RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Low molecular weight phenotype of Apo(a) is a risk factor of corticosteroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head after renal transplant. JF The Journal of Rheumatology JO J Rheumatol FD The Journal of Rheumatology SP 516 OP 522 VO 34 IS 3 A1 Hirata, Tetsurou A1 Fujioka, Mikihiro A1 Takahashi, Kenji A A1 Asano, Takeshi A1 Ishida, Masashi A1 Akioka, Kiyokazu A1 Okamoto, Masahiko A1 Yoshimura, Norio A1 Satomi, Yoshiko A1 Nishino, Hoyoku A1 Hirota, Yoshio A1 Nakajima, Shigeo A1 Kato, Shigeaki A1 Kubo, Toshikazu YR 2007 UL http://www.jrheum.org/content/34/3/516.abstract AB OBJECTIVE: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONF) is a necrosis due to disruption of the blood flow. The disease often occurs in association with corticosteroid treatment. The pathology of corticosteroid-induced ONF is unclear, although abnormalities in the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems or in the lipid metabolism have been reported to be involved. We examined the relationships between development of ONF and genetic variations and plasma level of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), which is closely involved in the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems and lipid metabolism. METHODS: The study population consisted of 112 renal transplant patients undergoing corticosteroid treatment. Their apolipoprotein (a) [apo(a)] isoform was determined by Western blotting, and patients were classified into low molecular weight (LMW) or high molecular weight (HMW) groups. The plasma Lp(a) level was measured. Patients were also examined for 3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), -773 (G/A), +93 (C/T), and +121 (G/A). Relationships between these 3 genetic factors of Lp(a) and ONF development were examined using statistical methods including multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A strong relationship was observed between the apo(a) molecular weight phenotype and ONF development, with an increased risk of ONF development for the LMW group (adjusted odds ratio 5.75, 95% CI 1.76-18.74, p = 0.0038). No significant relationships were observed between ONF and plasma Lp(a) level and SNP. CONCLUSION: Apo(a) molecular weight phenotype would be a useful predictor of ONF that develops after corticosteroid treatment.