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Thomas PE, Vedel-Krogh S, Nordestgaard BG. Measuring lipoprotein(a) for cardiovascular disease prevention - in whom and when? Curr Opin Cardiol 2024; 39:39-48. [PMID: 38078600 DOI: 10.1097/hco.0000000000001104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this study is to summarize major cardiovascular guideline recommendations on lipoprotein(a) and highlighting recent findings that emphasize how measuring lipoprotein(a) once in all adults is meaningful regardless of age, sex, comorbidities, or ethnicity. RECENT FINDINGS Many international guidelines now recommend once in a lifetime measurement of lipoprotein(a) in all adult individuals to facilitate accurate risk prediction. Lipoprotein(a)-lowering therapy to reduce cardiovascular disease is on the horizon, with results from the first phase 3 trial expected in 2025. SUMMARY Elevated lipoprotein(a) is an independent causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and aortic valve stenosis and measuring lipoprotein(a) once in all individuals regardless of age, sex, comorbidities, or ethnicity is meaningful to aid in risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E Thomas
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry
- The Copenhagen General Population Study, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Signe Vedel-Krogh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry
- The Copenhagen General Population Study, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Børge G Nordestgaard
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry
- The Copenhagen General Population Study, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Kosmas CE, Bousvarou MD, Papakonstantinou EJ, Tsamoulis D, Koulopoulos A, Echavarria Uceta R, Guzman E, Rallidis LS. Novel Pharmacological Therapies for the Management of Hyperlipoproteinemia(a). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13622. [PMID: 37686428 PMCID: PMC10487774 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, predisposing to major cardiovascular events, including coronary heart disease, stroke, aortic valve calcification and abdominal aortic aneurysm. Lp(a) is differentiated from other lipoprotein molecules through apolipoprotein(a), which possesses atherogenic and antithrombolytic properties attributed to its structure. Lp(a) levels are mostly genetically predetermined and influenced by the size of LPA gene variants, with smaller isoforms resulting in a greater synthesis rate of apo(a) and, ultimately, elevated Lp(a) levels. As a result, serum Lp(a) levels may highly vary from extremely low to extremely high. Hyperlipoproteinemia(a) is defined as Lp(a) levels > 30 mg/dL in the US and >50 mg/dL in Europe. Because of its association with CVD, Lp(a) levels should be measured at least once a lifetime in adults. The ultimate goal is to identify individuals with increased risk of CVD and intervene accordingly. Traditional pharmacological interventions like niacin, statins, ezetimibe, aspirin, PCSK-9 inhibitors, mipomersen, estrogens and CETP inhibitors have not yet yielded satisfactory results. The mean Lp(a) reduction, if any, is barely 50% for all agents, with statins increasing Lp(a) levels, whereas a reduction of 80-90% appears to be required to achieve a significant decrease in major cardiovascular events. Novel RNA-interfering agents that specifically target hepatocytes are aimed in this direction. Pelacarsen is an antisense oligonucleotide, while olpasiran, LY3819469 and SLN360 are small interfering RNAs, all conjugated with a N-acetylgalactosamine molecule. Their ultimate objective is to genetically silence LPA, reduce apo(a) production and lower serum Lp(a) levels. Evidence thus so far demonstrates that monthly subcutaneous administration of a single dose yields optimal results with persisting substantial reductions in Lp(a) levels, potentially enhancing CVD risk reduction. The Lp(a) reduction achieved with novel RNA agents may exceed 95%. The results of ongoing and future clinical trials are eagerly anticipated, and it is hoped that guidelines for the tailored management of Lp(a) levels with these novel agents may not be far off.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantine E. Kosmas
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467, USA;
- Cardiology Clinic, Cardiology Unlimited, PC, New York, NY 10033, USA;
| | - Maria D. Bousvarou
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, 710 03 Heraklion, Greece; (M.D.B.); (A.K.)
| | | | - Donatos Tsamoulis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Thriasio General Hospital of Eleusis, 196 00 Athens, Greece;
| | - Andreas Koulopoulos
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, 710 03 Heraklion, Greece; (M.D.B.); (A.K.)
| | | | - Eliscer Guzman
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467, USA;
- Cardiology Clinic, Cardiology Unlimited, PC, New York, NY 10033, USA;
| | - Loukianos S. Rallidis
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, University General Hospital ATTIKON, 124 62 Athens, Greece;
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Koutsogianni AD, Liamis G, Liberopoulos E, Adamidis PS, Florentin M. Effects of Lipid-Modifying and Other Drugs on Lipoprotein(a) Levels-Potent Clinical Implications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050750. [PMID: 37242533 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The past few years have shown an ongoing interest in lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), a lipid molecule that has been proven to have atherogenic, thrombogenic, and inflammatory properties. Several lines of evidence, indeed, have demonstrated an increased risk of cardiovascular disease as well as calcific aortic valve stenosis in patients with elevated Lp(a) levels. Statins, the mainstay of lipid-lowering therapy, slightly increase Lp(a) levels, while most other lipid-modifying agents do not significantly alter Lp(a) concentrations, except for proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors. The latter have been shown to reduce Lp(a) levels; however, the clinical significance of this effect has not been clearly elucidated. Of note, the pharmaceutical lowering of Lp(a) may be achieved with novel treatments specifically designed for this purpose (i.e., antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs)). Large clinical trials with cardiovascular outcomes with these agents are ongoing, and their results are eagerly awaited. Furthermore, several non-lipid-modifying drugs of various classes may influence Lp(a) concentrations. We have searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases up to 28 January 2023 and summarized the effects of established and emerging lipid-modifying drugs and other medications on Lp(a) levels. We also discuss the potent clinical implications of these alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George Liamis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Evangelos Liberopoulos
- 1st Propaideutic Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Matilda Florentin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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High-Risk Lipoprotein(a) Levels in Saudi Women and Its Relationship to Menopause and Adiposity. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030693. [PMID: 36771400 PMCID: PMC9919220 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipoprotein(a) is an inherent CVD risk biomarker that varies by race, and the levels of Lp(a) in Saudi women are relatively unexplored. We aimed to examine the effect of age and menopause on Lp(a) and explore the correlation between adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors with Lp(a) in Saudi women. The third aim was to determine the predictors of elevated Lp(a) in this population. In this cross-sectional study of 229 women, we compared Lp(a) serum levels, adiposity indices, and lipid and glycemic profiles between menopausal groups. We used immunoturbidimetry to measure serum Lp(a) and BIA to assess body composition. We evaluated the relationship between Lp(a) and our parameters using ANOVA and Spearman's correlations. Regression was used to determine the predictors of high-risk Lp(a) levels. The mean of Lp(a) was 28.37 mg/dL, and the concentration increased significantly in postmenopausal (premenopausal 20.98 ± 12.30; perimenopausal 29.92 ± 9.53; postmenopausal 32.49 ± 9.83 mg/dL; p < 0.001. High-risk levels were 57.1% in postmenopausal and 19.1% in premenopausal. The magnitude of Lp(a) increased significantly after age 50. Lp(a) was significantly associated with age and cholesterol and negatively associated with % FFM. Lp(a) increased by 0.41 units for every year of age, indicating the strongest correlation.
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