CETP Inhibitors: Should We Continue to Pursue This Pathway?

Safety and Efficacy of Obicetrapib in Patients at High Cardiovascular Risk

BACKGROUND

Obicetrapib is a highly selective cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor that reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. The efficacy and safety of obicetrapib have not been fully characterized among patients at high risk for cardiovascular events.

METHODS

We conducted a multinational, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who were receiving maximum tolerated doses of lipid-lowering therapy. Patients with an LDL cholesterol level of 100 mg per deciliter or higher or a non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level of 130 mg per deciliter or higher, as well as those with an LDL cholesterol level of 55 to 100 mg per deciliter or a non-HDL cholesterol level of 85 to 130 mg per deciliter and at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor, were eligible for inclusion. The patients were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive either 10 mg of obicetrapib once daily or matching placebo for 365 days. The primary end point was the percent change in the LDL cholesterol level from baseline to day 84.

RESULTS

A total of 2530 patients underwent randomization; 1686 patients were assigned to receive obicetrapib and 844 to receive placebo. The mean age of the patients was 65 years, 34% were women, and the mean baseline LDL cholesterol level was 98 mg per deciliter. The least-squares mean percent change from baseline to day 84 in the LDL cholesterol level was -29.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], -32.1 to -27.8) in the obicetrapib group, as compared with 2.7% (95% CI, -0.4 to 5.8) in the placebo group, for a between-group difference of -32.6 percentage points (95% CI, -35.8 to -29.5; P<0.001). The incidence of adverse events appeared to be similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia who were receiving maximum tolerated doses of lipid-lowering therapy and were at high risk for cardiovascular events, obicetrapib reduced LDL cholesterol levels by 29.9%. (Funded by NewAmsterdam Pharma; BROADWAY ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT05142722.).

Lipid Biomarkers and Cardiometabolic Diseases: Critical Knowledge Gaps and Future Research Directions

The past decade has witnessed transformative changes in our understanding of various lipid or lipid-related biomarkers (Table 1) and their relationships with cardiometabolic diseases [...].

Genetic association of lipid and lipid-lowing drug targets with uterine fibroids

Objective

Observational studies suggest that blood lipids are a risk factor for uterine fibroids (UFs) and that lipid-lowering drugs are beneficial for the treatment and prevention of UF; however, the conclusions are inconsistent. We aimed to determine the causal effects of lipids and lipid-lowering drugs on UFs using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

Genetic variants from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of lipid traits and variants in genes encoding lipid-lowering drug targets were extracted, and two independent UF GWAS were set as the outcome. Their effects on UF risk and related traits were estimated using the inverse variance weighted method.

Results

The MR analysis revealed that high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, OR = 0.88, 95 % CI: 0.83-0.93, P = 3.58E-6) and triglycerides (TG, OR = 1.14, 95 % CI: 1.07-1.21, P = 6.83E-5) were protective factors and risk factors for UF, respectively. Drug-targeted MR analysis results indicated that genetically predicted inhibition of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) was associated with a lower UF risk (OR = 0.95, 95 % CI: 0.92-0.98, P = 7.83E-4), as well as reduced levels or risk of other UF-associated clinical traits, including estradiol level, excessive menstruation, abdominal and pelvic pain, myomectomy, and miscarriage.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence that HDL-C and TG levels were causally associated with UF risk. Genetically proxied CETP inhibition may have a protective effect against UF, which warrants further investigation.

Biosynthesis and Metabolism of ApoB-Containing Lipoproteins

Recent advances in human genetics, together with a substantial body of epidemiological, preclinical and clinical trial evidence, strongly support a causal relationship between triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Consequently, the secretion and metabolism of TRLs have a significant impact on cardiovascular health. This knowledge underscores the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms and regulation of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and chylomicron biogenesis. Fortunately, there has been a resurgence of interest in the intracellular assembly, trafficking, degradation, and secretion of VLDL, leading to many ground-breaking molecular insights. Furthermore, the identification of molecular control mechanisms related to triglyceride metabolism has greatly advanced our understanding of the complex metabolism of TRLs. In this review, we explore recent advances in the assembly, secretion, and metabolism of TRLs. We also discuss available treatment strategies for hypertriglyceridemia.

Lipid-lowering in diabetes: An update

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is accelerated in people with diabetes. Dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation play a role via a variety of mechanisms operative in the artery wall. In addition, some unique features predispose people with type 1 diabetes to accelerated atherosclerosis. Various organizations have created guidelines that provide advice regarding screening, risk assessment, and roadmaps for treatment to prevent ASCVD in diabetes. Management of dyslipidemia, especially with statins, has proven to be of immense benefit in the prevention of clinical CVD. However, since many patients fail to attain the low levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) recommended in these guidelines, supplemental therapy, such as the addition of ezetimibe, bempedoic acid or PCSK9 inhibitors, is often required to reach LDL goals. As a result, the upfront use of combination therapies, particularly a statin plus ezetimibe, is a rational initial approach. The addition to statins of drugs that specifically lower triglyceride levels has not proven beneficial, although the addition of icosapent-ethyl has been shown to be of value, likely by mechanisms independent of triglyceride lowering. Newer treatments in development, including apoC-III and ANGPTL3 inhibitors, seem promising in further reducing apoB-containing lipoproteins.

Perspectives on the success of plasma lipidomics in cardiovascular drug discovery and future challenges

INTRODUCTION

Plasma lipidomics has emerged as a powerful tool in cardiovascular drug discovery by providing insights into disease mechanisms, identifying potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, and discovering novel targets for drug development. Widespread application of plasma lipidomics is hampered by technological limitations and standardization and requires a collaborative approach to maximize its use in cardiovascular drug discovery.

AREAS COVERED

This review provides an overview of the utility of plasma lipidomics in cardiovascular drug discovery and discusses the challenges and future perspectives of this rapidly evolving field. The authors discuss the role of lipidomics in understanding the molecular mechanisms of CVD, identifying novel biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, and discovering new therapeutic targets for drug development. Furthermore, they highlight the challenges faced in data analysis, standardization, and integration with other omics approaches and propose future directions for the field.

EXPERT OPINION

Plasma lipidomics holds great promise for improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CVD. While challenges remain in standardization and technology, ongoing research and collaboration among scientists and clinicians will undoubtedly help overcome these obstacles. As lipidomics evolves, its impact on cardiovascular drug discovery and clinical practice is expected to grow, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare systems worldwide.

Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) Variations in Relation to Lipid Profiles and Cardiovascular Diseases: An Update

Lipid metabolism plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is a crucial glycoprotein involved in lipid metabolism by transferring cholesteryl esters (CE) and triglycerides (TG) between plasma lipoproteins. CETP activity results in reduced HDL-C and increased VLDL- and LDL-C concentrations, thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. In this review, we discuss the structure of CETP and its mechanism of action. Furthermore, we focus on recent experiments on animal CETP-expressing models, deciphering the regulation and functions of CETP in various genetic backgrounds and interaction with different external factors. Finally, we discuss recent publications revealing the association of CETP single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, lifestyle factors, diet and therapeutic interventions. While CETP SNPs can be used as effective diagnostic markers, diet, lifestyle, gender and ethnic specificity should also be considered for effective treatment.

Identifying the natural products in the treatment of atherosclerosis by increasing HDL-C level based on bioinformatics analysis, molecular docking, and in vitro experiment

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) plays an anti-atherosclerosis role through reverse cholesterol transport. Several studies have validated the efficacy and safety of natural products in treating atherosclerosis (AS). However, the study of raising HDL-C levels through natural products to treat AS still needs to be explored.

METHODS

The gene sets associated with AS were collected and identified by differential gene analysis and database query. By constructing a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, the core submodules in the network are screened out. At the same time, by calculating node importance (Nim) in the PPI network of AS disease and combining it with Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathways enrichment analysis, the key target proteins of AS were obtained. Molecular docking is used to screen out small natural drug molecules with potential therapeutic effects. By constructing an in vitro foam cell model, the effects of small molecules on lipid metabolism and key target expression of foam cells were investigated.

RESULTS

By differential gene analysis, 451 differential genes were obtained, and a total of 313 disease genes were obtained from 6 kind of databases, then 758 AS-related genes were obtained. The enrichment analysis of the KEGG pathway showed that the enhancement of HDL-C level against AS was related to Lipid and atherosclerosis, Cholesterol metabolism, Fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, PPAR signaling pathway, and other pathways. Then we intersected 31 genes in the core module of the PPI network, the top 30 genes in Nims, and 32 genes in the cholesterol metabolism pathway, and finally found 3 genes. After the above analysis and literature collection, we focused on the following three related gene targets: APOA1, LIPC, and CETP. Molecular docking showed that Genistein has a good binding affinity for APOA1, CETP, and LIPC. In vitro, experiments showed that Genistein can up-regulated APOA1, LIPC, and CETP levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our research, Genistein may have the effects of regulating HDL-C and anti-atherosclerosis. Its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of LIPC, CETP, and APOA1 to improve lipid metabolism.