Which newer marker of inflammation circulates in serum bound to LDL and HDL?

• A. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2
• B. CK-MB
• C. cTnI
• D. hsCRP

Answer: (A)

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 is the inflammatory marker that travels in serum bound to lipoproteins, specifically LDL and HDL. This enzyme is produced by inflammatory cells within atherosclerotic plaques and binds to circulating LDL and HDL, where it hydrolyzes oxidized phospholipids to generate pro-inflammatory products that promote vascular inflammation and plaque instability. Because of this lipoprotein association, its levels reflect vascular inflammation and cardiovascular risk beyond other markers. In contrast, CK-MB and cTnI indicate cardiac muscle injury, not inflammation, and hsCRP is a general inflammatory marker not specifically carried on lipoproteins.