GlaxoSmithKline: Enzyme may predict risk of future cardiovascular events

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., April 11 - GlaxoSmithKline said published results from a sub-study of the Pravastatin or Atorvastatin Evaluation and Infection Therapy (so-called "Prove-It") trial showed that when measured approximately 30 days after an acute coronary event (i.e. chest pain, heart attack), elevated levels of Lp-PLA2 (lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2) activity are an independent risk marker for death or recurrent cardiovascular events.

The results were published in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation. Grants from GlaxoSmithKline funded the sub-study, according to a company news release.

In the sub-study, Lp-PLA2 levels in plasma were measured at baseline and at the 30-day visit.

Lp-PLA2 is an enzyme found in blood and atherosclerotic plaque. Until now, little information has been available on the prognostic role of Lp-PLA2 in patients following acute coronary syndromes.

"Despite advances in cardiovascular medicine and therapeutics, residual risk for cardiac events remains a significant concern for patients and physicians," senior vice president, cardiovascular and metabolic medicine development center, Lawson Macartney said in the release.

"This research adds to the rapidly emerging field of Lp-PLA2 enzyme levels as an independent predictor of heart disease. Moreover, this study provides evidence that high levels of circulating Lp-PLA2 measured approximately one month post-event can predict risk of death or a second cardiovascular event among patients experiencing acute symptoms of cardiovascular disease."

The trial includes 4,162 participants and is one of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction trials that examine treatment strategies for heart disease, the release stated.

GlaxoSmithKline is a research-based pharmaceutical and health care company based in Brentford, U.K.

© 2015 Prospect News.
All content on this website is protected by copyright law in the U.S. and elsewhere. For the use of the person downloading only.
Redistribution and copying are prohibited by law without written permission in advance from Prospect News.
Redistribution or copying includes e-mailing, printing multiple copies or any other form of reproduction.