This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Pathology
[{'content': 'Raised serum level of lipoprotein-a is a predictor of \nSelect and explain. \nA. Cirrhosis of liver, B. Rheumatic arthritis, C. Atherosclerosis, D. Cervical cancer', 'role': 'user'}, {'content': 'Answer: C \nExplanation: Lipoprotein - (a)\n\nLp (a) is a lipoprotein similar to LDL in lipid and protein composition, but it contains an additional protein called apolipoprotein (a).\nAn elevated level of Lp (a) is associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis.\nHow does Lp (a) increase the risk of atherosclerosis?\nIn atherosclerosis, there is hypercoagulability and hypofibrinolysis due to associated inflammation (remind you-atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory condition).\nSo there is consistent deposition of fibrin.\nLp (a) has close homology to plasminogen and it competes with plasminogen for binding on the surface of endothelium. This result in the reduced generation of plasmin from plasminogen → Inhibition of endogenous fibrinolytic system.\nThis enhances further fibrin deposition.\nIn addition, Lp (a) is accumulated in atherosclerotic lesions.\nSo, Lp (a) causes impaired cell surface fibrinolysis and progressive atherosclerosis.', 'role': 'assistant'}]