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Australian Prescriber Feb 2024Hypercholesterolaemia is one of the most common conditions treated by clinicians in Australia. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) plays a causal role in the... (Review)
Review
Hypercholesterolaemia is one of the most common conditions treated by clinicians in Australia. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) plays a causal role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Every 1 mmol/L reduction in LDL-C concentration is associated with a 21 to 25% reduction in the relative risk of prospective atherosclerotic cardiovascular events, and emerging evidence suggests this benefit increases over time. Absolute cardiovascular risk assessment identifies patients likely to derive the most benefit from lowering LDL-C concentration, and helps determine the intensity of their treatment regimens and targets. Optimal management of LDL-C may require combination treatment with multiple classes of drugs.
PubMed: 38444897
DOI: 10.18773/austprescr.2024.006 -
International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2023Atherosclerosis is characterized by the narrowing of the arterial lumen due to subendothelial lipid accumulation, with hypercholesterolemia being a major risk factor.... (Review)
Review
Atherosclerosis is characterized by the narrowing of the arterial lumen due to subendothelial lipid accumulation, with hypercholesterolemia being a major risk factor. Despite the recent advances in effective lipid-lowering therapies, atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of mortality globally, highlighting the need for additional therapeutic strategies. Accumulating evidence suggests that the sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in atherosclerosis. In this article, we reviewed the sympathetic innervation in the vasculature, norepinephrine synthesis and metabolism, sympathetic activity measurement, and common signaling pathways of sympathetic activation. The focus of this paper was to review the effectiveness of pharmacological antagonists or agonists of adrenoceptors (α1, α2, β1, β2, and β3) and renal denervation on atherosclerosis. All five types of adrenoceptors are present in arterial blood vessels. α1 blockers inhibit atherosclerosis but increase the risk of heart failure while α2 agonism may protect against atherosclerosis and newer generations of β blockers and β3 agonists are promising therapies against atherosclerosis; however, new randomized controlled trials are warranted to investigate the effectiveness of these therapies in atherosclerosis inhibition and cardiovascular risk reduction in the future. The role of renal denervation in atherosclerosis inhibition in humans is yet to be established.
Topics: Humans; Sympathetic Nervous System; Atherosclerosis; Heart Failure; Hypercholesterolemia; Receptors, Adrenergic; Lipids
PubMed: 37685939
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713132 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Aug 2023
PubMed: 37619994
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.p1945 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Jul 2023
Topics: Humans; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II
PubMed: 37429609
DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-073280 -
Cardiovascular Research Jul 2023Specific fibroblast markers and in-depth heterogeneity analysis are currently lacking, hindering functional studies in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Here, we...
AIMS
Specific fibroblast markers and in-depth heterogeneity analysis are currently lacking, hindering functional studies in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Here, we established cell-type markers and heterogeneity in murine and human arteries and studied the adventitial fibroblast response to CVD and its risk factors hypercholesterolaemia and ageing.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Murine aorta single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of adventitial mesenchymal cells identified fibroblast-specific markers. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry validated platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) and dipeptidase 1 (DPEP1) across human and murine aorta, carotid, and femoral arteries, whereas traditional markers such as the cluster of differentiation (CD)90 and vimentin also marked transgelin+ vascular smooth muscle cells. Next, pseudotime analysis showed multiple fibroblast clusters differentiating along trajectories. Three trajectories, marked by CD55 (Cd55+), Cxcl chemokine 14 (Cxcl14+), and lysyl oxidase (Lox+), were reproduced in an independent RNA-seq dataset. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed divergent functional profiles of the three trajectories, related to vascular development, antigen presentation, and/or collagen fibril organization, respectively. Trajectory-specific genes included significantly more genes with known genome-wide associations (GWAS) to CVD than expected by chance, implying a role in CVD. Indeed, differential regulation of fibroblast clusters by CVD risk factors was shown in the adventitia of aged C57BL/6J mice, and mildly hypercholesterolaemic LDLR KO mice on chow by flow cytometry. The expansion of collagen-related CXCL14+ and LOX+ fibroblasts in aged and hypercholesterolaemic aortic adventitia, respectively, coincided with increased adventitial collagen. Immunohistochemistry, bulk, and single-cell transcriptomics of human carotid and aorta specimens emphasized translational value as CD55+, CXCL14+ and LOX+ fibroblasts were observed in healthy and atherosclerotic specimens. Also, trajectory-specific gene sets are differentially correlated with human atherosclerotic plaque traits.
CONCLUSION
We provide two adventitial fibroblast-specific markers, PDGFRA and DPEP1, and demonstrate fibroblast heterogeneity in health and CVD in humans and mice. Biological relevance is evident from the regulation of fibroblast clusters by age and hypercholesterolaemia in vivo, associations with human atherosclerotic plaque traits, and enrichment of genes with a GWAS for CVD.
Topics: Humans; Mice; Animals; Aged; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Hypercholesterolemia; Transcriptome; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Atherosclerosis; Collagen; Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; Aging; Fibroblasts; Cholesterol
PubMed: 36718802
DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad016 -
Circulation Apr 2024Atherosclerosis preferentially occurs in arterial regions of disturbed blood flow, and stable flow (s-flow) protects against atherosclerosis by incompletely understood...
BACKGROUND
Atherosclerosis preferentially occurs in arterial regions of disturbed blood flow, and stable flow (s-flow) protects against atherosclerosis by incompletely understood mechanisms.
METHODS
Our single-cell RNA-sequencing data using the mouse partial carotid ligation model was reanalyzed, which identified Heart-of-glass 1 (HEG1) as an s-flow-induced gene. HEG1 expression was studied by immunostaining, quantitive polymerase chain reaction, hybridization chain reaction, and Western blot in mouse arteries, human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), and human coronary arteries. A small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of HEG1 was used to study its function and signaling mechanisms in HAECs under various flow conditions using a cone-and-plate shear device. We generated endothelial-targeted, tamoxifen-inducible HEG1 knockout (HEG1) mice. To determine the role of HEG1 in atherosclerosis, HEG1 and littermate-control mice were injected with an adeno-associated virus-PCSK9 [proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9] and fed a Western diet to induce hypercholesterolemia either for 2 weeks with partial carotid ligation or 2 months without the surgery.
RESULTS
S-flow induced HEG1 expression at the mRNA and protein levels in vivo and in vitro. S-flow stimulated HEG1 protein translocation to the downstream side of HAECs and release into the media, followed by increased messenger RNA and protein expression. HEG1 knockdown prevented s-flow-induced endothelial responses, including monocyte adhesion, permeability, and migration. Mechanistically, HEG1 knockdown prevented s-flow-induced KLF2/4 (Kruppel-like factor 2/4) expression by regulating its intracellular binding partner KRIT1 (Krev interaction trapped protein 1) and the MEKK3-MEK5-ERK5-MEF2 pathway in HAECs. Compared with littermate controls, HEG1 mice exposed to hypercholesterolemia for 2 weeks and partial carotid ligation developed advanced atherosclerotic plaques, featuring increased necrotic core area, thin-capped fibroatheroma, inflammation, and intraplaque hemorrhage. In a conventional Western diet model for 2 months, HEG1 mice also showed an exacerbated atherosclerosis development in the arterial tree in both sexes and the aortic sinus in males but not in females. Moreover, endothelial HEG1 expression was reduced in human coronary arteries with advanced atherosclerotic plaques.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings indicate that HEG1 is a novel mediator of atheroprotective endothelial responses to flow and a potential therapeutic target.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Mice; Animals; Plaque, Atherosclerotic; Proprotein Convertase 9; Endothelial Cells; Hypercholesterolemia; Atherosclerosis; Transcription Factors; Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors; Membrane Proteins
PubMed: 38099436
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.064735 -
Nature Communications Mar 2024The connection between triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and cardiometabolic multimorbidity, characterized by the concurrence of at least two of type 2 diabetes, ischemic...
The connection between triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and cardiometabolic multimorbidity, characterized by the concurrence of at least two of type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and stroke, has not been definitively established. We aim to examine the prospective associations between serum remnant cholesterol, triglycerides, and the risks of progression from first cardiometabolic disease to multimorbidity via multistate modeling in the UK Biobank. We also evaluate the causality of these associations via Mendelian randomization using 13 biologically relevant SNPs as the genetic instruments. Here we show that elevated remnant cholesterol and triglycerides are significantly associated with gradually higher risks of cardiometabolic multimorbidity, particularly the progression of ischemic heart disease to the multimorbidity of ischemic heart disease and type 2 diabetes. These results advocate for effective management of remnant cholesterol and triglycerides as a potential strategy in mitigating the risks of cardiometabolic multimorbidity.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Risk Factors; Multimorbidity; Triglycerides; Cholesterol; Myocardial Ischemia; Hypercholesterolemia
PubMed: 38503751
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46686-x -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Jun 2024In this case report, a 31-year-old woman with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) underwent treatment with statins and PCSK9 inhibitor but had to...
In this case report, a 31-year-old woman with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) underwent treatment with statins and PCSK9 inhibitor but had to discontinue due to elevated creatine kinase levels and neurological and muscular side effects. In 2021, the patient received inclisiran therapy, the first known instance of its application in Denmark. No side effects were reported, and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly reduced. This case report highlights the potential of inclisiran as an effective and well-tolerated treatment for individuals with heterozygous FH.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II; PCSK9 Inhibitors; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Cholesterol, LDL; Anticholesteremic Agents
PubMed: 38903035
DOI: 10.61409/V12230767 -
JAMA Pediatrics Mar 2024Many pediatric patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) cannot reach recommended low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations on... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
IMPORTANCE
Many pediatric patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) cannot reach recommended low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations on statins alone and require adjunct lipid-lowering therapy (LLT); the use of alirocumab in pediatric patients requires evaluation.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of alirocumab in pediatric patients with inadequately controlled HeFH.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This was a phase 3, randomized clinical trial conducted between May 2018 and August 2022 at 43 centers in 24 countries. Pediatric patients aged 8 to 17 years with HeFH, LDL-C 130 mg/dL or greater, and receiving statins or other LLTs were included. Following consecutive enrollment into dosing cohorts, 25 of 99 patients screened for dosing every 2 weeks (Q2W) failed screening; 25 of 104 patients screened for dosing every 4 weeks (Q4W) failed screening. A total of 70 of 74 Q2W patients (95%) and 75 of 79 Q4W patients (95%) completed the double-blind period.
INTERVENTIONS
Patients were randomized 2:1 to subcutaneous alirocumab or placebo and Q2W or Q4W. Dosage was based on weight (40 mg for Q2W or 150 mg for Q4W if <50 kg; 75 mg for Q2W or 300 mg for Q4W if ≥50 kg) and adjusted at week 12 if LDL-C was 110 mg/dL or greater at week 8. After the 24-week double-blind period, patients could receive alirocumab in an 80-week open-label period.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary end point was percent change in LDL-C from baseline to week 24 in each cohort.
RESULTS
Among 153 patients randomized to receive alirocumab or placebo (mean [range] age, 12.9 [8-17] years; 87 [56.9%] female), alirocumab showed statistically significant reductions in LDL-C vs placebo in both cohorts at week 24. Least squares mean difference in percentage change from baseline was -43.3% (97.5% CI, -56.0 to -30.7; P < .001) Q2W and -33.8% (97.5% CI, -46.4 to -21.2; P < .001) Q4W. Hierarchical analysis of secondary efficacy end points demonstrated significant improvements in other lipid parameters at weeks 12 and 24 with alirocumab. Two patients receiving alirocumab Q4W experienced adverse events leading to discontinuation. No significant difference in adverse event incidence was observed between treatment groups. Open-label period findings were consistent with the double-blind period.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The findings in this study indicate that alirocumab Q2W or Q4W significantly may be useful for reducing LDL-C and other lipid parameters and be well tolerated in pediatric patients with HeFH inadequately controlled with statins.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03510884.
Topics: Humans; Female; Child; Male; Cholesterol, LDL; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Treatment Outcome; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II; Hypercholesterolemia; Double-Blind Method; Anticholesteremic Agents; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
PubMed: 38315470
DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.6477 -
CJC Open Jan 2024Low density lipoprotein (LDL) and Lipoprotein (Lp)(a) are proatherogenic apolipoprotein (apo) B-containing members of the non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) family...
BACKGROUND
Low density lipoprotein (LDL) and Lipoprotein (Lp)(a) are proatherogenic apolipoprotein (apo) B-containing members of the non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) family of particles. Elevated plasma levels of LDL cholesterol (C), non-HDL-C, and apo B are defining features of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), but reports of elevated plasma Lp(a) concentration are inconsistent.
METHODS
We performed retrospective chart reviews of 256 genetically characterized patients with hypercholesterolemia and 272 control subjects from the Lipid Genetics Clinic at University Hospital in London, Ontario. We evaluated pairwise correlations between plasma levels of Lp(a) and those of LDL-C, non-HDL-C and apo B.
RESULTS
Mean Lp(a) levels were not different between individuals with hypercholesterolemia and control subjects. No correlations were found between Lp(a) and LDL-C or non-HDL-C levels in controls or patients with hypercholesterolemia; all values < 0.079 and all values > 0.193. Borderline weak correlations between Lp(a) and apo B were identified in patients = 0.103; = 0.112) and controls ( = 0.175; = 0.005). Results were similar across genotypic subgroups.
CONCLUSIONS
Lp(a) levels are independent of LDL-C and non-HDL-C; in particular Lp(a) levels are not increased in patients with hypercholesterolemia and molecularly proven HeFH. Apo B was only weakly associated with Lp(a). Elevated Lp(a) does not cause FH in our clinic patients. Genetic variants causing HeFH that raise LDL-C do not affect Lp(a), confirming that these lipoproteins are metabolically distinct. Lp(a) cannot be predicted from LDL-C and must be determined separately to evaluate its amplifying effect on atherosclerotic risk in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
PubMed: 38313344
DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2023.09.018