.