Lipoprotein(a) and lipid profile in Añú Ethnicity residents of the Sinamaica Lagoon, in the Páez district, Zulia State – Venezuela

Abstract

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] has been associated with ischemic arterial disease and varies according to the ethnic origin of the studied populations. In our country, and especially in Zulia state, very few trials have been realized analyzing Lp(a). In light of this, the purpose of this investigation was to determine levels of Lp(a) in the Añú population from Zulia State – Venezuela, and evaluate the possible relation as morbidity and mortality factor in this genetic homogenous population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken, randomly selecting 120 patients from both sexes, beyond 18 years of age, from the Añú population localized around the Sinamaica Lake in the Páez Distric, Zulia State – Venezuela. A complete medical history was obtained, and after an 8 -12 hours fast, an antecubital venous blood sample was taken. Results: Lp(a) in the studied population was 13,3 mg/dL, with a mean value for women of 11,8 mg/dL and men of 15 mg/dL. The 10th, 50th and 90th percentile were 3,2 mg/dL,13,3 mg/dL and 53,1 mg/dL respectively. Conclusion: Low Lp(a) concentrations observed in the Añú populations are similar to the concentrations observed in other Indigenous groups from North America and Japan. We propose that Lp(a) is not determinant for the occurrence of acute cardiovascular events or cerebrovascular disease in indigenous populations. It is necessary to conduct cohort and prospective studies to refute or prove our findings.