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Alhomoud IS, Talasaz A, Mehta A, Kelly MS, Sisson EM, Bucheit JD, Brown R, Dixon DL. Role of lipoprotein(a) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: A review of current and emerging therapies. Pharmacotherapy 2023; 43:1051-1063. [PMID: 37464942 DOI: 10.1002/phar.2851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is structurally like low-density lipoprotein (LDL) but differs in that it contains glycoprotein apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)]. Due to its prothrombotic and proinflammatory properties, Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and aortic valve stenosis. Lp(a) levels are genetically determined, and it is estimated that 20%-25% of the global population has an Lp(a) level ≥50 mg/dL (or ≥125 nmol/L). Diet and lifestyle interventions have little to no effect on Lp(a) levels. Lipoprotein apheresis is the only approved treatment for elevated Lp(a) but is time-intensive for the patient and only modestly effective. Pharmacological approaches to reduce Lp(a) levels and its associated risks are of significant interest; however, currently available lipid-lowering therapies have limited effectiveness in reducing Lp(a) levels. Although statins are first-line agents to reduce LDL cholesterol levels, they modestly increase Lp(a) levels and have not been shown to change Lp(a)-mediated ASCVD risk. Alirocumab, evolocumab, and inclisiran reduce Lp(a) levels by 20-25%, yet the clinical implications of this reduction for Lp(a)-mediated ASCVD risk are uncertain. Niacin also lowers Lp(a) levels; however, its effectiveness in mitigating Lp(a)-mediated ASCVD risk remains unclear, and its side effects have limited its utilization. Recommendations for when to screen and how to manage individuals with elevated Lp(a) vary widely between national and international guidelines and scientific statements. Three investigational compounds targeting Lp(a), including small interfering RNA (siRNA) agents (olpasiran, SLN360) and an antisense oligonucleotide (pelacarsen), are in various stages of development. These compounds block the translation of messenger RNA (mRNA) into apo(a), a key structural component of Lp(a), thereby substantially reducing Lp(a) synthesis in the liver. The purpose of this review is to describe current recommendations for screening and managing elevated Lp(a), describe the effects of currently available lipid-lowering therapies on Lp(a) levels, and provide insight into emerging therapies targeting Lp(a).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim S Alhomoud
- Department of Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azita Talasaz
- Department of Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Anurag Mehta
- Division of Cardiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Michael S Kelly
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Thomas Jefferson University College of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Evan M Sisson
- Department of Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - John D Bucheit
- Department of Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Roy Brown
- School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Dave L Dixon
- Department of Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Steg PG, Szarek M, Valgimigli M, Islam S, Zeiher AM, Bhatt DL, Bittner VA, Chiang CE, Diaz R, Goodman SG, Gotcheva N, Harrington RA, Jukema JW, Kim HS, Kim SH, Morais J, Pordy R, Scemama M, White HD, Schwartz GG. Lipoprotein(a) and the Effect of Alirocumab on Revascularization After Acute Coronary Syndrome. Can J Cardiol 2023; 39:1315-1324. [PMID: 37116789 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2023.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients require revascularization after index acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Lipoprotein(a) is thought to play a pathogenic role in atherothrombosis. In ODYSSEY OUTCOMES, alirocumab reduced major adverse cardiovascular events after ACS, with greater reduction among those with higher lipoprotein(a) levels. We explored whether risk of revascularization after ACS was modified by the level of lipoprotein(a) and treatment with alirocumab or placebo. METHODS In ODYSSEY OUTCOMES alirocumab was compared with placebo in 18,924 patients with ACS and elevated atherogenic lipoprotein levels despite optimized statin treatment. In this post hoc analysis, treatment effects are summarized using competing risks proportional hazard models. RESULTS A total of 1559 (8.2%) patients had coronary, 204 (1.1%) had limb, and 40 (0.2%) had carotid revascularization. Alirocumab reduced coronary revascularization (2.8 vs 3.2 events per 100 patient-years; hazard ratio [HR], 0.88 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.80-0.97]; P = 0.01) and any revascularization (3.2 vs 3.7 events per 100 patient-years; HR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.78-0.94]; P = 0.001). Baseline lipoprotein(a) quartile was directly associated with risk of coronary or any revascularization in the placebo arm and inversely related to treatment HRs (all P for trend < 0.01). Alirocumab produced the greatest reduction of coronary revascularization in patients with baseline lipoprotein(a) in the top quartile (≥ 59.6 mg/dL; HR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.57-0.84]), but no apparent reduction in the bottom quartile (HR, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.82-1.22]). Findings were similar for the effect of alirocumab on any revascularization. CONCLUSIONS Alirocumab reduced revascularization rates after ACS. The risk of revascularization and reduction in that risk with alirocumab were greatest in patients with elevated lipoprotein(a) at baseline.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Gabriel Steg
- Department of Cardiology, Université Paris-Cité, INSERM-UMR1148, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat, French Alliance for Cardiovascular Trials, and Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.
| | - Michael Szarek
- CPC Clinical Research and Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA; State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Marco Valgimigli
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiocentro Ticino Institute, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland; Department of Cardiology,University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Shahidul Islam
- Division of Health Services Research, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, New York, USA
| | - Andreas M Zeiher
- Department of Medicine III, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Deepak L Bhatt
- Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vera A Bittner
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Chern-En Chiang
- General Clinical Research Center, Division of Cardiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Rafael Diaz
- Estudios Cardiológicos Latinoamérica, Instituto Cardiovascular de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Shaun G Goodman
- Department of Medicine, Canadian VIGOUR Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Division of Cardiology, St Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nina Gotcheva
- Department of Cardiology, MHAT "National Cardiology Hospital" EAD, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Robert A Harrington
- Stanford Center for Clinical Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - J Wouter Jukema
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hyo-Soo Kim
- Departmentof Cardiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hyun Kim
- Division of Cardiology, SMG Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joao Morais
- Division of Cardiology, Leiria Hospital Center, Leiria, Portugal; ciTechCare, Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal
| | - Robert Pordy
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc, Tarrytown, New York, USA
| | | | - Harvey D White
- Green Lane Cardiovascular Services, Auckland City Hospital and Auckland University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gregory G Schwartz
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Vinci P, Di Girolamo FG, Panizon E, Tosoni LM, Cerrato C, Pellicori F, Altamura N, Pirulli A, Zaccari M, Biasinutto C, Roni C, Fiotti N, Schincariol P, Mangogna A, Biolo G. Lipoprotein(a) as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Diseases: Pathophysiology and Treatment Perspectives. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6721. [PMID: 37754581 PMCID: PMC10531345 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20186721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, despite all the progress achieved as regards to both prevention and treatment. Having high levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease that operates independently. It can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease even when LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are within the recommended range, which is referred to as residual cardiovascular risk. Lp(a) is an LDL-like particle present in human plasma, in which a large plasminogen-like glycoprotein, apolipoprotein(a) [Apo(a)], is covalently bound to Apo B100 via one disulfide bridge. Apo(a) contains one plasminogen-like kringle V structure, a variable number of plasminogen-like kringle IV structures (types 1-10), and one inactive protease region. There is a large inter-individual variation of plasma concentrations of Lp(a), mainly ascribable to genetic variants in the Lp(a) gene: in the general po-pulation, Lp(a) levels can range from <1 mg/dL to >1000 mg/dL. Concentrations also vary between different ethnicities. Lp(a) has been established as one of the risk factors that play an important role in the development of atherosclerotic plaque. Indeed, high concentrations of Lp(a) have been related to a greater risk of ischemic CVD, aortic valve stenosis, and heart failure. The threshold value has been set at 50 mg/dL, but the risk may increase already at levels above 30 mg/dL. Although there is a well-established and strong link between high Lp(a) levels and coronary as well as cerebrovascular disease, the evidence regarding incident peripheral arterial disease and carotid atherosclerosis is not as conclusive. Because lifestyle changes and standard lipid-lowering treatments, such as statins, niacin, and cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors, are not highly effective in reducing Lp(a) levels, there is increased interest in developing new drugs that can address this issue. PCSK9 inhibitors seem to be capable of reducing Lp(a) levels by 25-30%. Mipomersen decreases Lp(a) levels by 25-40%, but its use is burdened with important side effects. At the current time, the most effective and tolerated treatment for patients with a high Lp(a) plasma level is apheresis, while antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs, and microRNAs, which reduce Lp(a) levels by targeting RNA molecules and regulating gene expression as well as protein production levels, are the most widely explored and promising perspectives. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the current state of the art with regard to Lp(a) pathophysiological mechanisms, focusing on the most effective strategies for lowering Lp(a), including new emerging alternative therapies. The purpose of this manuscript is to improve the management of hyperlipoproteinemia(a) in order to achieve better control of the residual cardiovascular risk, which remains unacceptably high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierandrea Vinci
- Clinica Medica, Cattinara Hospital, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.G.D.G.); (E.P.); (L.M.T.); (C.C.); (F.P.); (N.A.); (A.P.); (M.Z.); (N.F.); (G.B.)
| | - Filippo Giorgio Di Girolamo
- Clinica Medica, Cattinara Hospital, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.G.D.G.); (E.P.); (L.M.T.); (C.C.); (F.P.); (N.A.); (A.P.); (M.Z.); (N.F.); (G.B.)
- SC Assistenza Farmaceutica, Cattinara Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (C.B.); (C.R.); (P.S.)
| | - Emiliano Panizon
- Clinica Medica, Cattinara Hospital, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.G.D.G.); (E.P.); (L.M.T.); (C.C.); (F.P.); (N.A.); (A.P.); (M.Z.); (N.F.); (G.B.)
| | - Letizia Maria Tosoni
- Clinica Medica, Cattinara Hospital, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.G.D.G.); (E.P.); (L.M.T.); (C.C.); (F.P.); (N.A.); (A.P.); (M.Z.); (N.F.); (G.B.)
| | - Carla Cerrato
- Clinica Medica, Cattinara Hospital, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.G.D.G.); (E.P.); (L.M.T.); (C.C.); (F.P.); (N.A.); (A.P.); (M.Z.); (N.F.); (G.B.)
| | - Federica Pellicori
- Clinica Medica, Cattinara Hospital, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.G.D.G.); (E.P.); (L.M.T.); (C.C.); (F.P.); (N.A.); (A.P.); (M.Z.); (N.F.); (G.B.)
| | - Nicola Altamura
- Clinica Medica, Cattinara Hospital, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.G.D.G.); (E.P.); (L.M.T.); (C.C.); (F.P.); (N.A.); (A.P.); (M.Z.); (N.F.); (G.B.)
| | - Alessia Pirulli
- Clinica Medica, Cattinara Hospital, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.G.D.G.); (E.P.); (L.M.T.); (C.C.); (F.P.); (N.A.); (A.P.); (M.Z.); (N.F.); (G.B.)
| | - Michele Zaccari
- Clinica Medica, Cattinara Hospital, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.G.D.G.); (E.P.); (L.M.T.); (C.C.); (F.P.); (N.A.); (A.P.); (M.Z.); (N.F.); (G.B.)
| | - Chiara Biasinutto
- SC Assistenza Farmaceutica, Cattinara Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (C.B.); (C.R.); (P.S.)
| | - Chiara Roni
- SC Assistenza Farmaceutica, Cattinara Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (C.B.); (C.R.); (P.S.)
| | - Nicola Fiotti
- Clinica Medica, Cattinara Hospital, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.G.D.G.); (E.P.); (L.M.T.); (C.C.); (F.P.); (N.A.); (A.P.); (M.Z.); (N.F.); (G.B.)
| | - Paolo Schincariol
- SC Assistenza Farmaceutica, Cattinara Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (C.B.); (C.R.); (P.S.)
| | - Alessandro Mangogna
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health, I.R.C.C.S “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Gianni Biolo
- Clinica Medica, Cattinara Hospital, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Science, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (F.G.D.G.); (E.P.); (L.M.T.); (C.C.); (F.P.); (N.A.); (A.P.); (M.Z.); (N.F.); (G.B.)
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4
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Brandts J, Ray KK. Novel and future lipid-modulating therapies for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Nat Rev Cardiol 2023; 20:600-616. [PMID: 37055535 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-023-00860-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Lowering the levels of LDL cholesterol in the plasma has been shown to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Several other lipoproteins, such as triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, HDL and lipoprotein(a) are associated with atherosclerosis and ASCVD, with strong evidence supporting causality for some. In this Review, we discuss novel and upcoming therapeutic strategies targeting different pathways in lipid metabolism to potentially attenuate the risk of cardiovascular events. Key proteins involved in lipoprotein metabolism, such as PCSK9, angiopoietin-related protein 3, cholesteryl ester transfer protein and apolipoprotein(a), have been identified as viable targets for therapeutic intervention through observational and genetic studies. These proteins can be targeted using a variety of approaches, such as protein inhibition or interference, inhibition of translation at the mRNA level (with the use of antisense oligonucleotides or small interfering RNA), and the introduction of loss-of-function mutations through base editing. These novel and upcoming strategies are complementary to and could work synergistically with existing therapies, or in some cases could potentially replace therapies, offering unprecedented opportunities to prevent ASCVD. Moreover, a major challenge in the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases is how to achieve safe, long-lasting reductions in causal exposures. This challenge might be overcome with approaches such as small interfering RNAs or genome editing, which shows how far the field has advanced from when the burden of achieving this goal was placed upon patients through rigorous adherence to daily small-molecule drug regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Brandts
- Imperial Centre for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention (ICCP), Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kausik K Ray
- Imperial Centre for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention (ICCP), Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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5
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Koschinsky ML, Stroes ESG, Kronenberg F. Daring to dream: Targeting lipoprotein(a) as a causal and risk-enhancing factor. Pharmacol Res 2023; 194:106843. [PMID: 37406784 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a distinct lipoprotein class, has become a major focus for cardiovascular research. This review is written in light of the recent guideline and consensus statements on Lp(a) and focuses on 1) the causal association between Lp(a) and cardiovascular outcomes, 2) the potential mechanisms by which elevated Lp(a) contributes to cardiovascular diseases, 3) the metabolic insights on the production and clearance of Lp(a) and 4) the current and future therapeutic approaches to lower Lp(a) concentrations. The concentrations of Lp(a) are under strict genetic control. There exists a continuous relationship between the Lp(a) concentrations and risk for various endpoints of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). One in five people in the Caucasian population is considered to have increased Lp(a) concentrations; the prevalence of elevated Lp(a) is even higher in black populations. This makes Lp(a) a cardiovascular risk factor of major public health relevance. Besides the association between Lp(a) and myocardial infarction, the relationship with aortic valve stenosis has become a major focus of research during the last decade. Genetic studies provided strong support for a causal association between Lp(a) and cardiovascular outcomes: carriers of genetic variants associated with lifelong increased Lp(a) concentration are significantly more frequent in patients with ASCVD. This has triggered the development of drugs that can specifically lower Lp(a) concentrations: mRNA-targeting therapies such as anti-sense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapies and short interfering RNA (siRNA) therapies have opened new avenues to lower Lp(a) concentrations more than 95%. Ongoing Phase II and III clinical trials of these compounds are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlys L Koschinsky
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erik S G Stroes
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Florian Kronenberg
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Bianconi V, Mannarino MR, Ramondino F, Fusaro J, Giglioni F, Braca M, Ricciutelli F, Lombardini R, Paltriccia R, Greco A, Lega IC, Pirro M. Lipoprotein(a) Does Not Predict Thrombotic Events and In-Hospital Outcomes in Patients with COVID-19. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12103543. [PMID: 37240653 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12103543] [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] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The prothrombotic and proinflammatory properties of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) have been hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19; however, the prognostic impact of Lp(a) on the clinical course of COVID-19 remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate whether Lp(a) may be associated with biomarkers of thrombo-inflammation and the occurrence of thrombotic events or adverse clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. We consecutively enrolled a cohort of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and collected blood samples for Lp(a) assessment at hospital admission. A prothrombotic state was evaluated through D-dimer levels, whereas a proinflammatory state was evaluated through C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, and white blood cell (WBC) levels. Thrombotic events were marked by the diagnosis of deep or superficial vein thrombosis (DVT or SVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and critical limb ischemia (CLI). The composite clinical end point of intensive care unit (ICU) admission/in-hospital death was used to evaluate adverse clinical outcomes. Among 564 patients (290 (51%) men, mean age of 74 ± 17 years) the median Lp(a) value at hospital admission was 13 (10-27) mg/dL. During hospitalization, 64 (11%) patients were diagnosed with at least one thrombotic event and 83 (15%) patients met the composite clinical end point. Lp(a), as either a continuous or categorical variable, was not associated with D-dimer, CRP, procalcitonin, and WBC levels (p > 0.05 for all correlation analyses). In addition, Lp(a) was not associated with a risk of thrombotic events (p > 0.05 for multi-adjusted odds ratios) nor with a risk of adverse clinical outcomes (p > 0.05 for multi-adjusted hazard ratios). In conclusion, Lp(a) does not influence biomarkers of plasma thrombotic activity and systemic inflammation nor has any impact on thrombotic events and adverse clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Bianconi
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Massimo R Mannarino
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1N8, Canada
| | - Federica Ramondino
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Jessica Fusaro
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Giglioni
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco Braca
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Federica Ricciutelli
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Rita Lombardini
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Rita Paltriccia
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessia Greco
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Iliana C Lega
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 1N8, Canada
| | - Matteo Pirro
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
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7
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Levstek T, Karun T, Rehberger Likozar A, Šebeštjen M, Trebušak Podkrajšek K. Interplay between microRNAs, Serum Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9), and Lipid Parameters in Patients with Very High Lipoprotein(a) Treated with PCSK9 Inhibitors. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030632. [PMID: 36980904 PMCID: PMC10048228 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has an important function in the regulation of lipid metabolism. PCSK9 reduces hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptors, thereby increasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. However, its regulation remains to be elucidated, including post-transcriptional regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs). We aimed to explore the interplay between miRNAs, total serum PCSK9, and lipids during treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors. A total of 64 patients with stable coronary artery disease and very high lipoprotein(a) levels and 16 sex- and age-matched control subjects were enrolled. Patients received a PCSK9 inhibitor (evolocumab or alirocumab). Total serum PCSK9 levels were measured by immunoassay. RNA was isolated from plasma using magnetic beads, and expression of selected miRNAs was analyzed by quantitative PCR. Total serum PCSK9 levels were significantly higher in control subjects compared with patients. After 6 months of treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors, total serum PCSK9 levels increased significantly. The expression of miR-191-5p was significantly lower, and the expression of miR-224-5p and miR-483-5p was significantly higher in patients compared with control subjects. Using linear regression, the expression of miR-483-5p significantly predicted the serum PCSK9 level at baseline. After the 6-month period of therapy, the expression of miR-191-5p and miR-483-5p significantly increased. Our results support a role for miR-483-5p in regulating circulating PCSK9 in vivo. The difference in expression of miR-191-5p, miR-224-5p, and miR-337-3p between patients and control subjects suggests their possible role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Levstek
- Laboratory for Translational Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Clinical Institute for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Karun
- Laboratory for Translational Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andreja Rehberger Likozar
- Department of Vascular Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miran Šebeštjen
- Department of Vascular Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katarina Trebušak Podkrajšek
- Laboratory for Translational Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Clinical Institute for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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8
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Di Fusco SA, Arca M, Scicchitano P, Alonzo A, Perone F, Gulizia MM, Gabrielli D, Oliva F, Imperoli G, Colivicchi F. Lipoprotein(a): a risk factor for atherosclerosis and an emerging therapeutic target. Heart 2022; 109:18-25. [PMID: 35288443 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2021-320708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a complex circulating lipoprotein, and increasing evidence has demonstrated its role as a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and as a possible therapeutic target. Lp(a) atherogenic effects are attributed to several potential mechanisms in addition to cholesterol accumulation in the arterial wall, including proinflammatory effects mainly mediated by oxidised phospholipids. Several studies have found a causal and independent relationship between Lp(a) levels and cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, several studies also suggest a causal association between Lp(a) levels and calcific aortic valve stenosis. Available lipid-lowering agents have at best moderate impact on Lp(a) levels. Among available therapies, antibody proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors are the most effective in reducing Lp(a). Potent Lp(a)-lowering treatments that target LPA expression are under development. Lp(a) level measurement poses some challenges due to the absence of a definitive reference method and the reporting of Lp(a) values as molar (nanomoles per litre (nmol/L)) or mass concentrations (milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL)) by different assays. Currently, Lp(a) measurement is recommended to refine cardiovascular risk in specific clinical settings, that is, in individuals with a family history of premature ASCVD, in patients with ASCVD not explained by standard risk factors or in those with recurrent events despite optimal management of traditional risk factors. Patients with high Lp(a) levels should be managed with more intensive approaches to treat other modifiable cardiovascular risk factors. Overall, this review focuses on Lp(a) as an ASCVD risk factor and therapeutic target. Furthermore, it reports practical recommendations for Lp(a) measurement and interpretation and updated evidence on Lp(a)-lowering approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcello Arca
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Michele Massimo Gulizia
- Cardiology Division, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, Catania, Italy.,Heart Care Foundation, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Oliva
- De Gasperis Cardio Center, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy
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9
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Lipoprotein(a) and Cardiovascular Disease in Chinese Population. JACC: ASIA 2022; 2:653-665. [PMID: 36444328 PMCID: PMC9700018 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacasi.2022.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Elevated concentration of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and so on. Emerging data suggest that Lp(a) contributes to the increased risk for cardiovascular events even in the setting of effective reduction of plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Nevertheless, puzzling issues exist covering potential genetic factors, Lp(a) assay, possible individuals for analysis, a cutoff point of increased risk, and clinical interventions. In the Chinese population, Lp(a) exhibited a distinctive prevalence and regulated various cardiovascular diseases in specific ways. Hence, it is valuable to clarify the role of Lp(a) in cardiovascular diseases and explore prevention and control measures for the increase in Lp(a) prevalence in the Chinese population. This Beijing Heart Society experts' scientific statement will present the detailed knowledge concerning Lp(a)-related studies combined with Chinese population observations to provide the key points of reference.
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10
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Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of death globally, and further efforts are being undertaken to understand and modify CVD risk factors, such as dyslipidemia (DLD), hypertension, and diabetes. The sedentary lifestyle of most individuals today contributes to the prevalence of these conditions. Uncontrolled dyslipidemia serves as a fertile ground for atherosclerotic plaque formation, while lipoproteins (Lp) act as cofactors for inflammatory processes that cause plaque destabilization leading to subsequent CVD events. As such, many health experts and institutions continue to emphasize the importance of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular strength (MusS) with the intent to reduce atherogenic lipoproteins and proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK-9) expression. Concordantly, the two modes of exercise training (ET), such as aerobic ET (aET) and resistance ET (rET) have both demonstrated to improve CRF and MusS, respectively. Although both modes of ET were shown to independently reduce mortality, participation in both forms resulted in a more pronounced improvement in cholesterol levels and CVD-related mortality. Though reduction of adiposity is not a pre-requisite to achieve better control of DLD through increased CRF and MusS, the beneficial effects of physical activity on the inflammatory processes linked to atherosclerosis are almost always associated with a simultaneous decrease in overall adiposity. It is therefore essential to promote both aET and rET, including weight loss in order to attenuate the risks stemming from atherosclerosis and its proinflammatory components.
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11
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Wilson DP, Jacobson TA, Jones PH, Koschinsky ML, McNeal CJ, Nordestgaard BG, Orringer CE. Use of Lipoprotein(a) in clinical practice: A biomarker whose time has come. A scientific statement from the National Lipid Association. J Clin Lipidol 2022; 16:e77-e95. [PMID: 36068139 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a well-recognized, independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with elevated levels estimated to be prevalent in 20% of the population. Observational and genetic evidence strongly support a causal relationship between high plasma concentrations of Lp(a) and increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease-related events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, and valvular aortic stenosis. In this scientific statement, we review an array of evidence-based considerations for testing of Lp(a) in clinical practice and the utilization of Lp(a) levels to inform treatment strategies in primary and secondary prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don P Wilson
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Cook Children''s Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA.
| | - Terry A Jacobson
- Department of Medicine, Lipid Clinic and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Peter H Jones
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marlys L Koschinsky
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Catherine J McNeal
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Børge G Nordestgaard
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Carl E Orringer
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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12
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Rehberger Likozar A, Šebeštjen M. Smoking and diabetes attenuate beneficial effects of PSCK9 inhibitors on arterial wall properties in patients with very high lipoprotein (a) levels. ATHEROSCLEROSIS PLUS 2022; 50:1-9. [PMID: 36643800 PMCID: PMC9833244 DOI: 10.1016/j.athplu.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Background and aims Elevated lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (LDL-C) are significant residual risk factors for cardiovascular events. Treatment with protein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors reduces the levels of both. Less is known about effects of PCSK9 inhibitors on functional and morphological properties of the arterial wall. The aim of the present study was to determine whether other factors besides decreased LDL-C and Lp(a) are associated with functional (flow-mediated dilation [FMD]) and morphological (carotid intima-media thickness [c-IMT], pulse-wave velocity [PWV]) changes of the arterial wall properties in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) treated with alirocumab and evolocumab. Methods One hundred patients with CAD after myocardial infarction before 55 years and with high Lp(a) were randomised to lipid-lowering therapies without PCSK9 inhibitors (control; N = 31), or with alirocumab 150 mg SC (N = 35) or evolocumab 140 mg SC (N = 34), every 2 weeks. All patients underwent blood sampling for biochemical analyses and ultrasound measurements for FMD, c-IMT and PWV. Results There were no significant changes in FMD for the control (10.7% ± 6.6%-11.1% ± 4.4%, p = 0.716) and alirocumab (10.7% ± 5.9%-11.2% ± 5.3%, p = 0.547) groups, while evolocumab promoted significant increase (11.2% ± 6.8%-14.1% ± 6.6%, p < 0.0001). Only in non-smokers and non-diabetics significant improvements in FMD (p < 0.0001) after treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors were observed. Conclusion These data show that for patients with CAD and high Lp(a) levels, beneficial effects of PCSK9 inhibitors on the arterial wall properties can be attenuated by specific risk factors, such as smoking and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miran Šebeštjen
- Department of Vascular Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia,Department of Cardiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia,University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia,Corresponding author. Department of Cardiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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13
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Youssef A, Clark JR, Marcovina SM, Boffa MB, Koschinsky ML. Apo(a) and ApoB Interact Noncovalently Within Hepatocytes: Implications for Regulation of Lp(a) Levels by Modulation of ApoB Secretion. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2022; 42:289-304. [PMID: 35045727 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.121.317335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated plasma Lp(a) (lipoprotein(a)) levels are associated with increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and aortic valve stenosis. However, the cell biology of Lp(a) biosynthesis remains poorly understood, with the locations of the noncovalent and covalent steps of Lp(a) assembly unclear and the nature of the apoB-containing particle destined for Lp(a) unknown. We, therefore, asked if apo(a) and apoB interact noncovalently within hepatocytes and if this impacts Lp(a) biosynthesis. METHODS Using human hepatocellular carcinoma cells expressing 17K (17 kringle) apo(a), or a 17KΔLBS7,8 variant with a reduced ability to bind noncovalently to apoB, we performed coimmunoprecipitation, coimmunofluorescence, and proximity ligation assays to document intracellular apo(a):apoB interactions. We used a pulse-chase metabolic labeling approach to measure apo(a) and apoB secretion rates. RESULTS Noncovalent complexes containing apo(a)/apoB are present in lysates from cells expressing 17K but not 17KΔLBS7,8, whereas covalent apo(a)/apoB complexes are absent from lysates. 17K and apoB colocalized intracellularly, overlapping with staining for markers of endoplasmic reticulum trans-Golgi, and early endosomes, and less so with lysosomes. The 17KΔLBS7,8 had lower colocalization with apoB. Proximity ligation assays directly documented intracellular 17K/apoB interactions, which were dramatically reduced for 17KΔLBS7,8. Treatment of cells with PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) enhanced, and lomitapide reduced, apo(a) secretion in a manner dependent on the noncovalent interaction between apo(a) and apoB. Apo(a) secretion was also reduced by siRNA-mediated knockdown of APOB. CONCLUSIONS Our findings explain the coupling of apo(a) and Lp(a)-apoB production observed in human metabolic studies using stable isotopes as well as the ability of agents that inhibit apoB biosynthesis to lower Lp(a) levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer Youssef
- Robarts Research Institute (A.Y., M.B.B., M.L.K.), Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Justin R Clark
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology (J.R.C., M.L.K.), Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | | | - Michael B Boffa
- Robarts Research Institute (A.Y., M.B.B., M.L.K.), Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry (M.B.B.), Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Marlys L Koschinsky
- Robarts Research Institute (A.Y., M.B.B., M.L.K.), Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.,Department of Physiology & Pharmacology (J.R.C., M.L.K.), Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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14
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Ma S, Zhang M, Qu H, Cheng Y, Du S, Fan J, Yao Q, Zhang X, Chen M, Zhang N, Shi K, Huang Y, Zhan S. Combination of High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Lipoprotein(a) as a Predictor of Collateral Circulation in Patients With Severe Unilateral Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis or Occlusion. J Clin Neurol 2022; 18:14-23. [PMID: 35021272 PMCID: PMC8762497 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2022.18.1.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Collateral circulation is considered an important factor affecting the risk of stroke, but the factors that affect collateral circulation remain unclear. This study was performed to identify the factors associated with collateral circulation, especially blood lipids. METHODS The study involved patients who had undergone digital subtraction angiography and were confirmed as having severe unilateral stenosis or occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). We classified the collateral circulation status of each patient as good (Grade 3 or 4) or poor (Grade 0, 1, or 2) according to the grading system of the American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology/American Society of Interventional Radiology. We collected data on patients' characteristics and identified the factors that affect collateral circulation. RESULTS This study included 212 patients. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration and a complete anterior half of the circle of Willis were independent protective factors for good collateral circulation, whereas elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and serum creatinine concentrations were independent risk factors for good collateral circulation. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was 0.68 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61-0.76) for HDL-C and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.62-0.76) for Lp(a). A binary logistic regression model analysis of the joint factor of HDL-C and Lp(a) yielded an AUC of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.71-0.84). CONCLUSIONS In patients with severe unilateral ICA stenosis or occlusion, the combination of HDL-C and Lp(a) is a useful predictor of collateral circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyin Ma
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meijuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huiyang Qu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuxuan Cheng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuang Du
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiaxin Fan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qingling Yao
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mengying Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kaili Shi
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yizhou Huang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuqin Zhan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
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15
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Blokhina AV, Ershova AI, Limonova AS, Kopylova OV, Meshkov AN, Drapkina OM. PCSK9 Inhibitors in Clinical Practice: Experience of a Specialized Lipid Center. RATIONAL PHARMACOTHERAPY IN CARDIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.20996/1819-6446-2021-12-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim. To characterize patients receiving PCSK9 inhibitors, and assess the efficiency of their treatment in a specialized lipid center.Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients who visited the Lipid clinic of the National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine (Moscow, Russia), receiving PCSK9 inhibitor and having lipid profile in dynamics, was carried out (n=77). Cardiovascular risk (CVR) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) target levels were evaluated in accordance with the Russian guidelines for the diagnostics and correction of dyslipidemias 2020.Results. Of 77 patients taking PCSK9 inhibitors (44.2% males, the median of age 56 [47; 66] years), the majority (64.0%) had a probable or definite familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). The proportion of other lipid metabolism disorders, pure hypercholesterolemia and combined hyperlipidemia was 21% and 15%. More than half of the patients (68.8%) had a very high CVR, mainly due to the presence of coronary heart disease (84.9%). The proportion of patients receiving PCSK9 inhibitors as monotherapy was 7.8%, in combination with high-intensity statin therapy – 33.8%, as part of triple lipid-lowering therapy (high-intensity statin, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors) – 50.6%. Addition of PCSK9 inhibitors to combined lipid-lowering therapy enabled to reduce the LDL-C level to 1.02 [0.62; 1.39] mmol/l with its total decrease from the baseline by 87.3%. While taking PCSK9 inhibitors, LDL-C <1.8 mmol/l and <1.4 mmol/l achieved at 78.3% and 57.7% FH patients with high and very high CVR, respectively. Among patients with other hyperlipidemias, 74.1% of patients with very high CVR was achieved the target LDL-C level <1.4 mmol/l.Conclusion: In a specialized lipid center, PCSK9 inhibitors are prescribed to patients with high or very high CVR, most of whom are FH patients. The effectiveness of the use of PCSK9 inhibitors in real-world practice is comparable to the results of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. V. Blokhina
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
| | - A. I. Ershova
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
| | - A. S. Limonova
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
| | - O. V. Kopylova
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
| | - A. N. Meshkov
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
| | - O. M. Drapkina
- National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine
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16
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Kraler S, Blaser MC, Aikawa E, Camici GG, Lüscher TF. Calcific aortic valve disease: from molecular and cellular mechanisms to medical therapy. Eur Heart J 2021; 43:683-697. [PMID: 34849696 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a highly prevalent condition that comprises a disease continuum, ranging from microscopic changes to profound fibro-calcific leaflet remodelling, culminating in aortic stenosis, heart failure, and ultimately premature death. Traditional risk factors, such as hypercholesterolaemia and (systolic) hypertension, are shared among atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and CAVD, yet the molecular and cellular mechanisms differ markedly. Statin-induced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering, a remedy highly effective for secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, consistently failed to impact CAVD progression or to improve patient outcomes. However, recently completed phase II trials provide hope that pharmaceutical tactics directed at other targets implicated in CAVD pathogenesis offer an avenue to alter the course of the disease non-invasively. Herein, we delineate key players of CAVD pathobiology, outline mechanisms that entail compromised endothelial barrier function, and promote lipid homing, immune-cell infiltration, and deranged phospho-calcium metabolism that collectively perpetuate a pro-inflammatory/pro-osteogenic milieu in which valvular interstitial cells increasingly adopt myofibro-/osteoblast-like properties, thereby fostering fibro-calcific leaflet remodelling and eventually resulting in left ventricular outflow obstruction. We provide a glimpse into the most promising targets on the horizon, including lipoprotein(a), mineral-binding matrix Gla protein, soluble guanylate cyclase, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 as well as candidates involved in regulating phospho-calcium metabolism and valvular angiotensin II synthesis and ultimately discuss their potential for a future therapy of this insidious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Kraler
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland.,University Heart Center, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mark C Blaser
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 3 Blackfan Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elena Aikawa
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 3 Blackfan Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 77 Ave Louis Pasteur, NRB7, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Giovanni G Camici
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland.,University Heart Center, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas F Lüscher
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland.,Heart Division, Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals, Sydney Street, London SW3 6NP, UK.,National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, Guy Scadding Building, Dovehouse Street, London SW3 6LY, UK
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17
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Littmann K, Hagström E, Häbel H, Bottai M, Eriksson M, Parini P, Brinck J. Plasma lipoprotein(a) measured in the routine clinical care is associated to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease during a 14-year follow-up. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2021; 28:2038-2047. [PMID: 34343284 DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwab016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate plasma lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels measured in routine clinical care and their association with mortality and cardiovascular disease. METHODS AND RESULTS This retrospective registry-based observational cohort study includes all individuals with plasma Lp(a) results measured at the Karolinska University Laboratory 2003-17. Outcome data were captured in national outcome registries. Levels of Lp(a) expressed in mass or molar units were examined separately. In adjusted Cox regression models, association between deciles of plasma Lp(a) concentrations, mortality, and cardiovascular outcomes were assessed. A total of 23 398 individuals [52% females, mean (standard deviation) age 55.5 (17.2) years, median Lp(a) levels 17 mg/dL or 19.5 nmol/L] were included. Individuals with an Lp(a) level >90th decile (>90 mg/dL or >180 nmol/L) had hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) of 1.25 (1.05-1.50) for major adverse cardiovascular events (P = 0.013), 1.37 (1.14-1.64) for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (P = 0.001), and 1.62 (1.28-2.05) for coronary artery disease (P ≤ 0.001), compared to individuals with Lp(a) ≤50th decile. No association between Lp(a) and mortality, peripheral artery disease, or ischaemic stroke was observed. CONCLUSION High Lp(a) levels are associated with adverse cardiovascular disease outcomes also in individuals with Lp(a) measured in routine clinical care. This supports the 2019 ESC/EAS recommendation to measure Lp(a) at least once during lifetime to assess cardiovascular risk and implies the need for intensive preventive therapy in patients with elevated Lp(a).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Littmann
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Clinical Chemistry, Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, H7 Medicine Huddinge, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.,Medical Unit of Endocrinology, Theme Inflammation and Infection, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emil Hagström
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala Clinical Research Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Henrike Häbel
- Division of Biostatistics, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matteo Bottai
- Division of Biostatistics, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mats Eriksson
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, H7 Medicine Huddinge, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.,Medical Unit of Endocrinology, Theme Inflammation and Infection, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paolo Parini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, H7 Medicine Huddinge, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.,Medical Unit of Endocrinology, Theme Inflammation and Infection, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Brinck
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, H7 Medicine Huddinge, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.,Medical Unit of Endocrinology, Theme Inflammation and Infection, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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18
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Blanchard V, Chemello K, Hollstein T, Hong-Fong CC, Schumann F, Grenkowitz T, Nativel B, Coassin S, Croyal M, Kassner U, Lamina C, Steinhagen-Thiessen E, Lambert G. The size of apolipoprotein (a) is an independent determinant of the reduction in lipoprotein (a) induced by PCSK9 inhibitors. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 118:2103-2111. [PMID: 34314498 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is a lipoprotein species causatively associated with atherosclerosis. Unlike statins, PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) reduce Lp(a), but this reduction is highly variable. Levels of Lp(a) are chiefly governed by the size of its signature protein, apolipoprotein (a) [apo(a)]. Whether this parameter determines some of the reduction in Lp(a) induced by PCSK9i remains unknown. We aimed to investigate if the Lp(a) lowering efficacy of PCSK9i is modulated by the size of apo(a), which is genetically determined by the variable number of KIV domains present on that protein. METHODS AND RESULTS The levels of Lp(a) and the size of apo(a) were assessed in plasma samples from 268 patients before and after treatment with PCSK9i. Patients were recruited at the Outpatient Lipid Clinic of the Charité Hospital (Berlin) between 2015 and 2020. They were hypercholesterolemic at very high CVD risk with LDL-cholesterol levels above therapeutic targets despite maximally tolerated lipid-lowering therapy. Patients received either Alirocumab (75 or 150 mg) or Evolocumab (140 mg) every 2 weeks. Apo(a), apoB100, and apoE concentrations as well as apoE major isoforms were determined by liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry. Apo(a) isoforms sizes were determined by Western Blot. PCSK9i sharply reduced LDL-cholesterol (-57%), apoB100 (-47%) and Lp(a) (-36%). There was a positive correlation between the size of apo(a) and the relative reduction in Lp(a) induced by PCSK9i (r = 0.363, p = 0.0001). The strength of this association remained unaltered after adjustment for baseline Lp(a) levels and all other potential confounding factors. In patients with two detectable apo(a) isoforms, there was also a positive correlation between the size of apo(a) and the reduction in Lp(a), separately for the smaller (r = 0.350, p = 0.0001) and larger (r = 0.324, p = 0.0003) isoforms. The relative contribution of the larger isoform to the total concentration of apo(a) was reduced from 29% to 15% (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The size of apo(a) is an independent determinant of the response to PCSK9i. Each additional kringle domain is associated with a 3% additional reduction in Lp(a). This explains in part the variable efficacy of PCSK9i and allows to identify patients who will benefit most from these therapies in terms of Lp(a) lowering. TRANSLATIONAL PERSPECTIVE Unlike statins, PCSK9 inhibitors reduce the circulating levels of the highly atherogenic Lipoprotein (a). The underlying mechanism remains a matter of considerable debate. The size of apo(a), the signature protein of Lp(a), is extremely variable (300 to more than 800 kDa) and depends on its number of kringle domains. We now show that each increase in apo(a) size by one kringle domain is associated with a 3% additional reduction in Lp(a) following PCSK9i treatment and that apo(a) size polymorphism is an independent predictor of the reduction in Lp(a) induced by these drugs. In an era of personalized medicine, this allows to identify patients who will benefit most from PCSK9i in terms of Lp(a) lowering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Blanchard
- Université de La Réunion, INSERM UMR 1188 DéTROI, Sainte-Clotilde, France.,Centre for Heart & Lung Innovation, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Medicine, UBC, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kévin Chemello
- Université de La Réunion, INSERM UMR 1188 DéTROI, Sainte-Clotilde, France
| | - Tim Hollstein
- Department of Endocrinology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine 1, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Friederike Schumann
- Department of Endocrinology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Grenkowitz
- Department of Endocrinology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Brice Nativel
- Université de La Réunion, INSERM UMR 1188 DéTROI, Sainte-Clotilde, France
| | - Stefan Coassin
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Genetics and Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbrück, Innsbrück, Austria
| | - Mikaël Croyal
- NUN, INRA, CHU Nantes, UMR 1280, PhAN, IMAD, CRNH-O, Nantes, France
| | - Ursula Kassner
- Department of Endocrinology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Lamina
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Genetics and Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbrück, Innsbrück, Austria
| | | | - Gilles Lambert
- Université de La Réunion, INSERM UMR 1188 DéTROI, Sainte-Clotilde, France
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19
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Abstract
The study of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] over the years has been a source of both enlightenment and frustration for the medical community. Accumulating evidence from large sample observational studies, Mendelian randomization studies, and genome-wide association studies has strengthened the association between Lp(a) and the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This evidence supports the testing of Lp(a) in certain high-risk populations in order for clinicians to improve the risk profile of patients. Despite a variety of medical therapies that have been proven to reduce Lp(a) levels, the connection between the medical management of serum Lp(a) and improved cardiovascular outcomes remains elusive, due to the lack of specificity that current therapies have in targeting the Lp(a) production pathway. A new frontier in Lp(a) research has emerged with antisense-oligonucleotide therapy and RNA interference therapy, both of which target Lp(a) production at the level of mRNA translation. These therapies provide a pathway for investigating the effect of medical management of serum Lp(a) on cardiovascular outcomes.
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20
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Xia S, Qiu W, Cai A, Kong B, Xu L, Wu Z, Li L. The association of lipoprotein(a) and intraplaque neovascularization in patients with carotid stenosis: a retrospective study. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2021; 21:285. [PMID: 34107870 PMCID: PMC8190836 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-021-02038-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lipoprotein(a) is genetically determined and increasingly recognized as a major risk factor for arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. We examined whether plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations were associated with intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) grade in patients with carotid stenosis and in terms of increasing plaque susceptibility to haemorrhage and rupture. Methods We included 85 patients diagnosed with carotid stenosis as confirmed using carotid ultrasound who were treated at Guangdong General Hospital. Baseline data, including demographics, comorbid conditions and carotid ultrasonography, were recorded. The IPN grade was determined using contrast-enhanced ultrasound through the movement of the microbubbles. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between lipoprotein(a) and IPN grade, with stepwise adjustment for covariates including age, sex, comorbid conditions and statin therapy (model 1), total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol calculated by Friedwald's formula, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A and apolipoprotein B (model 2), maximum plaque thickness and total carotid maximum plaque thickness, degree of carotid stenosis and internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion (model 3). Results Lipoprotein(a) was a significant predictor of higher IPN grade in binary logistic regression before adjusting for other risk factors (odds ratio [OR] 1.238, 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.020, 1.503), P = 0.031). After adjusting for other risk factors, lipoprotein(a) still remained statistically significant in predicting IPN grade in all model. (Model 1: OR 1.333, 95% CI 1.074, 1.655, P = 0.009; Model 2: OR 1.321, 95% CI 1.059, 1.648, P = 0.014; Model 3: OR 1.305, 95% CI 1.045, 1.628, P = 0.019). Lp(a) ≥ 300 mg/L is also significantly related to IPN compare to < 300 mg/L (OR 2.828, 95% CI 1.055, 7.580, P = 0.039) as well as in model 1, while in model 2 and model 3 there are not significant difference. Conclusions Plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations were found to be independently associated with higher IPN grade in patients with carotid stenosis. Lowering plasma lipoprotein(a) levels may result in plaque stabilization by avoiding IPN formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Xia
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, 106 of Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, 510100, Guangdong, China
| | - Weida Qiu
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Anping Cai
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, 106 of Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, 510100, Guangdong, China
| | - Bo Kong
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, 106 of Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, 510100, Guangdong, China
| | - Lan Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, 106 of Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, 510100, Guangdong, China
| | - Zejia Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, 106 of Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, 510100, Guangdong, China
| | - Liwen Li
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, 106 of Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, 510100, Guangdong, China.
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21
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Borén J, Chapman MJ, Krauss RM, Packard CJ, Bentzon JF, Binder CJ, Daemen MJ, Demer LL, Hegele RA, Nicholls SJ, Nordestgaard BG, Watts GF, Bruckert E, Fazio S, Ference BA, Graham I, Horton JD, Landmesser U, Laufs U, Masana L, Pasterkamp G, Raal FJ, Ray KK, Schunkert H, Taskinen MR, van de Sluis B, Wiklund O, Tokgozoglu L, Catapano AL, Ginsberg HN. Low-density lipoproteins cause atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: pathophysiological, genetic, and therapeutic insights: a consensus statement from the European Atherosclerosis Society Consensus Panel. Eur Heart J 2021; 41:2313-2330. [PMID: 32052833 PMCID: PMC7308544 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 655] [Impact Index Per Article: 218.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Borén
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - M John Chapman
- Endocrinology-Metabolism Division, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France.,National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Paris, France
| | - Ronald M Krauss
- Department of Atherosclerosis Research, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute and UCSF, Oakland, CA 94609, USA
| | - Chris J Packard
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jacob F Bentzon
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Heart Diseases, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christoph J Binder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mat J Daemen
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Linda L Demer
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert A Hegele
- Department of Medicine, Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen J Nicholls
- Monash Cardiovascular Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Børge G Nordestgaard
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, The Copenhagen General Population Study, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gerald F Watts
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Department of Cardiology, Lipid Disorders Clinic, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - Eric Bruckert
- INSERM UMRS1166, Department of Endocrinology-Metabolism, ICAN - Institute of CardioMetabolism and Nutrition, AP-HP, Hopital de la Pitie, Paris, France
| | - Sergio Fazio
- Departments of Medicine, Physiology and Pharmacology, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Center of Preventive Cardiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Brian A Ference
- Centre for Naturally Randomized Trials, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,MRC/BHF Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Jay D Horton
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ulf Landmesser
- Department of Cardiology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Laufs
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kardiologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Liebigstraße 20, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Luis Masana
- Research Unit of Lipids and Atherosclerosis, IISPV, CIBERDEM, University Rovira i Virgili, C. Sant Llorenç 21, Reus 43201, Spain
| | - Gerard Pasterkamp
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frederick J Raal
- Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kausik K Ray
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial Centre for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Heribert Schunkert
- Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Klinik für Herz- und Kreislauferkrankungen, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Lazarettstr, Munich, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Marja-Riitta Taskinen
- Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Bart van de Sluis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Olov Wiklund
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lale Tokgozoglu
- Department of Cardiology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Alberico L Catapano
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, and IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Henry N Ginsberg
- Department of Medicine, Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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22
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Chakraborty A, Pang J, Chan DC, Barnett W, Woodward AM, Vorster M, Watts GF. Effectiveness of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-9 monoclonal antibody treatment on plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations in patients with elevated lipoprotein(a) attending a clinic. Clin Cardiol 2021; 44:805-813. [PMID: 33955565 PMCID: PMC8207967 DOI: 10.1002/clc.23607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) is a causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin‐9 monoclonal antibodies (PCSK9mAbs) can lower Lp(a) levels in clinical trials, but their effects in patients with elevated Lp(a) in clinical practice remain unclear. Aims To investigate the effectiveness and safety of PCSK9mAbs in lowering plasma Lp(a) in patients with elevated Lp(a) concentrations in a lipid clinic. Methods This was an open‐label study of 53 adult patients with elevated Lp(a) concentration (≥0.5 g/L). Clinical, biochemical, and safety data were collected before and on treatment with evolocumab or alirocumab over a mean period of 11 months. Results Treatment with a PCSK9mAb resulted in a significant reduction of 0.29 g/L (−22%) in plasma Lp(a) concentration (p<.001). There were also significant reductions in low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) (−53%), remnant‐cholesterol (−12%) and apolipoprotein B (−43%) concentrations. The change in Lp(a) concentration was significantly different from a comparable group of 35 patients with elevated Lp(a) who were not treated with a PCSK9mAb (−22% vs. −2%, p<.001). The reduction in Lp(a) concentration was not associated with the corresponding changes in LDL‐C, remnant‐cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B (p>.05 in all). 7.5% and 47% of the patients attained a target concentration of Lp(a) <0.5 g/L and LDL‐C <1.8 mmol/L, respectively. PCSK9mAbs were well tolerated, the common adverse effects being pharyngitis (9.4%), nasal congestion (7.6%), myalgia (9.4%), diarrhoea (7.6%), arthralgia (9.4%) and injection site reactions (11%). Conclusion PCSK9mAbs can effectively and safely lower plasma Lp(a) concentrations in patients with elevated Lp(a) in clinical practice; the impact of the fall in Lp(a) on ASCVD outcomes requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Chakraborty
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Jing Pang
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Dick C Chan
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Wendy Barnett
- Lipid Disorders Clinic, Cardiometabolic Services, Department of Cardiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - Ann Marie Woodward
- Lipid Disorders Clinic, Cardiometabolic Services, Department of Cardiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - Mary Vorster
- Lipid Disorders Clinic, Cardiometabolic Services, Department of Cardiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - Gerald F Watts
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Lipid Disorders Clinic, Cardiometabolic Services, Department of Cardiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia
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23
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Shaya GE, Leucker TM, Jones SR, Martin SS, Toth PP. Coronary heart disease risk: Low-density lipoprotein and beyond. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2021; 32:181-194. [PMID: 33872757 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2021.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality world-wide and has been characterized as a chronic immunoinflammatory, fibroproliferative disease fueled by lipids. Great advances have been made in elucidating the complex mechanistic interactions among risk factors associated with CHD, yielding abundant success towards preventive measures and the development of pharmaceuticals to prevent and treat CHD via attenuation of lipoprotein-mediated risk. However, significant residual risk remains. Several potentially modifiable CHD risk factors ostensibly contributing to this residual risk have since come to the fore, including systemic inflammation, diabetes mellitus, high-density lipoprotein, plasma triglycerides (TG) and remnant lipoproteins (RLP), lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]), and vascular endothelial dysfunction (ED). Herein, we summarize the body of evidence implicating each of these risk factors in residual CHD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel E Shaya
- Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thorsten M Leucker
- Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Steven R Jones
- Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Seth S Martin
- Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter P Toth
- Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Baltimore, MD, USA; Community Hospital General Medical Center, Sterling, IL, USA.
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24
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PCSK9 promotes tumor growth by inhibiting tumor cell apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Exp Hematol Oncol 2021; 10:25. [PMID: 33789749 PMCID: PMC8011384 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-021-00218-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), one of the key enzymes in the process of lipid transport, is involved in the disease progression of various types of tumors. This article is to study the role of PCSK9 in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of PCSK9 in tumor specimens from 105 HCC patients who underwent curative resection. Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR were used to test the protein and mRNA expression levels in HCC cell lines. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and clone formation assays were performed to evaluate the proliferation ability of different kinds of cells in vitro. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rate. A xenograft model was established to study the effect of PCSK9 on HCC growth in vivo. TUNEL and immunofluorescence assays were used to detect cell apoptosis. Results High expression of PCSK9 in tumor tissues was related to microvascular invasion (p = 0.036) and large tumor size (p = 0.001) in HCC patients. Overall survival and disease-free survival after surgery were poor in patients with high expression of PCSK9 (p = 0.035 and p = 0.007, respectively). In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that PCSK9 promoted the growth of HCC by inhibiting cell apoptosis. A mechanistic study revealed that PCSK9 increases FASN expression, thereby inhibiting apoptosis of HCC cells via the Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase9/Caspase3 pathway. Conclusions PCSK9 expression level in HCC is an indicator of poor prognosis for patients with HCC. FASN-mediated anti-apoptosis plays an important role in PCSK9-induced HCC progression.
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25
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Cesaro A, Schiavo A, Moscarella E, Coletta S, Conte M, Gragnano F, Fimiani F, Monda E, Caiazza M, Limongelli G, D'Erasmo L, Riccio C, Arca M, Calabrò P. Lipoprotein(a): a genetic marker for cardiovascular disease and target for emerging therapies. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2021; 22:151-161. [PMID: 32858625 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000001077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an established cardiovascular risk factor, and growing evidence indicates its causal association with atherosclerotic disease because of the proatherogenic low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-like properties and the prothrombotic plasminogen-like activity of apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)]. As genetics significantly influences its plasma concentration, Lp(a) is considered an inherited risk factor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), especially in young individuals. Moreover, it has been suggested that elevated Lp(a) may significantly contribute to residual cardiovascular risk in patients with coronary artery disease and optimal LDL-C levels. Nonetheless, the fascinating hypothesis that lowering Lp(a) could reduce the risk of cardiovascular events - in primary or secondary prevention - still needs to be demonstrated by randomized clinical trials. To date, no specific Lp(a)-lowering agent has been approved for reducing the lipoprotein levels, and current lipid-lowering drugs have limited effects. In the future, emerging therapies targeting Lp(a) may offer the possibility to further investigate the relation between Lp(a) levels and cardiovascular outcomes in randomized controlled trials, ultimately leading to a new era in cardiovascular prevention. In this review, we aim to provide an updated overview of current evidence on Lp(a) as well as currently investigated therapeutic strategies that specifically address the reduction of the lipoprotein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Cesaro
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. 'Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano', Caserta
| | - Alessandra Schiavo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. 'Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano', Caserta
| | - Elisabetta Moscarella
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. 'Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano', Caserta
| | - Silvio Coletta
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. 'Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano', Caserta
| | - Matteo Conte
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. 'Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano', Caserta
| | - Felice Gragnano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. 'Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano', Caserta
| | - Fabio Fimiani
- Division of Cardiology
- Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Monaldi Hospital, Naples
| | - Emanuele Monda
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. 'Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano', Caserta
- Division of Cardiology
| | - Martina Caiazza
- Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Monaldi Hospital, Naples
| | - Giuseppe Limongelli
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples
- Division of Cardiology
- Inherited and Rare Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Monaldi Hospital, Naples
| | - Laura D'Erasmo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmine Riccio
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. 'Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano', Caserta
| | - Marcello Arca
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Calabrò
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, A.O.R.N. 'Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano', Caserta
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26
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Duprez DA, Handelsman Y, Koren M. Cardiovascular Outcomes and Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibitors: Current Data and Future Prospects. Vasc Health Risk Manag 2020; 16:403-418. [PMID: 33116551 PMCID: PMC7548340 DOI: 10.2147/vhrm.s261719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular (CV) disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and poses an ongoing challenge with the aging population. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is an established risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and the expert consensus is the use of statin therapy (if tolerated) as first line for LDL-C reduction. However, patients with ASCVD may experience recurrent ischemic events despite receiving maximally tolerated statin therapy, including those whose on-treatment LDL-C remains ≥70 mg/dL, patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, high-risk subgroups with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, and those who have an intolerance to statin therapy. Optimal therapeutic strategies for this unmet need should deploy aggressive lipid lowering to minimize the contribution of dyslipidemia to their CV risk, particularly for very high-risk populations with additional risk factors beyond hypercholesterolemia and established ASCVD. To understand the current clinical climate and guidelines regarding ASCVD, we primarily searched PubMed for articles published in English regarding lipid-lowering therapies and CV risk reduction, including emerging therapies, and CV outcomes trials with proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors. This review discusses the findings of recent clinical trial evidence for CV risk reduction with cholesterol-lowering therapies, with a focus on CV outcomes trials with PCSK9 inhibitors, and considers the impact of the study results for secondary prevention and future strategies in patients with hypercholesterolemia and CV risk despite maximally tolerated statin therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Duprez
- Cardiovascular Division, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Michael Koren
- Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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Li H, Wei Y, Yang Z, Zhang S, Xu X, Shuai M, Vitse O, Wu Y, Baccara-Dinet MT, Zhang Y, Li J. Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Alirocumab in Healthy Chinese Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Ascending Single-Dose Study. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 2020; 20:489-503. [PMID: 32080823 PMCID: PMC7548281 DOI: 10.1007/s40256-020-00394-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The addition of alirocumab (a fully human monoclonal antibody to proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 [PCSK9]) to background statin therapy provides significant incremental low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering and cardiovascular event risk reduction. OBJECTIVES Our objectives were to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of single ascending doses of alirocumab in healthy Chinese subjects. METHODS In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase I study, 35 Chinese subjects (aged 21-45 years) with baseline LDL-C > 100 mg/dL (2.59 mmol/L) were randomized to receive a single 1 mL subcutaneous injection of alirocumab 75, 150, or 300 mg, or placebo, and followed up for ~ 12 weeks. RESULTS Treatment-emergent adverse events, most frequently nasal congestion and dry throat, were reported in three of seven or eight subjects in each alirocumab dose group (two of seven in the placebo group). One patient receiving alirocumab 300 mg had a mild local injection-site reaction. No alirocumab recipients demonstrated antidrug antibodies. Maximum alirocumab serum concentrations (6-34 mg/dL) occurred at a median of 3-7 days across the dose groups. Maximum mean LDL-C reductions from baseline were observed on days 8, 15, and 22 with alirocumab 75 (55.3%), 150 (63.7%), and 300 mg (73.7%), respectively. Mean free PCSK9 levels were reduced to below the lower limit of quantification within 4 h of dosing. Total cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B were reduced with alirocumab. CONCLUSIONS In Chinese subjects, alirocumab 75, 150, and 300 mg was safe and well-tolerated. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters, including clinically meaningful reductions in LDL-C and other lipids/lipoproteins, were consistent with data from Japanese and Western populations. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02979015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Li
- Department of Cardiology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian Distrct, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Drug Clinical Trial Center, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian Distrct, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Yudong Wei
- Drug Clinical Trial Center, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian Distrct, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhenhua Yang
- Drug Clinical Trial Center, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian Distrct, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Drug Clinical Trial Center, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian Distrct, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiuxiu Xu
- Drug Clinical Trial Center, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian Distrct, Beijing, 100191, China
| | | | - Olivier Vitse
- Clinical Development R&D, Sanofi, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Yi Zhang
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, USA
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Kaddoura R, Orabi B, Salam AM. Efficacy and safety of PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies: an evidence-based review and update. J Drug Assess 2020; 9:129-144. [PMID: 32939318 PMCID: PMC7470150 DOI: 10.1080/21556660.2020.1801452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Treatment of dyslipidemia lowers cardiovascular (CV) risk. Although statin use is a cornerstone therapy, many patients are not achieving their risk-specific low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals. The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) monoclonal antibodies have been extensively studied as lipid-lowering therapy (LLT). Herein, we present an updated evidence-based review of the efficacy and safety of PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of familial and non-familial hypercholesterolemia. Methods PubMed database was searched to review Phase III studies on PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies. Then, the US National Institutes of Health Registry and the WHO International Clinical Trial Registry Platform were searched to identify and present the ongoing research. Results PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies were investigated for the treatment of dyslipidemia, as a single therapeutic agent or as an add-on therapy to the traditional LLT. They proved effective and safe in the treatment of familial and non-familial hypercholesterolemia, and in the prevention of adverse CV events. Conclusions The use of PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of dyslipidemia is currently recommended to achieve risk-specific LDL-C goal to reduce adverse CV events. Future results of the ongoing research might expand their clinical generalizability to broader patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Kaddoura
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Heart Hospital Pharmacy, Doha, Ad Dawhah, Qatar
| | - Bassant Orabi
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Heart Hospital Pharmacy, Doha, Ad Dawhah, Qatar
| | - Amar M Salam
- Department of Cardiology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Al-khor Hospital, Doha, Ad Dawhah, Qatar
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Bittner VA, Szarek M, Aylward PE, Bhatt DL, Diaz R, Edelberg JM, Fras Z, Goodman SG, Halvorsen S, Hanotin C, Harrington RA, Jukema JW, Loizeau V, Moriarty PM, Moryusef A, Pordy R, Roe MT, Sinnaeve P, Tsimikas S, Vogel R, White HD, Zahger D, Zeiher AM, Steg PG, Schwartz GG. Effect of Alirocumab on Lipoprotein(a) and Cardiovascular Risk After Acute Coronary Syndrome. J Am Coll Cardiol 2020; 75:133-144. [PMID: 31948641 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2019.10.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipoprotein(a) concentration is associated with cardiovascular events. Alirocumab, a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor, lowers lipoprotein(a) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). OBJECTIVES A pre-specified analysis of the placebo-controlled ODYSSEY Outcomes trial in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS) determined whether alirocumab-induced changes in lipoprotein(a) and LDL-C independently predicted major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). METHODS One to 12 months after ACS, 18,924 patients on high-intensity statin therapy were randomized to alirocumab or placebo and followed for 2.8 years (median). Lipoprotein(a) was measured at randomization and 4 and 12 months thereafter. The primary MACE outcome was coronary heart disease death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or hospitalization for unstable angina. RESULTS Baseline lipoprotein(a) levels (median: 21.2 mg/dl; interquartile range [IQR]: 6.7 to 59.6 mg/dl) and LDL-C [corrected for cholesterol content in lipoprotein(a)] predicted MACE. Alirocumab reduced lipoprotein(a) by 5.0 mg/dl (IQR: 0 to 13.5 mg/dl), corrected LDL-C by 51.1 mg/dl (IQR: 33.7 to 67.2 mg/dl), and reduced the risk of MACE (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78 to 0.93). Alirocumab-induced reductions of lipoprotein(a) and corrected LDL-C independently predicted lower risk of MACE, after adjustment for baseline concentrations of both lipoproteins and demographic and clinical characteristics. A 1-mg/dl reduction in lipoprotein(a) with alirocumab was associated with a HR of 0.994 (95% CI: 0.990 to 0.999; p = 0.0081). CONCLUSIONS Baseline lipoprotein(a) and corrected LDL-C levels and their reductions by alirocumab predicted the risk of MACE after recent ACS. Lipoprotein(a) lowering by alirocumab is an independent contributor to MACE reduction, which suggests that lipoprotein(a) should be an independent treatment target after ACS. (ODYSSEY Outcomes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcomes After an Acute Coronary Syndrome During Treatment With Alirocumab; NCT01663402).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera A Bittner
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
| | - Michael Szarek
- State University of New York, Downstate School of Public Health, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Philip E Aylward
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University and Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Deepak L Bhatt
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Heart & Vascular Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. https://twitter.com/DLBHATTMD
| | - Rafael Diaz
- Estudios Cardiológicos Latinoamérica, Instituto Cardiovascular de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | | | - Zlatko Fras
- Division of Medicine, Department of Vascular Medicine, Preventive Cardiology Unit, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Shaun G Goodman
- Canadian VIGOUR Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sigrun Halvorsen
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Robert A Harrington
- Stanford Center for Clinical Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - J Wouter Jukema
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Patrick M Moriarty
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | | | - Robert Pordy
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Tarrytown, New York
| | - Matthew T Roe
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Peter Sinnaeve
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sotirios Tsimikas
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Robert Vogel
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Harvey D White
- Green Lane Cardiovascular Services Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Doron Zahger
- Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Andreas M Zeiher
- Department of Medicine III, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ph Gabriel Steg
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat, Université de Paris, FACT (French Alliance for Cardiovascular Trials), INSERM U1148, Paris, France; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, United Kingdom. https://twitter.com/gabrielsteg
| | - Gregory G Schwartz
- Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
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Mora S. Lp(a)'s Odyssey: Should We Measure Lp(a) Post-ACS and What Should We Do With the Results? J Am Coll Cardiol 2020; 75:145-147. [PMID: 31948642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2019.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samia Mora
- Center for Lipid Metabolomics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Efficacy and Safety of Alirocumab in Adults With Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia. J Am Coll Cardiol 2020; 76:131-142. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2020.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Shah NP, Pajidipati NJ, McGarrah RW, Navar AM, Vemulapalli S, Blazing MA, Shah SH, Hernandez AF, Patel MR. Lipoprotein (a): An Update on a Marker of Residual Risk and Associated Clinical Manifestations. Am J Cardiol 2020; 126:94-102. [PMID: 32336532 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2020.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is a low-density, cholesterol-containing lipoprotein that differs from other low-density lipoproteins due to the presence of apolipoprotein(a) bound to its surface apolipoprotein B100. Multiple epidemiologic studies, including Mendelian Randomization studies, have demonstrated that increasing Lp(a) levels are associated with increased risk of heart disease, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and calcific aortic stenosis. The risk associated with elevations in Lp(a) appears to be independent of other lipid markers. While the current treatment options for elevated Lp(a) are limited, promising new therapies are under development, leading to renewed interest in Lp(a). This review provides an overview of the biology and epidemiology of Lp(a), available outcome studies, and insights into future therapies.
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Koren MJ, Sabatine MS, Giugliano RP, Langslet G, Wiviott SD, Ruzza A, Ma Y, Hamer AW, Wasserman SM, Raal FJ. Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Evolocumab in Patients With Hypercholesterolemia. J Am Coll Cardiol 2020; 74:2132-2146. [PMID: 31648705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2019.08.1024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evolocumab and other anti-PCSK9 antibodies reduced adverse cardiovascular outcomes in clinical trials of high-risk patients over <3 years median treatment duration. OBJECTIVES The OSLER-1 trial (Open Label Study of Long Term Evaluation Against LDL-C Trial) evaluated longer-term effects of evolocumab during open-label hypercholesterolemia treatment for up to 5 years. METHODS Patients randomized to standard of care (SOC) or evolocumab 420 mg monthly (evolocumab + SOC) for year 1. After year 1, patients could enter the all-evolocumab period and receive evolocumab + SOC for an additional 4 years. The authors analyzed the persistence of lipid effects and exposure-dependent safety focusing on yearly rates of adverse events (AEs) and anti-drug antibodies over 4.951 patient-years of observation. RESULTS A total of 1,255 patients (safety analysis population) randomized into the year 1 SOC-controlled period and received ≥1 evolocumab dose (mean ± SD age 57 ± 12 years; 53% female). A total of 1,151 patients (efficacy analysis population) progressed to the all-evolocumab period (year 2 and beyond). Evolocumab + SOC persistently lowered mean ± SE low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 56% ± 0.6% (n = 1,071), 57% ± 0.8% (n = 1,001), 56% ± 0.8% (n = 943), and 56% ± 0.8% (n = 803) after approximately 2, 3, 4, and 5 years, respectively, from randomization. Mean baseline LDL-C decreased from 140 to 61 mg/dl on treatment. Yearly serious AE rates during evolocumab + SOC ranged from 6.9% to 7.9%, comparable to the 6.8% rate in SOC patients during year 1. Evolocumab discontinuation due to AEs occurred in 5.7% of patients. Two SOC and 2 evolocumab + SOC patients developed new, transient, binding anti-drug antibodies; no neutralizing antibodies were observed. CONCLUSIONS The OSLER-1 trial demonstrated consistently excellent LDL-C-lowering efficacy, tolerance, and safety of evolocumab, with no neutralizing antibodies detected, throughout the longest-duration study of a PCSK9 inhibitor reported to date. (Open Label Study of Long Term Evaluation Against LDL-C Trial [OSLER-1]; NCT01439880).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Koren
- Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research, Jacksonville, Florida.
| | - Marc S Sabatine
- Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Study Group, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Robert P Giugliano
- Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Study Group, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Stephen D Wiviott
- Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) Study Group, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrea Ruzza
- Amgen, One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, California
| | - Yuhui Ma
- Amgen, One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, California
| | - Andrew W Hamer
- Amgen, One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, California
| | | | - Frederick J Raal
- The Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Lipoprotein(a) and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Current Understanding and Future Perspectives. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2020; 33:739-748. [PMID: 31655942 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-019-06906-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To review current knowledge of elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels in relation to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and discuss their potential use as biomarkers and therapeutic approaches in clinical practice. METHODS We summarized the current understanding and recent advances in the structure, metabolism, atherogenic mechanisms, standardized laboratory measurement, recommended screening populations, and prognostic value of Lp(a), with a special focus on the current potential treatment approaches for hyperlipoprotein(a)emia in patients with ASCVD. RESULTS Lp(a) is composed of LDL-like particle and characteristic apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] connected by a disulfide bond. Substantial evidence shows that elevated plasma Lp(a) level is a heritable, independent, and possibly causal risk factor for ASCVD through its proatherogenic, proinflammatory, and potentially prothrombotic properties. Current guidelines recommend Lp(a) measurement for patients with an intermediate-high risk of ASCVD, familial hypercholesterolemia, a family history of early ASCVD or elevated Lp(a), and progressive ASCVD despite receiving optimal therapy. Traditional Lp(a)-lowering approaches such as niacin, PCSK9 inhibitors, mipomersen, lomitapide, and lipoprotein apheresis were associated with a non-specific and limited reduction of Lp(a), intolerable side effects, invasive procedure, and high expense. The phase 2 randomized controlled trial of antisense oligonucleotide against the apo(a) encoding gene LPA mRNA showed that IONIS-APO(a)-LRX could specifically reduce the level of Lp(a) by 90% with good tolerance, which may become a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of ASCVD in the future. CONCLUSIONS It is reasonable to measure Lp(a) levels to reclassify ASCVD risk and manage individuals with elevated Lp(a) to further reduce the residual risk of ASCVD, especially with IONIS-APO(a)-LRX.
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Watts GF, Chan DC, Pang J, Ma L, Ying Q, Aggarwal S, Marcovina SM, Barrett PHR. PCSK9 Inhibition with alirocumab increases the catabolism of lipoprotein(a) particles in statin-treated patients with elevated lipoprotein(a). Metabolism 2020; 107:154221. [PMID: 32240727 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2020.154221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle containing apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) covalently linked to apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB). Statin-treated patients with elevated Lp(a) have an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Recent trials show that proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibition decreases Lp(a) and cardiovascular events, particularly in high risk patients with elevated Lp(a). We investigated the kinetic mechanism whereby alirocumab, a PCSK9 inhibitor, lowers Lp(a) in statin-treated patients with high Lp(a) and ASCVD. METHODS The effects of 12-week alirocumab treatment (150 mg every 2 weeks) on apo(a) kinetics were studied in 21 patients with elevated Lp(a) concentration (>0.5 g/L). Apo(a) fractional catabolic rate (FCR) and production rate (PR) were determined using intravenous D3-leucine administration, mass spectrometry and compartmental modelling. All patients were on long-term statin treatment. RESULTS Alirocumab significantly decreased plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (-39%), LDL-cholesterol (-67%), apoB (-56%), apo(a) (-25%) and Lp(a) (-22%) (P< 0.001 for all). Alirocumab also significantly lowered plasma apo(a) pool size (-26%, P <0.001) and increased the FCR of apo(a) (+28%, P< 0.001), but did not alter apo(a) PR, which remained significantly higher relative to a reference group of patients on statins with normal Lp(a) (P< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In statin-treated patients, alirocumab lowers elevated plasma Lp(a) concentrations by accelerating the catabolism of Lp(a) particles. This may be consequent on marked upregulation of hepatic receptors (principally for LDL) and/or reduced competition between Lp(a) and LDL particles for these receptors; the mechanism could contribute to the benefit of PCSK9 inhibition with alirocumab on cardiovascular outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald F Watts
- Lipid Disorders Clinic, Department of Cardiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia; School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
| | - Dick C Chan
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Jing Pang
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Louis Ma
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Qidi Ying
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Santica M Marcovina
- Northwest Lipid Metabolism and Diabetes Research Laboratories, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Seattle, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - P Hugh R Barrett
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
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Liberopoulos E. Lipoprotein(a) reduction with proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors: An unsolved mystery. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2020; 28:813-815. [PMID: 33611488 DOI: 10.1177/2047487320926777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Mahmood T, Minnier J, Ito MK, Li QH, Koren A, Kam IW, Fazio S, Shapiro MD. Discordant responses of plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) to alirocumab: A pooled analysis from 10 ODYSSEY Phase 3 studies. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2020; 28:816-822. [PMID: 34298554 DOI: 10.1177/2047487320915803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors consistently reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 50-60% and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) by 20-30%, but the mechanism of Lp(a) lowering remains unclear. If Lp(a) is cleared by the LDL receptor, similar to LDL-C, then one would expect PCSK9 inhibition to induce a concordant LDL-C/Lp(a) response in an approximately 2:1 ratio. We aim to determine the prevalence of discordant plasma LDL-C/Lp(a) response to the PCSK9 inhibitor alirocumab. METHODS This is a post hoc, pooled analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials from the ODYSSEY Phase 3 clinical trial program for alirocumab. Patients enrolled in the trials were high cardiovascular risk and/or with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The primary end point was prevalence of discordant LDL-C/Lp(a) response to alirocumab at 24 weeks. Discordant response was defined as LDL-C reduction >35% and Lp(a) reduction ≤10%, or LDL-C reduction ≤35% and Lp(a) reduction >10%. RESULTS Of the 1709 patients in the pooled study cohort, 62.4% were male, and the mean age was 59.2 (SD: 11.0) years. Baseline mean LDL-C was 126.5 (SD: 46.3) mg/dL and baseline median Lp(a) was 46.9 (interquartile range: 21.8-89.0) mg/dL. Total prevalence of discordant LDL-C/Lp(a) response was 21.5% (12.6% with LDL-C >35% reduction and Lp(a) ≤10% reduction; 8.9% with LDL-C ≤35% reduction and Lp(a) >10% reduction). Baseline Lp(a) and familial hypercholesterolemia status did not affect discordance. CONCLUSION A high prevalence of discordant LDL-C/Lp(a) response was observed with alirocumab, further suggesting that PCSK9 inhibitor therapy with alirocumab reduces plasma Lp(a) through alternative pathways to LDL receptor clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Mahmood
- Oregon Health & Science University, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Center for Preventive Cardiology, USA
| | - Jessica Minnier
- Oregon Health & Science University, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Center for Preventive Cardiology, USA.,Oregon Health & Science University, OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Sergio Fazio
- Oregon Health & Science University, Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Center for Preventive Cardiology, USA
| | - Michael D Shapiro
- Center for Preventive Cardiology, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Section on Cardiovascular Medicine, USA
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Shapiro MD, Minnier J, Tavori H, Kassahun H, Flower A, Somaratne R, Fazio S. Relationship Between Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Lipoprotein(a) Lowering in Response to PCSK9 Inhibition With Evolocumab. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 8:e010932. [PMID: 30755061 PMCID: PMC6405654 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.118.010932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Beyond their potent LDL (low‐density lipoprotein) cholesterol (LDL‐C)–lowering efficacy (50–60%), PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) inhibitors also reduce Lp(a) (lipoprotein[a]) levels by 25% to 30%, suggesting a 2:1 response ratio. We aimed to characterize the relationship between LDL‐C and Lp(a) lowering by evolocumab, a PCSK9 inhibitor, in a large clinical trial population and to determine the prevalence of concordant/discordant LDL‐C and Lp(a) responses to PCSK9 inhibition. Methods and Results Data were analyzed from 4 randomized, 12‐week, multicenter, phase 3 evolocumab trials. Patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, nonfamilial hypercholesterolemia, or statin intolerance participated in the trials. The main measure was the degree of concordance or discordance of LDL‐C and Lp(a) in response to PCSK9 inhibition; concordant response was defined as LDL‐C reduction >35% and Lp(a) reduction >10%. The study cohort comprised 895 patients (438 female; median age: 59.0 years [interquartile range: 51–66 years]). Baseline mean level of LDL‐C was 133.6 mg/dL (SE: 1.7) and median Lp(a) level was 46.4 mg/dL (interquartile range: 18.4–82.4 mg/dL). A discordant response was observed in 165 (19.7%) patients. With these cutoffs, the prevalence of discordance was higher when considering baseline Lp(a) concentrations >30 mg/dL (26.5%) or >50 mg/dL (28.6%). Conclusions We demonstrate high prevalence of discordance in LDL‐C and Lp(a) reduction in response to evolocumab, particularly when considering higher baseline Lp(a) concentrations, indicating the possibility of alternative pathways beyond LDLR (LDL receptor)–mediated clearance involved in Lp(a) reduction by evolocumab. Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifiers: NCT01763827, NCT01763866, NCT01763905, NCT01763918. See Editorial by Nestel
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Shapiro
- Knight Cardiovascular InstituteCenter for Preventive CardiologyOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandOR
| | - Jessica Minnier
- Knight Cardiovascular InstituteCenter for Preventive CardiologyOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandOR
- OHSU‐PSU School of Public HealthOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandOR
| | - Hagai Tavori
- Knight Cardiovascular InstituteCenter for Preventive CardiologyOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandOR
| | | | | | | | - Sergio Fazio
- Knight Cardiovascular InstituteCenter for Preventive CardiologyOregon Health & Science UniversityPortlandOR
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Khoury E, Brisson D, Gaudet D. Preclinical discovery and development of evolocumab for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:403-414. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1704728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Khoury
- Clinical Lipidology and Rare Lipid Disorders Unit, Community Genomic Medicine Center, Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal and ECOGENE-21 Clinical and Translational Research Center, Chicoutimi, Québec, Canada
| | - Diane Brisson
- Clinical Lipidology and Rare Lipid Disorders Unit, Community Genomic Medicine Center, Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal and ECOGENE-21 Clinical and Translational Research Center, Chicoutimi, Québec, Canada
| | - Daniel Gaudet
- Clinical Lipidology and Rare Lipid Disorders Unit, Community Genomic Medicine Center, Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal and ECOGENE-21 Clinical and Translational Research Center, Chicoutimi, Québec, Canada
- Lipid Clinic, Chicoutimi Hospital, Chicoutimi, Québec, Canada
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Gencer B, Mach F. Potential of Lipoprotein(a)-Lowering Strategies in Treating Coronary Artery Disease. Drugs 2020; 80:229-239. [DOI: 10.1007/s40265-019-01243-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Pasta A, Cremonini AL, Pisciotta L, Buscaglia A, Porto I, Barra F, Ferrero S, Brunelli C, Rosa GM. PCSK9 inhibitors for treating hypercholesterolemia. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2020; 21:353-363. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2019.1702970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pasta
- Department of Internal Medicine (DIMI), University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Livia Pisciotta
- Department of Internal Medicine (DIMI), University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Angelo Buscaglia
- Department of Internal Medicine (DIMI), University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Italo Porto
- Department of Internal Medicine (DIMI), University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Barra
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Simone Ferrero
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Claudio Brunelli
- Clinic of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Rosa
- Clinic of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
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Vuorio A, Watts GF, Schneider WJ, Tsimikas S, Kovanen PT. Familial hypercholesterolemia and elevated lipoprotein(a): double heritable risk and new therapeutic opportunities. J Intern Med 2020; 287:2-18. [PMID: 31858669 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
There is compelling evidence that the elevated plasma lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels increase the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the general population. Like low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, Lp(a) particles contain cholesterol and promote atherosclerosis. In addition, Lp(a) particles contain strongly proinflammatory oxidized phospholipids and a unique apoprotein, apo(a), which promotes the growth of an arterial thrombus. At least one in 250 individuals worldwide suffer from the heterozygous form of familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), a condition in which LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) is significantly elevated since birth. FH-causing mutations in the LDL receptor gene demonstrate a clear gene-dosage effect on Lp(a) plasma concentrations and elevated Lp(a) levels are present in 30-50% of patients with HeFH. The cumulative burden of two genetically determined pro-atherogenic lipoproteins, LDL and Lp(a), is a potent driver of ASCVD in HeFH patients. Statins are the cornerstone of treatment of HeFH, but they do not lower the plasma concentrations of Lp(a). Emerging therapies effectively lower Lp(a) by as much as 90% using RNA-based approaches that target the transcriptional product of the LPA gene. We are now approaching the dawn of an era, in which permanent and significant lowering of the high cholesterol burden of HeFH patients can be achieved. If outcome trials of novel Lp(a)-lowering therapies prove to be safe and cost-effective, they will provide additional risk reduction needed to effectively treat HeFH and potentially lower the CVD risk in these high-risk patients even more than currently achieved with LDL-C lowering alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vuorio
- From the, Mehiläinen Airport Health Centre, Vantaa, Finland.,Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - G F Watts
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Lipid Disorders Clinic, Department of Cardiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - W J Schneider
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - S Tsimikas
- Vascular Medicine Program, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - P T Kovanen
- Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland
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Kappa-on-Heavy (KoH) bodies are a distinct class of fully-human antibody-like therapeutic agents with antigen-binding properties. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 117:292-299. [PMID: 31879340 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1901734117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a Kappa-on-Heavy (KoH) mouse that produces a class of highly diverse, fully human, antibody-like agents. This mouse was made by replacing the germline variable sequences of both the Ig heavy-chain (IgH) and Ig kappa (IgK) loci with the human IgK germline variable sequences, producing antibody-like molecules with an antigen binding site made up of 2 kappa variable domains. These molecules, named KoH bodies, structurally mimic naturally existing Bence-Jones light-chain dimers in their variable domains and remain wild-type in their antibody constant domains. Unlike artificially diversified, nonimmunoglobulin alternative scaffolds (e.g., DARPins), KoH bodies consist of a configuration of normal Ig scaffolds that undergo natural diversification in B cells. Monoclonal KoH bodies have properties similar to those of conventional antibodies but exhibit an enhanced ability to bind small molecules such as the endogenous cardiotonic steroid marinobufagenin (MBG) and nicotine. A comparison of crystal structures of MBG bound to a KoH Fab versus a conventional Fab showed that the KoH body has a much deeper binding pocket, allowing MBG to be held 4 Å further down into the combining site between the 2 variable domains.
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Han Y, Chen J, Chopra VK, Zhang S, Su G, Ma C, Huang Z, Ma Y, Yao Z, Yuan Z, Zhao Q, Kuanprasert S, Baccara-Dinet MT, Manvelian G, Li J, Chen R. ODYSSEY EAST: Alirocumab efficacy and safety vs ezetimibe in high cardiovascular risk patients with hypercholesterolemia and on maximally tolerated statin in China, India, and Thailand. J Clin Lipidol 2019; 14:98-108.e8. [PMID: 31882376 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2019.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor alirocumab significantly reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). OBJECTIVE This study (ODYSSEY EAST) assessed the efficacy and safety of alirocumab vs ezetimibe in high cardiovascular risk patients from Asia. METHODS Patients (n = 615) from China, India, and Thailand with hypercholesterolemia at high cardiovascular risk on maximally tolerated statin were randomized (2:1) to alirocumab (75 mg every 2 weeks [Q2W]; with dose increase to 150 mg Q2W at week 12 if week 8 LDL-C was >1.81 mmol/L [>70 mg/dL]) or ezetimibe (10 mg daily) for 24 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was percentage change in calculated LDL-C from baseline to week 24. Safety was assessed throughout. RESULTS Baseline data were similar in both groups. LDL-C levels were reduced from baseline to week 24 by 56.0% and 20.3% in the alirocumab and ezetimibe groups, respectively (P < .0001 vs ezetimibe). Overall, 18.8% of alirocumab-treated patients received a dose increase to 150 mg Q2W. At week 24, 85.1% of alirocumab-treated and 40.5% of ezetimibe-treated patients reached LDL-C <1.81 mmol/L (<70 mg/dL, P < .0001 vs ezetimibe). Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 68.5% of alirocumab-treated and 63.1% of ezetimibe-treated patients, with upper respiratory tract infection the most common (alirocumab: 13.3%; ezetimibe: 14.1%). Injection-site reactions occurred more frequently in alirocumab-treated patients (2.7%) than in ezetimibe-treated patients (1.0%). CONCLUSIONS Alirocumab significantly reduced LDL-C vs ezetimibe in high cardiovascular risk patients from Asia and was generally well tolerated. These findings are consistent with previous ODYSSEY studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Han
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China.
| | - Jiyan Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Shuyang Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guohai Su
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Changsheng Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhouqing Huang
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yingyan Ma
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhuhua Yao
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Zuyi Yuan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qiang Zhao
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Ruijin Hospital of Shanghai, Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Srun Kuanprasert
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Tsimikas S. Potential Causality and Emerging Medical Therapies for Lipoprotein(a) and Its Associated Oxidized Phospholipids in Calcific Aortic Valve Stenosis. Circ Res 2019; 124:405-415. [PMID: 30702993 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.118.313864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of calcific aortic valve disease is increasing with aging of the population. Current treatment options for advanced or symptomatic aortic stenosis are limited to traditional surgical or percutaneous aortic valve replacement. Medical therapies that impact the progression of calcific aortic valve disease do not currently exist. New pathophysiological insights suggest that the processes leading to calcific aortic valve disease are metabolically active for many years before and during the clinical expression of disease. The identification of genetic and potentially causal mediators of calcific aortic valve disease allows opportunities for therapies that may slow progression to the point where aortic valve replacement can be avoided. Recent studies suggest that approximately one-third of aortic stenosis cases are associated with highly elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and pathways related to the metabolism of procalcifying oxidized phospholipids. Oxidized phospholipids can be carried by Lp(a) into valve leaflets but can also be formed in situ from cell membranes, lipoproteins, and apoptotic cells. This review will summarize the clinical data implicating the potential causality of Lp(a)/oxidized phospholipids, describe emerging therapeutic agents, and propose clinical trial designs to test the hypothesis that lowering Lp(a) will reduce progression aortic stenosis and the need for aortic valve replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sotirios Tsimikas
- From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
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Abstract
Loss-of-function variants in PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9) are associated with lower lifetime risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) events. Confirmation of these genetic observations in large, prospective clinical trials in participants with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease has provided guidance on risk stratification and enhanced our knowledge on hitherto unresolved and contentious issues concerning the efficacy and safety of markedly lowering LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol). PCSK9 has a broad repertoire of molecular effects. Furthermore, clinical trials with PCSK9 inhibitors demonstrate that reductions in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events are more effective in patients with recent myocardial infarction, multiple myocardial infarctions, multivessel coronary artery disease, and lower extremity arterial disease. The potent LDL-C lowering efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors provides the opportunity for more aggressive LDL-lowering strategies in high-risk patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and supports the notion that there is no lower limit for LDL-C. Aggressive LDL-C lowering with fully human PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies has been associated by a safety profile superior to that of other classes of LDL-lowering agents. These clinical trials provide evidence that LDL lowering with PCSK9 inhibitors is an effective therapy for lowering cardiovascular events in high-risk patients with LDL-C levels ≥70 mg/dL on maximally tolerated oral therapies, including statins and ezetimibe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Rosenson
- From the Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute and Marie-Josee and Henry R. Kravis Center for Cardiovascular Health, Mount Sinai Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY (R.S.R.)
| | - Robert A Hegele
- Department of Medicine and Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wolfgang Koenig
- Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany (W.K.).,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany (W.K.).,Institute of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Ulm, Germany (W.K.)
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Apolipoprotein(a) phenotype determines the correlations of lipoprotein(a) and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 levels in patients with potential familial hypercholesterolemia. Atherosclerosis 2019; 277:477-482. [PMID: 30270088 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The aim of this study is to investigate the relation between lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) concentrations, and their complex, in patients with potential familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), depending on apo(a) phenotype. METHODS The study included 205 patients with total cholesterol (TC) > 7.5 mmol/L and/or low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)>4.9 mmol/L, 32 (15%) patients suffered from ischemic heart disease (IHD), 64 were taking statins. The diagnosis of FH was estimated according to the Dutch Lipid Clinics Network criteria. Lipid parameters, apoB-containing lipoprotein subfractions, Lp(a), PCSK9, Lp(a)-PCSK9 complex levels and apo(a) phenotype were determined. Depending on the apo(a) phenotype, all patients were divided into 2 groups: with high molecular weight (HMW) (n = 145) and low molecular weight (LMW) (n = 60) apo(a) phenotype. RESULTS The groups were comparable by all major clinical characteristics and biochemical parameters. In the whole group, PCSK9 concentration correlated with age, statins intake, Lp(a), TC and TG levels. Correlation between Lp(a) and PCSK9 levels was found only in the LMW apo(a) phenotype group independently of statins intake (r = 0.46, p < 0.001). Associations between Lp(a)-PCSK9 complex and large subfractions of intermediate (r = 0.30) and low-density lipoproteins (r = 0.30, p < 0.05 for both) were observed, with more significance in group 2 (r = 0.59, p < 0.005 and r = 0.40, p < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In patients with potential familial hypercholesterolemia, positive correlations between concentrations of Lp(a) and PCSK9, as well as of Lp(a)-PCSK9 plasma complex with large subfractions of intermediate and low-density lipoproteins (IDL-1 and LDL-C), were determined by the LMW apo(a) phenotype.
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Müller-Wieland D, Rader DJ, Moriarty PM, Bergeron J, Langslet G, Ray KK, Manvelian G, Thompson D, Bujas-Bobanovic M, Roth EM. Efficacy and Safety of Alirocumab 300 mg Every 4 Weeks in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes on Maximally Tolerated Statin. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:5253-5262. [PMID: 31166599 PMCID: PMC6763278 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-02703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT In the ODYSSEY CHOICE I trial, alirocumab 300 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) was assessed in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Alirocumab efficacy and safety were evaluated in a patient subgroup with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and who were receiving maximally tolerated statins with or without other lipid-lowering therapies. METHODS Participants received either alirocumab 300 mg Q4W (n = 458, including 96 with T2DM) or placebo (n = 230, including 50 with T2DM) for 48 weeks, with alirocumab dose adjustment to 150 mg every 2 weeks at Week (W) 12 if W8 low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were ≥70 mg/dL or ≥ 100 mg/dL, depending on cardiovascular risk, or if LDL-C reduction was <30% from baseline. Efficacy end points included percentage change from baseline to W24 for lipids, and time-averaged LDL-C over W21 to W24. RESULTS In individuals with T2DM, LDL-C reductions from baseline to W24 and the average of W21 to W24 were significantly greater with alirocumab (-61.6% and -68.8%, respectively) vs placebo. At W24, alirocumab significantly reduced levels of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and other lipids. At W24, 85.9% and 12.5% of individuals in the alirocumab and placebo groups, respectively, reached both non-HDL-C <100 mg/dL and LDL-C <70 mg/dL. At W12, In total, 18% of alirocumab-treated participants received dose adjustment. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were upper respiratory tract infection and injection-site reaction. No clinically significant changes in fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin were observed. CONCLUSION In individuals with T2DM, alirocumab 300 mg Q4W was generally well tolerated and efficacious in reducing atherogenic lipoproteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Müller-Wieland
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Dirk Müller-Wieland, MD, Department of Medicine I, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Paulwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany. E-mail:
| | - Daniel J Rader
- Department of Medicine and Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennysylvania
| | - Patrick M Moriarty
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Jean Bergeron
- Clinique des Maladies Lipidiques, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec – Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Kausik K Ray
- Imperial Centre for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Eli M Roth
- The Sterling Research Group and University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Hopkins PN, Krempf M, Bruckert E, Donahue S, Yang F, Zhang Y, DiCioccio AT. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessment of alirocumab in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia associated with proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 gain-of-function or apolipoprotein B loss-of-function mutations. J Clin Lipidol 2019; 13:970-978. [PMID: 31767518 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Familial hypercholesterolemia is characterized by high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and causes of familial hypercholesterolemia include apolipoprotein B (APOB) loss-of-function mutations (LOFm) and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) gain-of-function mutations (GOFm). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of alirocumab between patients with APOB LOFm vs PCSK9 GOFm. METHODS Patients (6 APOB LOFm and 17 PCSK9 GOFm carriers) with LDL-C ≥70 mg/dL on maximally tolerated lipid-lowering therapies received alirocumab 150 mg at Weeks 0, 2, 4, and 6, placebo at Week 8, alirocumab at Week 10, placebo at Weeks 12 and 14, then completed a follow-up period at Week 22. RESULTS At Week 8, mean ± standard error (SE) alirocumab concentration was lower in APOB LOFm carriers compared with PCSK9 GOFm carriers (12.12 ± 1.81 vs 16.74 ± 2.53 mg/L). APOB LOFm carriers had higher mean ± SE total PCSK9 (6.56 ± 0.73 mg/L) and lower mean ± SE free PCSK9 (0.025 ± 0.016 mg/L) at Week 8 compared with PCSK9 GOFm carriers (4.21 ± 0.35 and 0.11 ± 0.035 mg/L for total and free PCSK9, respectively). Despite this observed greater PCSK9 suppression, mean ± SE percent LDL-C reduction was lower in APOB LOFm (55.3 ± 1.0%) compared with PCSK9 GOFm carriers (73.1 ± 0.9%). Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 16 patients (94.1%) in the PCSK9 GOFm group and 5 patients (83.3%) in the APOB LOFm group. CONCLUSIONS Overall, PCSK9 inhibition with alirocumab results in clinically meaningful reductions in LDL-C in both APOB LOFm and PCSK9 GOFm carriers, although reductions were greater in the PCSK9 GOFm carriers. The results indicate a possible underlying contributor to hypercholesterolemia other than PCSK9 in patients with APOB LOFm. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01604824; clinicaltrials.gov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul N Hopkins
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Michel Krempf
- CHU de Nantes - Hôpital Nord Laennec, Saint-Herblain, France
| | | | | | - Feng Yang
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, USA
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50
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Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common genetic condition characterized by elevated plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and considerable unmet medical need with conventional LDL-C-lowering therapies. Between 2012 and 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration approved four novel LDL-C-lowering agents for use in patients with FH based on the pronounced LDL-C-lowering efficacy of these medicines. We review the four novel approved agents, as well as promising LDL-C-lowering agents in clinical development, with a focus on their mechanism of action, efficacy in FH cohorts, and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezim Ajufo
- Departments of Medicine and Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104; ,
| | - Daniel J Rader
- Departments of Medicine and Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104; ,
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