Changes in plasma lysophosphatidic acid levels in patients with TIA and the effects of aspirin

Objective To investigate the changes of plasma lysophosphatidic acid(LPA) levels in patients with transient ischemic attack(TIA) and to observe whether treatment with aspirin decreases the LPA levels of patients with TIA.Methods Plasma LPA levels were examined using fresh blood in 128 cases of TIA and controls enrolled in the LPA and Stroke Prevention Study. LPA was assayed by measuring its inorganic phosphorus after separation by chromatography.The effects of aspirin at different dosages on plasma LPA levels were observed.Results An elevated LPA level was seen in cases (n=128) with TIA as compared with 110 controls (P0.001).Administration of aspirin (200 mg/d) for one month significantly lowered LPA level (1.66± 0.21) μmol/L of patients(n=31) as compared with administration of low-dosage aspirin, and the frequency of TIA was significantly reduced.Conclusions Plasma LPA levels in patients with TIA was significantly elevated. Aspirin can effectively reduce plasma LPA levels and frequency of TIA.