Lipoprotein(a) consists of an LDL particle and a glycoprotein molecule, Apo(a), attached to the ApoB-100 moiety of the LDL particle through a disulfide bond.
Lipoprotein's structure is similar to plasminogen and tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) and it competes with plasminogen for its binding site, leading to reduced fibrinolysis. Also because Lp(a) stimulates secretion of PAI-1 it leads to thrombogenesis. In addition, because of LDL cholesterol content, Lp-a contributes to atherosclerosis.
