Association of Elevated Lipoprotein(a) Levels with Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
Supervisor Name
Adham Abu Taha
Supervisor Email
aabutaha@najah.edu
University
An-Najah National University
Research field
Medical Sciences
Bio
Professor Adham S. Abu Taha, PhD Professor of Biomedical Sciences Dr. Adham S. Abu Taha is a Full Professor of Biomedical Sciences with extensive expertise in pharmacology, clinical laboratory sciences, and antimicrobial resistance. He has a distinguished academic and research career, with numerous publications in reputable international journals. In addition to his teaching and research roles, Professor Abu Taha serves as Director of the Medical Laboratory Department at An-Najah National University Hospital in Nablus, Palestine. He oversees both Central Laboratory Services (including Hematology, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Blood Bank) and Specialized Diagnostic Pathology (covering Anatomic Pathophysiology, Flow Cytometry, and Molecular Diagnostics). His leadership and commitment to advancing biomedical education and clinical practice have made him a respected figure in the medical and scientific community, both locally and regionally.
Description
This multicenter cross-sectional study aims to investigate the association between elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels and cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in T2DM, and traditional risk factors do not fully account for the excess risk observed in this population. Lp(a), a genetically determined lipoprotein with pro-atherogenic and pro-thrombotic properties, has emerged as an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; however, its contribution to cardiovascular risk among diabetic patients is insufficiently defined. The study will recruit adult T2DM patients from multiple tertiary care centers and collect clinical, laboratory, and cardiovascular outcome data. Lp(a) levels will be measured alongside conventional risk markers, including lipid profile and HbA1c. The research will estimate the prevalence of elevated Lp(a), evaluate its relationship with traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and determine whether elevated Lp(a) independently predicts cardiovascular events after adjusting for confounders. By clarifying the clinical relevance of Lp(a) in T2DM, this study seeks to enhance cardiovascular risk stratification, support the rationale for routine Lp(a) screening in selected patients, and provide evidence that may guide future therapeutic strategies targeting Lp(a) to reduce cardiovascular complications in diabetic populations.
