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Jiao J, Hu B, Mou T, Li Q, Tian Y, Zhang N, Zhang Y, Yun M, Nan N, Tian J, Yu W, Mi H, Dong W, Song X. Translocator Protein 18 kDa Tracer 18F-FDPA PET/CTA Imaging for the Evaluation of Inflammation in Vulnerable Plaques. Mol Pharm 2024. [PMID: 38819959 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Inflammation induced by activated macrophages within vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques (VAPs) constitutes a significant risk factor for plaque rupture. Translocator protein (TSPO) is highly expressed in activated macrophages. This study investigated the effectiveness of TSPO radiotracers, 18F-FDPA, in detecting VAPs and quantifying plaque inflammation in rabbits. 18 New Zealand rabbits were divided into 3 groups: sham group A, VAP model group B, and evolocumab treatment group C. 18F-FDPA PET/CTA imaging was performed at 12, 16, and 24 weeks in all groups. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed on the abdominal aorta at 24 weeks. The VAP was defined through OCT images, and ex vivo aorta PET imaging was also performed at 24 weeks. The SUVmax and SUVmean of 18F-FDPA were measured on the target organ, and the target-to-background ratio (TBRmax) was calculated as SUVmax/SUVblood pool. The arterial sections of the isolated abdominal aorta were analyzed by HE staining, CD68 and TSPO immunofluorescence staining, and TSPO Western blot. The results showed that at 24 weeks, the plaque TBRmax of 18F-FDPA in group B was significantly higher than in groups A and C. Immunofluorescence staining of CD68 and TSPO, as well as Western blot, confirmed the increased expression of macrophages and TSPO in the corresponding regions of group B. HE staining revealed an increased presence of the lipid core, multiple foam cells, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the area with high 18F-FDPA uptake. This indicates a correlation between 18F-FDPA uptake, inflammation severity, and VAPs. The TSPO-targeted tracer 18F-FDPA shows specific uptake in macrophage-rich regions of atherosclerotic plaques, making it a valuable tool for assessing inflammation in VAPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Jiao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Biao Hu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Tiantian Mou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Quan Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yi Tian
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Mingkai Yun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Nan Nan
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jing Tian
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Wei Yu
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Hongzhi Mi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xiantao Song
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100029, China
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Shin D, Kim S, Lee H, Lee HC, Lee J, Park HW, Fukai M, Choi E, Choi S, Koo BJ, Yu JH, No G, Cho S, Kim CW, Han D, Jang HD, Kim HS. PCSK9 stimulates Syk, PKCδ, and NF-κB, leading to atherosclerosis progression independently of LDL receptor. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2789. [PMID: 38555386 PMCID: PMC10981688 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46336-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9) binds to and degrades low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, leading to increase of LDL cholesterol in blood. Its blockers have emerged as promising therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases. Here we show that PCSK9 itself directly induces inflammation and aggravates atherosclerosis independently of the LDL receptor. PCSK9 exacerbates atherosclerosis in LDL receptor knockout mice. Adenylyl cyclase-associated protein 1 (CAP1) is the main binding partner of PCSK9 and indispensable for the inflammatory action of PCSK9, including induction of cytokines, Toll like receptor 4, and scavenger receptors, enhancing the uptake of oxidized LDL. We find spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) to be the key mediators of inflammation after PCSK9-CAP1 binding. In human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, serum PCSK9 levels are positively correlated with Syk, PKCδ, and p65 phosphorylation. The CAP1-fragment crystallizable region (CAP1-Fc) mitigates PCSK9-mediated inflammatory signal transduction more than the PCSK9 blocking antibody evolocumab does.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dasom Shin
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soungchan Kim
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwan Lee
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Chae Lee
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewon Lee
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Woo Park
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Program in Stem Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Fukai
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - EunByule Choi
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Subin Choi
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bon-Jun Koo
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Yu
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyurae No
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungyoon Cho
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Program in Stem Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Woo Kim
- Department of Preclinical Trial, Laboratory Animal Center, Osong Medical Innovation Foundation (KBIO), Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Dohyun Han
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Duk Jang
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyo-Soo Kim
- Center of CBT (Cell and BioTherapy), Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Program in Stem Cell Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Cardiovascular Center & Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Xie S, Galimberti F, Olmastroni E, Luscher TF, Carugo S, Catapano AL, Casula M. Effect of lipid-lowering therapies on C-reactive protein levels: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cardiovasc Res 2024; 120:333-344. [PMID: 38373008 PMCID: PMC10981526 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvae034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic low-degree inflammation is a hallmark of atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease. To assess the effect of lipid-lowering therapies on C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of inflammation, we conducted a meta-analysis according to the PRISMA guidelines. Databases were searched from inception to July 2023. Inclusion criteria were: (i) randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in human, Phase II, III, or IV; (ii) English language; (iii) comparing the effect of lipid-lowering drugs vs. placebo; (iv) reporting the effects on CRP levels; (v) with intervention duration of more than 3 weeks; (vi) and sample size (for both intervention and control group) over than 100 subjects. The between-group (treatment-placebo) CRP absolute mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each drug class separately. A total of 171 668 subjects from 53 RCTs were included. CRP levels (mg/L) were significantly decreased by statins [-0.65 (-0.87 to -0.43), bempedoic acid; -0.43 (-0.67 to -0.20), ezetimibe; -0.28 (-0.48 to -0.08)], and omega-3 fatty acids [omega3FAs, -0.27 (-0.52 to -0.01)]. CRP was reduced by -0.40 (-1.17 to 0.38) with fibrates, although not statistically significant. A slight increase of CRP concentration was observed for proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors [0.11 (0.07-0.14)] and cholesteryl-ester transfer protein inhibitors [0.10 (0.00-0.21)], the latter being not statistically significant. Meta-regression analysis did not show a significant correlation between changes in CRP and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) or triglycerides. Statins, bempedoic acid, ezetimibe, and omega3FAs significantly reduce serum CRP concentration, independently of LDL-C reductions. The impact of this anti-inflammatory effect in terms of CV prevention needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sining Xie
- Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti 9, 20033 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Galimberti
- IRCCS MultiMedica, via Milanese 300, 20099 Sesto San Giovanni (Milan), Italy
| | - Elena Olmastroni
- Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti 9, 20033 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS MultiMedica, via Milanese 300, 20099 Sesto San Giovanni (Milan), Italy
| | - Thomas F Luscher
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952 Schlieren (Zurich), Switzerland
- Cardiac Unit, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals GSTT, Imperial College and King’s College London, Sydney Street, SW3 6NP London, UK
| | - Stefano Carugo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, via della Commenda 19, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan, via Francesco Sforza 28, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberico L Catapano
- Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti 9, 20033 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS MultiMedica, via Milanese 300, 20099 Sesto San Giovanni (Milan), Italy
| | - Manuela Casula
- Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti 9, 20033 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS MultiMedica, via Milanese 300, 20099 Sesto San Giovanni (Milan), Italy
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Barkas F, Ray K. An update on inclisiran for the treatment of elevated LDL cholesterol. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:349-358. [PMID: 38549399 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2337253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) persists globally, demanding innovative therapeutic strategies. This manuscript provides an expert opinion on the significance of managing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in ASCVD prevention and introduces inclisiran, a novel small interfering RNA targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). AREAS COVERED This work delves into the intricate mechanism of inclisiran, highlighting its unique approach of hepatic intracellular PCSK9 inhibition, its precision and low off-target effects risk. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic distinctions from PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies are explored, underlining inclisiran's efficiency, extended duration, and clearance. Clinical trials, including pivotal phase-III placebo-controlled studies (ORION-9, -10, -11), the open-label ORION-3 and pooled safety analysis of these trails including the open-label phase of ORION-8, as well as real-word data are discussed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of inclisiran's efficacy and safety. EXPERT OPINION Inclisiran stands as a first-in-class breakthrough in lipid-lowering therapies, showing potential in alleviating the global burden of ASCVD and is supported by multiple global regulatory approvals. To optimize inclisiran's utilization and comprehend its long-term effects, future directions include pediatric studies, cardiovascular outcome trials, and extended-duration investigations. Overall, inclisiran emerges as a precise and effective therapeutic option, offering significant promise for preserving cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotios Barkas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Imperial Centre for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kausik Ray
- Imperial Centre for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Rehberger Likozar A, Ugovšek S, Šebeštjen M. Effects of proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 inhibitors on inflammatory and hemostatic parameters in post myocardial infarction patients. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 963:176232. [PMID: 38070635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Despite progress in treatment, elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), represent a significant part of the residual risk. Both are associated with inflammation and the coagulation fibrinolytic system. The purpose of our research was to evaluate the effect of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) on lipid parameters and indicators of inflammation, coagulation and fibrinolysis. We included 100 post myocardial infarction (MI) patients with insufficiently controlled LDL-C values despite the maximum dose of statin, and highly elevated Lp(a). Patients received alirocumab or evolocumab (150 mg sc or 140 mg sc every two weeks, respectively), or placebo for 6 months. In patients receiving PCSK9i, a significant decrease in total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, triglycerides (TG) and Lp(a), and an increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001 for all) was found. Before treatment, the concentrations of TC, LDL-C and TG correlated with the concentrations of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (r = 0.41, p < 0.001; r = 0.353, p < 0.001; r = 0.311, p = 0.003, respectively), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (r = 0.302, p = 0.007; r = 0.218, p = 0.049; r = 0.278; p = 0.013, respectively). The concentrations of TC and LDL-C correlated with overall fibrinolytic potential (r = -0.220, p = 0.034; r = -0.207, p = 0.047, respectively). The concentration of TG was related to the concentration of interleukin 6 (r = 0.290, p = 0.004) and interleukin 8 (r = 0.332, p = 0.001). No correlations between Lp(a) and inflammatory or hemostatic variables were found. No associations were found after treatment. Our results show that inflammatory cytokines and fibrinolytic parameters are related to LDL-C and not Lp(a) in post-MI patients before and with neither of them following PCSK9i treatment. The trial registration number: NCT04613167, Date of registration: November 3, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreja Rehberger Likozar
- Department of Vascular Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Sabina Ugovšek
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Cardiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miran Šebeštjen
- Department of Vascular Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Cardiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Yu Y, Zhong Z, Yang W, Yu J, Li J, Guo X, Chen J, Mao H, Li Z. Neutrophil Percentage-to-Albumin Ratio and Risk of Mortality in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:6271-6281. [PMID: 38146321 PMCID: PMC10749557 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s437256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR), a new inflammatory marker, has been shown to be associated with poor prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, limited evidence is available for its role in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Our study aimed at investigating the prognostic value of NPAR for mortality in PD patients. Patients and Methods This was a single center retrospective cohort study. A total of 1966 PD patients were enrolled in our study from January 2006 to December 2016 and were followed up until December 2021. Patients were stratified into tertiles according to baseline NPAR levels. The associations between NPAR levels with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to compare the mortality predictive values of NPAR and other known biomarkers, such as NLR (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), PLR (platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio), LHR (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio) and MLR (monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio). Results During a median follow-up of 48.1 months, 503 (25.6%) patients died, in which cardiovascular disease (CVD) death dominated 50.3%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the highest NPAR tertile was significantly associated with a higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.14-1.98; HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.07-2.31; respectively) compared with tertile 1. The AUC values of NPAR were 0.62 (95% CI 0.60-0.65, P < 0.001) for all-cause mortality and 0.61 (95% CI 0.57-0.65, P < 0.001) for cardiovascular mortality. Conclusion Our study showed that higher NPAR levels were independently associated with increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in PD patients. Notably, our results demonstrated that NPAR exhibited superior predictive value for mortality compared to NLR, PLR, MLR, and LHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-Sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhong Zhong
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-Sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenzhuo Yang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-Sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianwen Yu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-Sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianbo Li
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-Sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingdi Guo
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-Sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiasi Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiping Mao
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-Sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhijian Li
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Clinical Nephrology (Sun Yat-Sen University) and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510080, People’s Republic of China
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Fogacci F, Yerlitaş Sİ, Giovannini M, Zararsız G, Lido P, Borghi C, Cicero AFG. Sex X Time Interactions in Lp(a) and LDL-C Response to Evolocumab. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3271. [PMID: 38137492 PMCID: PMC10741148 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there were significant sex x time interactions in lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) response to treatment with the Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 inhibitor (PCSK9i) Evolocumab, in a real-life clinical setting. For this purpose, we pooled data from 176 outpatients (Men: 93; Women: 83) clinically evaluated at baseline and every six months after starting Evolocumab. Individuals who had been on PCSK9i for less than 30 months and nonadherent patients were excluded from the analysis. Over time, absolute values of Lp(a) plasma concentrations significantly decreased in the entire cohort (p-value < 0.001) and by sex (p-value < 0.001 in men and p-value = 0.002 in and women). However, there were no sex-related significant differences. Absolute plasma concentrations of LDL-C significantly decreased over time in the entire cohort and by sex (p-value < 0.001 always), with greater improvements in men compared to women. The sex x time interaction was statistically significant in LDL-C (all p-values < 0.05), while absolute changes in Lp(a) were not influenced by either sex or time (all p-value > 0.05). Our data partially reinforce the presence of differences in response to treatment to PCSK9i between men and women and are essential to gain a better understanding of the relationship between LDL-C and Lp(a) lowering in response to PCSK9i. Further research will clarify whether these sex-related significant differences translate into a meaningful difference in the long-term risk of ASCVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Fogacci
- Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk Research Center, Medical and Surgical Sciences Department, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (M.G.); (C.B.)
| | - Serra İlayda Yerlitaş
- Department of Biostatistics, Erciyes University School of Medicine, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey; (S.İ.Y.); (G.Z.)
- Drug Application and Research Center (ERFARMA), Erciyes University, 38280 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Marina Giovannini
- Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk Research Center, Medical and Surgical Sciences Department, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (M.G.); (C.B.)
| | - Gökmen Zararsız
- Department of Biostatistics, Erciyes University School of Medicine, 38039 Kayseri, Turkey; (S.İ.Y.); (G.Z.)
- Drug Application and Research Center (ERFARMA), Erciyes University, 38280 Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Paolo Lido
- Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA), 00187 Rome, Italy;
| | - Claudio Borghi
- Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk Research Center, Medical and Surgical Sciences Department, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (M.G.); (C.B.)
- Unit of Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Pathology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
| | - Arrigo F. G. Cicero
- Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk Research Center, Medical and Surgical Sciences Department, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy; (F.F.); (M.G.); (C.B.)
- Unit of Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Pathology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
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Lee JH, Shores KL, Breithaupt JJ, Lee CS, Fodera DM, Kwon JB, Ettyreddy AR, Myers KM, Evison BJ, Suchowerska AK, Gersbach CA, Leong KW, Truskey GA. PCSK9 activation promotes early atherosclerosis in a vascular microphysiological system. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:046103. [PMID: 37854060 PMCID: PMC10581720 DOI: 10.1063/5.0167440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a primary precursor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death worldwide. While proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) contributes to CVD by degrading low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR) and altering lipid metabolism, PCSK9 also influences vascular inflammation, further promoting atherosclerosis. Here, we utilized a vascular microphysiological system to test the effect of PCSK9 activation or repression on the initiation of atherosclerosis and to screen the efficacy of a small molecule PCSK9 inhibitor. We have generated PCSK9 over-expressed (P+) or repressed (P-) human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and further differentiated them to smooth muscle cells (viSMCs) or endothelial cells (viECs). Tissue-engineered blood vessels (TEBVs) made from P+ viSMCs and viECs resulted in increased monocyte adhesion compared to the wild type (WT) or P- equivalents when treated with enzyme-modified LDL (eLDL) and TNF-α. We also found significant viEC dysfunction, such as increased secretion of VCAM-1, TNF-α, and IL-6, in P+ viECs treated with eLDL and TNF-α. A small molecule compound, NYX-1492, that was originally designed to block PCSK9 binding with the LDLR was tested in TEBVs to determine its effect on lowering PCSK9-induced inflammation. The compound reduced monocyte adhesion in P+ TEBVs with evidence of lowering secretion of VCAM-1 and TNF-α. These results suggest that PCSK9 inhibition may decrease vascular inflammation in addition to lowering plasma LDL levels, enhancing its anti-atherosclerotic effects, particularly in patients with elevated chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jounghyun H. Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Kevin L. Shores
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Jason J. Breithaupt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
| | - Caleb S. Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Daniella M. Fodera
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | | | | | - Kristin M. Myers
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kam W. Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - George A. Truskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, USA
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9
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Cecchini AL, Biscetti F, Manzato M, Lo Sasso L, Rando MM, Nicolazzi MA, Rossini E, Eraso LH, Dimuzio PJ, Massetti M, Gasbarrini A, Flex A. Current Medical Therapy and Revascularization in Peripheral Artery Disease of the Lower Limbs: Impacts on Subclinical Chronic Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16099. [PMID: 38003290 PMCID: PMC10671371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral artery disease (PAD), coronary artery disease (CAD), and cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) are characterized by atherosclerosis and inflammation as their underlying mechanisms. This paper aims to conduct a literature review on pharmacotherapy for PAD, specifically focusing on how different drug classes target pro-inflammatory pathways. The goal is to enhance the choice of therapeutic plans by considering their impact on the chronic subclinical inflammation that is associated with PAD development and progression. We conducted a comprehensive review of currently published original articles, narratives, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. The aim was to explore the relationship between PAD and inflammation and evaluate the influence of current pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions on the underlying chronic subclinical inflammation. Our findings indicate that the existing treatments have added anti-inflammatory properties that can potentially delay or prevent PAD progression and improve outcomes, independent of their effects on traditional risk factors. Although inflammation-targeted therapy in PAD shows promising potential, its benefits have not been definitively proven yet. However, it is crucial not to overlook the pleiotropic properties of the currently available treatments, as they may provide valuable insights for therapeutic strategies. Further studies focusing on the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of these treatments could enhance our understanding of the mechanisms contributing to the residual risk in PAD and pave the way for the development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Leonardo Cecchini
- Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Biscetti
- Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Manzato
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Lo Sasso
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Margherita Rando
- Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Anna Nicolazzi
- Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Rossini
- Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Luis H. Eraso
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Paul J. Dimuzio
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Massimo Massetti
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Flex
- Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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10
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Zhang J, Guan X, Zhang B, Wang J, Jin X, Zhao Y, Li B. Bempedoic Acid can Reduce Cardiovascular Events in Combination with Statins or As Monotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 2023; 23:695-708. [PMID: 37672202 DOI: 10.1007/s40256-023-00606-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM Bempedoic acid has shown noteworthy progress in the prevention and management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in recent years. However, there has been a lack of high-quality evidence regarding the risk reduction of clinical events with bempedoic acid. Therefore, the aim of this article is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of bempedoic acid on the incidence of cardiovascular events. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials pertaining to bempedoic acid was carried out. We conducted a systematic search across the Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases to identify relevant studies published from inception to 23 April 2023. A total of four trials comparing the clinical benefit achieved with bempedoic acid versus placebo were included. RESULTS Our analysis comprised four trials that encompassed a total of 17,323 patients. In comparison to the placebo, bempedoic acid showed a significant reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) [relative risk (RR), 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87-0.94]. Additionally, bempedoic acid substantially lowered the occurrence of fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.66-0.89), hospitalization for unstable angina (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.55-0.89), and coronary revascularization (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.73-0.92). There was also a similar reduction in MACE in patients on the maximally tolerated statin therapy. CONCLUSION Bempedoic acid may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events regardless of whether the patient is taking stains or not. REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration number CRD42023422932.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangfeng Guan
- School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People's Republic of China
| | - Baixue Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, No. 661 Huanghe 2nd Road, Binzhou City, 256603, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Jin
- Department of Geriatrics, Zibo Central Hospital, No. 10, South Shanghai Road, Zibo, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yunhe Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Zibo Central Hospital Affiliated to Binzhou Medical College, NO.10, South Shanghai Road, Zibo, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Cardiology, Zibo Central Hospital Affiliated to Binzhou Medical College, NO.10, South Shanghai Road, Zibo, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Yang S, Shen W, Zhang HZ, Wang CX, Yang PP, Wu QH. Effect of PCSK9 Monoclonal Antibody Versus Placebo/Ezetimibe on Atrial Fibrillation in Patients at High Cardiovascular Risk: A Meta-Analysis of 26 Randomized Controlled Trials. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2023; 37:927-940. [PMID: 35511323 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-022-07338-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients at high cardiovascular risk are closely associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). Whether proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 monoclonal antibodies (PCSK9 mAbs) can attenuate AF progression remains unknown. METHODS To compare PCSK9 mAbs with placebo or ezetimibe to explore the effect of PCSK9 mAbs therapy on the end-point of incidence of AF, we searched PubMed, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov for articles. We used Mantel-Haenszel risk ratio (RR) with corresponding 95% CI for the categorical data, including the incidence of AF and predefined other outcomes of interest. RESULTS We included 21 articles consisting of 26 randomized controlled trials with a total of 95,635 participants. Quantitative synthesis revealed that PCSK9 mAbs significantly reduce the incidence of AF events (RR 0.84; 95% CI 0.72-0.98; p = 0.03), whereas no obvious differences were seen between the PCSK9 mAbs group and the ezetimibe group (RR 0.90; 95% CI 0.29-2.76; p = 0.85). PCSK9 mAbs also markedly decreased the incidence of cerebrovascular events (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.66-0.85; p < 0.0001) and new-onset hypertension (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.87-0.97; p = 0.003), but not the risk of cardiovascular death (RR 0.95; 95% CI 0.85-1.07; p = 0.40) and new-onset diabetes mellitus (RR 1.01; 95% CI 0.95-1.08; p = 0.67). CONCLUSIONS Overall, the PCSK9 mAbs therapy reduced AF and presented certain cardiovascular benefits in patients at high cardiovascular risk. Further big-scale and long follow-up duration randomized controlled trials that compare PCSK9 mAbs with ezetimibe are required to evaluate the effect of PCSK9 mAbs versus ezetimibe on AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Yang
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wen Shen
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hong-Zhou Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chen-Xi Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ping-Ping Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qing-Hua Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
- Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
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12
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Ye X, Wang S, Liu X, Wu Q, Lv Y, Lv Q, Li J, Li L, Yang Y. Effects of PCSK9 inhibitors on coronary microcirculation, inflammation and cardiac function in patients with CHD after PCI: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e074067. [PMID: 37723117 PMCID: PMC10510950 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the common cardiovascular diseases that seriously jeopardise human health, and endothelial inflammation and dyslipidaemia are the initiating links leading to its occurrence. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is one of the most effective surgical treatments for CHD with narrowed or blocked blood vessels, which can quickly unblock the blocked vessels and restore coronary blood supply. However, most patients may experience coronary microcirculation disorders (CMDs) and decreased cardiac function after PCI treatment, which directly affects the efficacy of PCI and the prognosis of patients. Preprotein converting enzyme subtilisin/Kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are novel pleiotropy lipid-lowering drug with dual anti-inflammation and lipid-lowering effects, and represent a new clinical pathway for rapid correction of dyslipidaemia. Therefore, we designed this protocol to systematically evaluate the effects of PCSK9 inhibitors on coronary microcirculation and cardiac function in patients with CHD after PCI, and to provide high-quality evidence-based evidence for the clinical application of PCSK9 inhibitors. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This protocol is reported strictly in accordance with the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Protocols Guidelines. We will search PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and three Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang and VIP database) according to preset search strategies, without language and publication data restrictions. We will work with manual retrieval to screen references that have been included in the literature. Google Scholar will be used to search for grey literature. The final included literature must meet the established inclusion criteria. Titles, abstracts and full text will be extracted independently by two reviewers, and disagreements will be resolved through discussion or the involvement of a third reviewer. Extracted data will be analysed using Review Manager V.5.3. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool will be used to evaluate the risk of bias. Publication bias will be assessed by funnel plots. Heterogeneity will be assessed by I2 test and subgroup analyses will be used to further investigate potential sources of heterogeneity. The quality of the literature will be assessed by GRADE score. This protocol will start in January 2026 and end in December 2030. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study is a systematic review of published literature data and no special ethical approval was required. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022346189.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejiao Ye
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shihan Wang
- Department of Cardiology, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Guang'anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | - Qian Wu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfei Lv
- Shanghai Qianhe Technology Co LTD, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianyu Lv
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junjia Li
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lanlan Li
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingtian Yang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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13
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Zhao Q, Sun S, Zhou F, Yue J, Luo X, Qu X. The Inhibition of Evolocumab on Non-Infarct-Related Artery Disease in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:2771-2781. [PMID: 37408846 PMCID: PMC10319277 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s417481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The effects of combing evolocumab and statin on the clinical outcome and physiological function of coronary arteries in STEMI patients with non-infarct-related artery (NIRA) disease are still unclear. Methods A total of 355 STEMI patients with NIRA were enrolled in this study, who underwent combined quantitative flow ratio (QFR) at baseline and after 12 months of treatment with statin monotherapy or statin plus evolocumab. Results Diameter stenosis and lesion length were significantly lower in the group undergoing statin plus evolocumab. While the group exhibited significantly higher minimum lumen diameter (MLD), and QFR values. Statin plus evolocumab (OR = 0.350; 95% CI: 0.149-0.824; P = 0.016) and plaque lesion length (OR = 1.223; 95% CI: 1.102-1.457; P = 0.033) were independently associated with rehospitalization for unstable angina (UA) within 12 months. Conclusion Evolocumab combined with statin therapy can significantly improve the anatomical and physiological function of the coronary arteries and downregulate the re-hospitalization rate due to UA in STEMI patients with NIRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, 1st Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, People’s Republic of China
| | - Siyuan Sun
- Department of Cardiology, People’s Hospital of Taihe County, Taihe, Anhui, 236600, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fanghui Zhou
- Department of Hematology, 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingkun Yue
- Department of Cardiology, People’s Hospital of Taihe County, Taihe, Anhui, 236600, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xing Luo
- Department of Cardiology, 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiufen Qu
- Department of Cardiology, 1st Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, People’s Republic of China
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14
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Kumric M, Urlic H, Bozic J, Vilovic M, Ticinovic Kurir T, Glavas D, Miric D, Zanchi J, Bradaric-Slujo A, Lozo M, Borovac JA. Emerging Therapies for the Treatment of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: From Bench to Bedside. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8062. [PMID: 37175766 PMCID: PMC10178593 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Primarily a consequence of sedentary lifestyle, atherosclerosis has already reached pandemic proportions, and with every year the burden of it is only increasing. As low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) represents a crucial factor in atherosclerosis formation and progression, stringent lipid-lowering therapy could conceivably be the key to preventing the unfavorable outcomes that arise as a consequence of atherosclerosis. The use of statins in lipid-lowering is often burdened by adverse events or is insufficient to prevent cardiovascular events as a monotherapy. Therefore, in the present review, the authors aimed to discuss the underlying mechanisms of dyslipidemia and associated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and preclinical and clinical trials of novel therapeutic approaches to its treatment, some of which are still in the early stages of development. Apart from novel therapies, a novel change in perspective is needed. Specifically, the critical objective in the future management of ASCVD is to embrace emerging evidence in the field of atherosclerosis, because clinicians are often burden by common practice and personal experience, both of which have so far been shown to be futile in the setting of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Kumric
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.K.)
| | - Hrvoje Urlic
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.K.)
| | - Josko Bozic
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.K.)
| | - Marino Vilovic
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.K.)
| | - Tina Ticinovic Kurir
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.K.)
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Duska Glavas
- Cardiovascular Diseases Department, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Dino Miric
- Cardiovascular Diseases Department, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Jaksa Zanchi
- Cardiovascular Diseases Department, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Anteo Bradaric-Slujo
- Cardiovascular Diseases Department, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Mislav Lozo
- Cardiovascular Diseases Department, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Josip A. Borovac
- Cardiovascular Diseases Department, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
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15
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Lv F, Cai X, Lin C, Yang W, Hu S, Ji L. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibitors and the Risk of Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Calcif Tissue Int 2023:10.1007/s00223-023-01085-0. [PMID: 37099141 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-023-01085-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Osteoporosis and hyperlipidemia are closely correlated and statins might be associated with a decreased risk of fracture. We aimed to investigate the association between proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) therapy and the risk of fracture. The PubMed, Cochrane library, and EMBASE databases were systematically searched from the inception dates to October 22, 2022. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that addressed to fracture events of participants using alirocumab, evolocumab, bococizumab or inclisiran, with a follow-up of ≥ 24 weeks were included. Meta-analyses were conducted to calculate the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for major osteoporotic fracture, hip fracture, osteoporotic non-vertebral fracture, and total fracture. 30 trials assessing PCSK9i among 95, 911 adults were included. There were no significant associations between PCSK9i therapy and the risk of major osteoporotic fracture [OR 1.08 (95% Cl 0.87-1.34), p = 0.49], hip fracture [OR 1.05 (95% Cl 0.73-1.53), p = 0.79], osteoporotic non-vertebral fracture [OR 1.03 (95% Cl 0.80-1.32), p = 0.83], and total fracture [OR 1.03 (95% Cl 0.88-1.19), p = 0.74] over a period of 6-64 months. No significant associations were detected in any of the sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses stratified by the type of PCSK9i, follow-up duration, age, sex, sample size, and patient profile. Pooled results of our meta-analysis showed that exposure to PCSK9i was not associated with reduced risks of fracture in the short term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Lv
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xiaoling Cai
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China.
| | - Chu Lin
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Wenjia Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Suiyuan Hu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Linong Ji
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China.
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16
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Caf N, Özkök Akbulut T, Can MM, Sarı M, Atsü AN, Türkoğlu Z. Evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis in rosacea patients by flow-mediated dilatation method. J Cosmet Dermatol 2023; 22:1001-1010. [PMID: 36374628 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rosacea may contribute to the development of cardiovascular (CV) diseases by causing endothelial dysfunction (ED), which is known to be the initial step of atherosclerosis, due to its inflammatory features. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess ED in rosacea patients using the flow-mediated dilatation (=dilation) (FMD) method. METHODS Seventy-three rosacea patients and 73 age, gender-matched healthy volunteers were enrolled. Individuals with cardiac risk factors, pregnant, and lactating women were excluded. Demographic, clinical data and anthropometric measurements were recorded. FMD measurement was performed ultrasonographically by a cardiologist. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (BP) were measured and hemogram, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), and fasting blood glucose values were assessed. RESULTS The FMD value was statistically lower in rosacea patients compared with healthy controls (p = 0.000). Metabolic syndrome, systolic and diastolic BPs, and plasma NLR were higher in the rosacea group (p = 0.009, p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.000, respectively). According to the multivariate linear regression analysis, rosacea type significantly predicted FMD. CONCLUSIONS Rosacea is not only a disease limited to the skin, but it may also have systemic involvement. A significant difference was found between FMD values measured in between the case and control groups, suggesting rosacea may have an atherogenic effect. Possible cardiac risks should be considered in rosacea patients, and further evaluation could be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazlı Caf
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Health Sciences, Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tuğba Özkök Akbulut
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Health Sciences, Haseki Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Mustafa Can
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Health Sciences, Haseki Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Sarı
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Health Sciences, Haseki Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Nilhan Atsü
- Faculty of Health Sciences, İstanbul Kent University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zafer Türkoğlu
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Health Sciences, Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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17
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Ronda N, Zimetti F, Adorni MP, Palumbo M, Karpouzas GA, Bernini F. Role of Lipoprotein Levels and Function in Atherosclerosis Associated with Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2023; 49:151-163. [PMID: 36424022 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Immune and inflammatory mediators in autoimmune rheumatic diseases induce modification in the activity of enzymes pivotal for lipid metabolism and promote a proatherogenic serum lipid profile. However, disturbances in low- and high-density lipoprotein composition and increased lipid oxidation also occur. Therefore, lipoprotein dysfunction causes intracellular cholesterol accumulation in macrophages, smooth muscle cells, and platelets. Overall, both plaque progression and acute cardiovascular events are promoted. Single rheumatic diseases may present a particular pattern of lipid disturbances so that standard methods to evaluate cardiovascular risk may not be accurate enough. In general, antirheumatic drugs positively affect lipid metabolism in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Ronda
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 27/A, Parma 43124, Italy.
| | - Francesca Zimetti
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 27/A, Parma 43124, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Adorni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neuroscience, University of Parma, Via Volturno 39/F, Parma 43125, Italy
| | - Marcella Palumbo
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 27/A, Parma 43124, Italy
| | - George A Karpouzas
- Division of Rheumatology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and the Lundquist Institute, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Franco Bernini
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 27/A, Parma 43124, Italy
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18
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Monoclonal Antibodies, Gene Silencing and Gene Editing (CRISPR) Therapies for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia-The Future Is Here. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020459. [PMID: 36839781 PMCID: PMC9963609 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperlipidemia is a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Undertreatment of elevated lipids persists despite existing therapies. Here, we provide an update on monoclonal antibodies, gene silencing therapies, and gene editing techniques for the management of hyperlipidemia. The current era of cutting-edge pharmaceuticals targeting low density lipoprotein cholesterol, PCSK9, lipoprotein (a), angiopoietin-like 3, and apolipoprotein C3 are reviewed. We outline what is known, studies in progress, and futuristic goals. This review of available and upcoming biotechnological lipid therapies is presented for clinicians managing patients with familial hyperlipidemia, statin intolerance, hypertriglyceridemia, or elevated lipoprotein (a) levels.
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Monomeric C-Reactive Protein in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Advances and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032079. [PMID: 36768404 PMCID: PMC9917083 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aimed to trace the inflammatory pathway from the NLRP3 inflammasome to monomeric C-reactive protein (mCRP) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. CRP is the final product of the interleukin (IL)-1β/IL-6/CRP axis. Its monomeric form can be produced at sites of local inflammation through the dissociation of pentameric CRP and, to some extent, local synthesis. mCRP has a distinct proinflammatory profile. In vitro and animal-model studies have suggested a role for mCRP in: platelet activation, adhesion, and aggregation; endothelial activation; leukocyte recruitment and polarization; foam-cell formation; and neovascularization. mCRP has been shown to deposit in atherosclerotic plaques and damaged tissues. In recent years, the first published papers have reported the development and application of mCRP assays. Principally, these studies demonstrated the feasibility of measuring mCRP levels. With recent advances in detection techniques and the introduction of first assays, mCRP-level measurement should become more accessible and widely used. To date, anti-inflammatory therapy in atherosclerosis has targeted the NLRP3 inflammasome and upstream links of the IL-1β/IL-6/CRP axis. Large clinical trials have provided sufficient evidence to support this strategy. However, few compounds target CRP. Studies on these agents are limited to animal models or small clinical trials.
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20
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Chen H, Chen X. PCSK9 inhibitors for acute coronary syndrome: the era of early implementation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1138787. [PMID: 37200976 PMCID: PMC10185746 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1138787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, a new cholesterol-lowering strategy, can decrease low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels by inhibiting PCSK9 and reducing the degradation of LDL receptors; thus, they are impacting the management of dyslipidemia to the prevention of cardiovascular events. Recent guidelines recommend PCSK9 inhibitors for patients who fail to achieve target lipids after ezetimibe/statin therapy. As PCSK9 inhibitors have been demonstrated to significantly and safely reduce LDL-C, discussions have begun to explore its optimal timing in coronary artery disease, especially in subjects with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Also, their additional benefits, such as anti-inflammatory effects, plaque regression effects, and cardiovascular event prevention, have become the focus of recent research. Several studies, including EPIC-STEMI, suggest the lipid-lowering effects of early PCSK9 inhibitors in ACS patients, while some studies such as PACMAN-AMI suggest that early PCSK9 inhibitors can decelerate plaque progression and reduce short-term risks of cardiovascular events. Thus, PCSK9 inhibitors are entering the era of early implementation. In this review, we are committed to summarizing the multidimensional benefits of early implementation of PCSK9 inhibitors in ACS.
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21
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Tummala R, Gupta M, Devanabanda AR, Bandyopadhyay D, Aronow WS, Ray KK, Mamas M, Ghosh RK. Bempedoic acid and its role in contemporary management of hyperlipidemia in atherosclerosis. Ann Med 2022; 54:1287-1296. [PMID: 35533049 PMCID: PMC9090378 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2059559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerotic heart disease is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the USA. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) has been the target for many hypolipidemic agents to modify atherosclerotic risk. Bempedoic acid is a novel hypolipidemic drug that inhibits the enzymatic activity of ATP citrate lyase in the cholesterol synthesis pathway. CLEAR Harmony, CLEAR Wisdom, CLEAR Tranquillity and CLEAR Serenity have shown safety and efficacy associated with long term administration of this drug. Studies have shown effectiveness in reducing LDL-C in both statin intolerant patients and in patients on maximally tolerated doses of statin. The fixed drug combination of bempedoic acid and ezetimibe in a recent phase III showed significant reduction in LDL compared with placebo, which might be a promising future for LDL reduction among statin intolerant patients. Bempedoic acid also reduced inflammatory markers like hs-CRP. Given these results, bempedoic acid alone and in combination with ezetimibe received the USA FDA approval for adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia or established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. We present a comprehensive review exploring the underlying mechanism, pre-clinical studies, and clinical trials of bempedoic acid and discuss the potential future role of the drug in treating hyperlipidaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manasvi Gupta
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Arvind Reddy Devanabanda
- Department of Cardiology, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Dhrubajyoti Bandyopadhyay
- Department of Cardiology, Westchester Medical Center and New York Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wilbert S Aronow
- Department of Cardiology, Westchester Medical Center and New York Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kausik K Ray
- Imperial Centre for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, London, UK
| | - Mamas Mamas
- Keele Cardiac Research Group, Institutes of Science and Technology in Medicine and Primary Care Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | - Raktim K Ghosh
- MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute, Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
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22
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Grześk G, Dorota B, Wołowiec Ł, Wołowiec A, Osiak J, Kozakiewicz M, Banach J. Safety of PCSK9 inhibitors. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113957. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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23
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Luo J, Liao W, Wang X, Xu R, Li W, Li W, Liu K, Huang K, Ma Y, Wang T, Yang B, Jiao L. PCSK9 inhibitors for anti-inflammation in atherosclerosis: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e062046. [PMID: 36424111 PMCID: PMC9693878 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Lipid accumulation and inflammation play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are an emerging lipid-lowering agent reported as a potential anti-inflammation effect in the prevention of CVD. However, the anti-inflammatory effect is still elusive. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis is needed to analyse the anti-inflammatory effect of PCSK9 inhibitors on atherosclerosis in practice. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This protocol was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols. We will include double-blind, randomised controlled trials that reported changes in the levels of inflammatory markers, with an intervention arm of PCSK9 inhibitors and a treatment duration of more than 2 weeks. The following databases will be mainly searched from 1 January 2003 to the formal search date: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The primary aim is to assess the effect of PCSK9 inhibitors on inflammatory markers, including circulating inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, white cell counts, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and local inflammatory markers such as the most diseased segment target-to-background ratio of the index vessel in adult patients with atherosclerosis. We will assess the quality of evidence, heterogeneity and report bias following the recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Due to the systematic review being based on published studies, no ethics approval is required. The study results will be presented at international conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022297710.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jichang Luo
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wanying Liao
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Medical Library, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Xu
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition Institute of Automation Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kan Liu
- First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Kaixun Huang
- The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Ma
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Yang
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Liqun Jiao
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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24
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Ferri N, Ruscica M, Lupo MG, Vicenzi M, Sirtori CR, Corsini A. Pharmacological rationale for the very early treatment of acute coronary syndrome with monoclonal antibodies anti-PCSK9. Pharmacol Res 2022; 184:106439. [PMID: 36100012 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immediate and aggressive lipid lowering therapies after acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are supported by the ESC/EAS dyslipidemia guidelines, recommending the initiation of high-intensity statin therapy within the first 1-4 days of hospitalization. However, whether non statin lipid-lowering agents, added to statin treatment, could produce a further reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) is still unknown. Thus, the efficacy of early treatment post-ACS with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) anti PCSK9, evolocumab and alirocumab, is under investigation. The rationale to explore the rapid and aggressive pharmacological intervention with PCSK9 mAbs is supported by at least five confirmatory data in ACS: 1) circulating PCSK9 levels are raised during ACS 2) PCSK9 may stimulate platelet reactivity, this last being pivotal in the recurrence of ischemic events; 3) PCSK9 is associated with intraplaque inflammation, macrophage activation and endothelial dysfunction; 4) PCSK9 concentrations are associated with inflammation in the acute phase of ACS; and 5) statins raise PCSK9 levels promptly and, at times, dramatically. In this scenario, appropriate pharmacodynamic characteristics of anti PCSK9 therapies are a prerequisite for an effective response. Monoclonal antibodies act on circulating PCSK9 with a direct and rapid binding by blocking the interaction with the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). Evolocumab and alirocumab show a very rapid (within 4 h) and effective suppression of circulating unbound PCSK9 (- 95 % ÷ - 97 %). This inhibition results in a significant reduction of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) after 48 h (- 35 %) post injection with a full effect after 7-10 days (55-75 %). The complete and swift inhibitory action by evolocumab and alirocumab could have a potential clinical impact in ACS patients, also considering their potential inhibition of PCSK9 within the atherosclerotic plaque. Thus, administration of evolocumab or alirocumab is effective in lowering LDL-C levels in ACS, although the efficacy to prevent further cardiovascular (CV) events is still undetermined. The answer to this question will be provided by the ongoing clinical trials with evolocumab and alirocumab in ACS. In the present review we will discuss the pharmacological and biological rationale supporting the potential use of PCSK9 mAbs in ACS patients and the emerging evidence of evolocumab and alirocumab treatment in this clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Ferri
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padua, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marco Vicenzi
- Cardiovascular Disease Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Cesare R Sirtori
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Corsini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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25
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Tricò D, Raggi F, Distaso M, Ferrannini E, Solini A. Effect of empagliflozin on plasma proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2022; 190:109983. [PMID: 35803317 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2022.109983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM Cardiovascular benefits of sodium-glucose cotrasporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors occur despite a modest increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c). We tested whether the effects of chronic SGLT2 inhibition on lipid profile composition are mediated by elevation in plasma proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels inhibiting LDL clearance. METHODS 78 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) received empagliflozin 25 mg/d in an open-label design. At enrollment and after 4-week therapy, fasting blood samples were collected for the measurement of plasma PCSK9, glucose, total and fractional cholesterol, and triglycerides. RESULTS Plasma PCSK9 was not significantly affected by empagliflozin (-10.7 [-24.1, 2.7] ng/mL). The treatment induced a mild increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (+1.7 [0.5, 3.0] mg/dL), without significant LDL-c alterations (+1.0 [-4.1, 6.0] mg/dl). Changes in LDL-c were associated with changes in fasting glucose levels (β = 0.320, p = 0.017), but not with plasma PCSK9 (β = 0.010, p = 0.800), after adjustment for age, sex, baseline LDL-c, and body weight change. CONCLUSION In patients with T2D, chronic SGLT2 inhibition with empagliflozin has no potentially harmful effects on circulating PCSK9 levels. This finding does not support a pathogenetic role of plasma PCSK9 in the mild plasma lipid alterations observed during SGLT2i treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Tricò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Raggi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Distaso
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ele Ferrannini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Solini
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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26
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Zou Y, Chen Z, Zhang X, Yu J, Xu H, Cui J, Li Y, Niu Y, Zhou C, Xia J, Wu J. Targeting PCSK9 Ameliorates Graft Vascular Disease in Mice by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:894789. [PMID: 35720337 PMCID: PMC9204514 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.894789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Graft vascular disease (GVD), which limits the long-term survival of patients after solid-organ transplantation, is associated with both immune responses and nonimmune factors, including dyslipidemia. Recent studies have shown that inhibition of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a U.S. Federal Drug Administration-approved treatment for hyperlipidemia, reduces cardiovascular events, regulates inflammatory responses, and enhances the efficacy of immune checkpoint therapy in cancer treatment through a cholesterol-independent mechanism. However, whether targeting PCSK9 is a potential therapeutic strategy for GVD remains unknown. Methods Serum samples and grafts were harvested from male mice undergoing abdominal aortic transplantation. The pathological alterations in the aortic grafts were detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining, Verhoeff’s Van Gieson staining, and Masson staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration and proinflammatory cytokine expression in the aortic grafts were detected by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), respectively. The regulatory effects of PCSK9 on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration and proliferation were examined by transwell, EdU, and western blot assays. The effect of Evolocumab, a PCSK9 inhibitor, on GVD in humanized PCSK9 mice was also evaluated. Results PCSK9 was upregulated in the serum, grafts, and liver of mice in the allograft group subjected to abdominal aortic transplantation. Pcsk9 knockout significantly reduced vascular stenosis, the intimal hyperplasia area and collagen deposition. Pcsk9 depletion also inhibited macrophage recruitment and the mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines in aortic grafts. Furthermore, Pcsk9 knockout suppressed the migration and proliferation of VSMCs, which was related to the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Meanwhile, Evolocumab significantly ameliorated GVD in humanized PCSK9 mice. Conclusion PCSK9 is upregulated in a mouse model of GVD, and Pcsk9 knockout reduces vascular occlusion, suggesting that PCSK9 may be a promising target for the treatment of GVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiang Zou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhang Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jizhang Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Heng Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jikai Cui
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuqing Niu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiahong Xia
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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27
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Liu C, Yan W, Shi J, Wang S, Peng A, Chen Y, Huang K. Biological Actions, Implications, and Cautions of Statins Therapy in COVID-19. Front Nutr 2022; 9:927092. [PMID: 35811982 PMCID: PMC9257176 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.927092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) showed worse prognosis and higher mortality in individuals with obesity. Dyslipidemia is a major link between obesity and COVID-19 severity. Statins as the most common lipid regulating drugs have shown favorable effects in various pathophysiological states. Importantly, accumulating observational studies have suggested that statin use is associated with reduced risk of progressing to severe illness and in-hospital death in COVID-19 patients. Possible explanations underlie these protective impacts include their abilities of reducing cholesterol, suppressing viral entry and replication, anti-inflammation and immunomodulatory effects, as well as anti-thrombosis and anti-oxidative properties. Despite these benefits, statin therapies have side effects that should be considered, such as elevated creatinine kinase, liver enzyme and serum glucose levels, which are already elevated in severe COVID-19. Concerns are also raised whether statins interfere with the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. Randomized controlled trials are being conducted worldwide to confirm the values of statin use for COVID-19 treatment. Generally, the results suggest no necessity to discontinue statin use, and no evidence suggesting interference between statins and COVID-19 vaccines. However, concomitant administration of statins and COVID-19 antiviral drug Paxlovid may increase statin exposure and the risk of adverse effects, because most statins are metabolized mainly through CYP3A4 which is potently inhibited by ritonavir, a major component of Paxlovid. Therefore, more clinical/preclinical studies are still warranted to understand the benefits, harms and mechanisms of statin use in the context of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyu Liu
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wanyao Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiajian Shi
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shun Wang
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Anlin Peng
- Wuhan Third Hospital, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuchen Chen
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Yuchen Chen
| | - Kun Huang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Tongji-Rongcheng Center for Biomedicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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28
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Liu MM, Peng J, Guo YL, Zhu CG, Wu NQ, Xu RX, Dong Q, Cui CJ, Li JJ. SORBS2 as a molecular target for atherosclerosis in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. J Transl Med 2022; 20:233. [PMID: 35590369 PMCID: PMC9118763 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03381-z] [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: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a metabolic disease in which patients are prone to develop premature atherosclerosis (AS). Sorbin and SH3 Domain Containing 2 (SORBS2) is known to play a role in coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the mechanism underlying SORBS2 involvement in the development of hypercholesterolemia remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of SORBS2 on inflammation and foam cell formation and its underlying mechanisms. Methods Using Bioinformatics analysis, we established that SORBS2 is upregulated in patients with FH. Circulating concentrations of SORBS2 were measured using ELISA kit (n = 30). The association between circulating SORBS2 levels and inflammatory factors or lipid indexes were conducted using Spearman correlation analysis. We further conducted in vitro experiments that the expression of SORBS2 were analyzed, and SORBS2 siRNA were transfected into oxidized LDL (OxLDL)-induced macrophages, followed by western blot and immunofluorescence. Results Circulating SORBS2 levels were positively associated with inflammatory factors and lipid indexes. We also observed that high in vitro expression of SORBS2 in OxLDL-induced macrophages. After SORBS2 silencing, Nod like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 protein(NLRP3)-Caspase1 activation and NF-κB activation were attenuated, and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-18) was decreased. Moreover, SORBS2 silencing blocked reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and lipid accumulation, and promoted cholesterol efflux through ABCG1-PPARγ pathway. Conclusions SORBS2 regulates lipid-induced inflammation and foam cell formation, and is a potential therapeutic target for hypercholesterolemia. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03381-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Ming Liu
- Cardiovascular Metabolic Center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 167 BeiLiShi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Peng
- Cardiovascular Metabolic Center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 167 BeiLiShi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan-Lin Guo
- Cardiovascular Metabolic Center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 167 BeiLiShi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng-Gang Zhu
- Cardiovascular Metabolic Center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 167 BeiLiShi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Na-Qiong Wu
- Cardiovascular Metabolic Center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 167 BeiLiShi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Rui-Xia Xu
- Cardiovascular Metabolic Center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 167 BeiLiShi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Dong
- Cardiovascular Metabolic Center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 167 BeiLiShi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Chuan-Jue Cui
- Cardiovascular Metabolic Center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 167 BeiLiShi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing, China.
| | - Jian-Jun Li
- Cardiovascular Metabolic Center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 167 BeiLiShi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing, China.
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Kovács B, Cseprekál O, Diószegi Á, Lengyel S, Maroda L, Paragh G, Harangi M, Páll D. The Importance of Arterial Stiffness Assessment in Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11102872. [PMID: 35628997 PMCID: PMC9144855 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11102872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are still the leading cause of mortality due to increased atherosclerosis worldwide. In the background of accelerated atherosclerosis, the most important risk factors include hypertension, age, male gender, hereditary predisposition, diabetes, obesity, smoking and lipid metabolism disorder. Arterial stiffness is a firmly established, independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. Patients with familial hypercholesterolemia are at very high cardiovascular risk. Non-invasive measurement of arterial stiffness is suitable for screening vascular dysfunction at subclinical stage in this severe inherited disorder. Some former studies found stiffer arteries in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia compared to healthy controls, while statin treatment has a beneficial effect on it. If conventional drug therapy fails in patients with severe familial hypercholesterolemia, PCSK9 inhibitor therapy should be administered; if these agents are not available, performing selective LDL apheresis could be considered. The impact of recent therapeutic approaches on vascular stiffness is not widely studied yet, even though the degree of accelerated athero and arteriosclerosis correlates with cardiovascular risk. The authors provide an overview of the diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia and the findings of studies on arterial dysfunction in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, in addition to presenting the latest therapeutic options and their effects on arterial elasticity parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beáta Kovács
- Division of Metabolism, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.K.); (Á.D.); (S.L.); (G.P.); (D.P.)
| | - Orsolya Cseprekál
- Department of Surgery, Transplantation and Gastroenterology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Ágnes Diószegi
- Division of Metabolism, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.K.); (Á.D.); (S.L.); (G.P.); (D.P.)
| | - Szabolcs Lengyel
- Division of Metabolism, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.K.); (Á.D.); (S.L.); (G.P.); (D.P.)
| | - László Maroda
- Department of Medical Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - György Paragh
- Division of Metabolism, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.K.); (Á.D.); (S.L.); (G.P.); (D.P.)
| | - Mariann Harangi
- Division of Metabolism, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.K.); (Á.D.); (S.L.); (G.P.); (D.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-52-255-525
| | - Dénes Páll
- Division of Metabolism, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.K.); (Á.D.); (S.L.); (G.P.); (D.P.)
- Department of Medical Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
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Burger AL, Pogran E, Muthspiel M, Kaufmann CC, Jäger B, Huber K. New Treatment Targets and Innovative Lipid-Lowering Therapies in Very-High-Risk Patients with Cardiovascular Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10050970. [PMID: 35625707 PMCID: PMC9138506 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10050970] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The effective and fast reduction of circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a cornerstone for secondary prevention of atherosclerotic disease progression. Despite the substantial lipid-lowering effects of the established treatment option with statins and ezetimibe, a significant proportion of very-high-risk patients with cardiovascular disease do not reach the recommended treatment goal of <55 mg/dL (<1.4 mmol/L). Novel lipid-lowering agents, including the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) antibodies alirocumab and evolocumab, the small interfering ribonucleotide acid (si-RNA) inclisiran, as well as the recently approved bempedoic acid, now complete the current arsenal of LDL-C lowering agents. These innovative therapies have demonstrated promising results in clinical studies. Besides a strong reduction of LDL-C by use of highly effective agents, there is still discussion as to whether a very rapid achievement of the treatment goal should be a new strategic approach in lipid-lowering therapy. In this review, we summarize evidence for the lipid-modifying properties of these novel agents and their safety profiles, and discuss their potential pleiotropic effects beyond LDL-C reduction (if any) as well as their effects on clinical endpoints as cardiovascular mortality. In addition to a treatment strategy of “the lower, the better”, we also discuss the concept of “the earlier, the better”, which may also add to the early clinical benefit of large LDL-C reduction after an acute ischemic event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achim Leo Burger
- 3rd Medical Department with Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Clinic Ottakring (Wilhelminenhospital), Montleartstrasse 37, 1160 Vienna, Austria; (A.L.B.); (E.P.); (M.M.); (C.C.K.); (B.J.)
| | - Edita Pogran
- 3rd Medical Department with Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Clinic Ottakring (Wilhelminenhospital), Montleartstrasse 37, 1160 Vienna, Austria; (A.L.B.); (E.P.); (M.M.); (C.C.K.); (B.J.)
| | - Marie Muthspiel
- 3rd Medical Department with Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Clinic Ottakring (Wilhelminenhospital), Montleartstrasse 37, 1160 Vienna, Austria; (A.L.B.); (E.P.); (M.M.); (C.C.K.); (B.J.)
| | - Christoph Clemens Kaufmann
- 3rd Medical Department with Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Clinic Ottakring (Wilhelminenhospital), Montleartstrasse 37, 1160 Vienna, Austria; (A.L.B.); (E.P.); (M.M.); (C.C.K.); (B.J.)
| | - Bernhard Jäger
- 3rd Medical Department with Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Clinic Ottakring (Wilhelminenhospital), Montleartstrasse 37, 1160 Vienna, Austria; (A.L.B.); (E.P.); (M.M.); (C.C.K.); (B.J.)
| | - Kurt Huber
- 3rd Medical Department with Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Clinic Ottakring (Wilhelminenhospital), Montleartstrasse 37, 1160 Vienna, Austria; (A.L.B.); (E.P.); (M.M.); (C.C.K.); (B.J.)
- Medical School, Sigmund Freud University, 1020 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-1-49150-2301
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Toscano A, Cinquegrani M, Scuruchi M, Di Pino A, Piro S, Ferrara V, Morace C, Lo Gullo A, Imbalzano E, Purrello F, Squadrito G, Scicali R, Mandraffino G. PCSK9 Plasma Levels Are Associated with Mechanical Vascular Impairment in Familial Hypercholesterolemia Subjects without a History of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Results of Six-Month Add-On PCSK9 Inhibitor Therapy. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040562. [PMID: 35454151 PMCID: PMC9033040 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9) is a key regulator of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) metabolism involved in the degradation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) through complex mechanisms. The PCSK9 plasma levels change according to lipid lowering therapy (LLT). Few data exist regarding the role of PCSK9 in vascular damage. We aimed to evaluate the impact of PCSK9 plasma levels on pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the effect of PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9-i) on circulating PCSK9 and PWV in a cohort of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) subjects. In a previous step, HeFH patients were enrolled and LLT was prescribed according to guidelines. Biochemical analyses and PWV assessment were performed at baseline (T0), after 6 months of high-efficacy statin plus ezetimibe (T1) and after 6 months of PCSK9-i (T2). The PCSK9 levels were evaluated in 26 selected HeFH subjects at the three time points and 26 healthy subjects served as controls for the reference value for PCSK9 plasma levels. The PWV values decreased at each time point in HeFH subjects after LLT starting (8.61 ± 2.4 m/s, −8.7%; p < 0.001 vs. baseline at T1, and 7.9 ± 2.1 m/s, −9.3%; p < 0.001 vs. both T1 and baseline) and it was correlated to PCSK9 (r = 0.411, p = 0.03). The PCSK9 levels increased on statin/EZE therapy (+42.8% at T1) while it decreased after PCSK9-i was started (−34.4% at T2). We noted a significant relationship between PCSK9 levels and PWV changes at T1 and T2. In conclusion, PCSK9 levels were associated with baseline PWV values in HeFH subjects; moreover, we found that PCSK9 level variations seemed to be correlated with PWV changes on LLT. A longer observation time and wider sample size are needed to assess the potential role of PCSK9 plasma levels on the vascular function and remodelling, and to clarify the effects of PCSK9-i in these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Toscano
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Lipid Center, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.T.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (C.M.); (E.I.); (G.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Maria Cinquegrani
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Lipid Center, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.T.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (C.M.); (E.I.); (G.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Michele Scuruchi
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Lipid Center, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.T.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (C.M.); (E.I.); (G.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Antonino Di Pino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (A.D.P.); (S.P.); (V.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Salvatore Piro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (A.D.P.); (S.P.); (V.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Viviana Ferrara
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (A.D.P.); (S.P.); (V.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Carmela Morace
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Lipid Center, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.T.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (C.M.); (E.I.); (G.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Alberto Lo Gullo
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy;
| | - Egidio Imbalzano
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Lipid Center, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.T.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (C.M.); (E.I.); (G.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Francesco Purrello
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (A.D.P.); (S.P.); (V.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Giovanni Squadrito
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Lipid Center, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.T.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (C.M.); (E.I.); (G.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Roberto Scicali
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (A.D.P.); (S.P.); (V.F.); (F.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giuseppe Mandraffino
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Lipid Center, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.T.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (C.M.); (E.I.); (G.S.); (G.M.)
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Kheirkhah A, Lamina C, Kollerits B, Schachtl-Riess J, Schultheiss U, Forer L, Sekula P, Kotsis F, Eckardt KU, Kronenberg F. PCSK9 and Cardiovascular Disease in Individuals with Moderately Decreased Kidney Function. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2022; 17:809-818. [PMID: 35387881 PMCID: PMC9269648 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.01230122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a key regulator of lipid homeostasis. Studies investigating the association between PCSK9 and cardiovascular disease in large cohorts of CKD patients are limited. Design, setting, participants, and measurements: The association of PCSK9 concentrations with prevalent and incident cardiovascular disease was investigated in 5,138 Caucasians of the German Chronic Kidney Disease study with a median follow-up of 6.5 years. Inclusion criteria were eGFR of 30-60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or an eGFR>60 mL/min/1.73m2 in the presence of overt proteinuria (urine albumin-creatinine ratio >300mg/g or equivalent). Prevalent cardiovascular disease was defined as history of non-fatal myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass grafting, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, carotid arteries interventions and stroke. Incident major adverse cardiovascular disease events included death from cardiovascular causes, acute non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke. Results: Median PCSK9 concentration in the cohort was 285 ng/mL (interquartile range 231-346 ng/mL). There was no association between PCSK9 concentrations and baseline eGFR and albuminuria. With each 100 ng/ml increment of PCSK9, the odds for prevalent cardiovascular disease (n=1,284) was 1.22-fold (95%CI 1.12-1.34, p<0.001) higher in a model with extended adjustment for major confounders. This association was stronger in non-statin than statin-users (p-value for interaction=0.009). During follow-up 474 individuals experienced a major adverse cardiovascular disease event and participants in PCSK9 quartiles 2 to 4 had a 32%-47% higher risk compared to quartile 1 (p<0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed this association was restricted to those participants who already had cardiovascular disease at baseline (all HR>1.75, p<0.05). In addition, PCSK9 showed a valuable gain in classification accuracy both for prevalent cardiovascular disease (NRI=0.27, 95%CI:0.20-0.33) and incident major adverse cardiovascular disease events during follow-up (NRI=0.10, 95%CI:0.008-0.21) when added to an extended adjustment model. Conclusions: Our findings reveal no relation of PCSK9 with baseline eGFR and albuminuria, but a significant association between higher PCSK9 concentrations and risk of cardiovascular disease independent of traditional risk factors including LDL-cholesterol levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azin Kheirkhah
- A Kheirkhah, Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Claudia Lamina
- C Lamina, Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Barbara Kollerits
- B Kollerits, Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johanna Schachtl-Riess
- J Schachtl-Riess, Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ulla Schultheiss
- U Schultheiss, Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Lukas Forer
- L Forer, Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Peggy Sekula
- P Sekula, Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Fruzsina Kotsis
- F Kotsis, Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Kai-Uwe Eckardt
- K Eckardt, University Hospital Erlangen, Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Florian Kronenberg
- F Kronenberg, Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Karpouzas GA, Ormseth SR, Ronda N, Hernandez E, Budoff MJ. Lipoprotein oxidation may underlie the paradoxical association of low cholesterol with coronary atherosclerotic risk in rheumatoid arthritis. J Autoimmun 2022; 129:102815. [PMID: 35366608 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare coronary plaque burden, proatherogenic cytokines, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), anti-oxLDL antibodies, lipoprotein(a)-cholesterol, and their relationships in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)<1.8 mmol/L versus ≥1.8 mmol/L. Also, to study differences in inflammation and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9), which impacts LDL clearance, in patients with low versus high LDL-C. METHODS Computed tomography angiography evaluated coronary plaque (noncalcified, partially calcified, fully calcified, and high-risk plaque) in 150 patients from a single-center observational cohort. Ox-LDL, anti-oxLDL IgG, lipoprotein(a)-cholesterol, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and PCSK9 were measured. Analyses adjusted for Framingham general cardiovascular risk score, statin use, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. RESULTS Patients with LDL-C<1.8 mmol/L versus ≥1.8 mmol/L demonstrated: 1) higher likelihood of per-segment plaque (adjusted-OR = 1.67 [95%CI = 1.10-2.55], p = 0.017) and high-risk plaque presence (adjusted-OR 2.78 [95%CI = 1.06-7.29], p = 0.038); 2) greater anti-oxLDL titers (p = 0.020), which positively associated with TNF-α and likelihood of noncalcified, partially calcified and high-risk plaque presence only in patients with LDL-C<1.8 mmol/L (all p-for-interaction≤0.046); 3) increased lipoprotein(a)-cholesterol content (10.33% [8.11-12.54] versus 6.68% [6.10-7.25], p < 0.001), which positively associated with oxLDL (p < 0.001) and anti-oxLDL (p = 0.036); 4) higher interleukin-6 and PCSK9. No differences in CRP, ESR, or oxLDL were observed. CONCLUSION RA patients with LDL-C<1.8 mmol/L had more coronary plaque, higher anti-oxLDL titers and anti-oxLDL associated with plaque only in this group. It is possible the observed paradoxical association of low LDL-C with greater atherosclerosis may be related to higher production of the oxidation-prone lipoprotein(a)-cholesterol and anti-oxLDL antibodies, resulting in increased vascular LDL uptake and plaque formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Karpouzas
- Division of Rheumatology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Torrance, CA, USA.
| | - Sarah R Ormseth
- Division of Rheumatology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Nicoletta Ronda
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area Delle Scienze 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Elizabeth Hernandez
- Division of Rheumatology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Matthew J Budoff
- Division of Cardiology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Torrance, CA, USA
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Punch E, Klein J, Diaba-Nuhoho P, Morawietz H, Garelnabi M. Effects of PCSK9 Targeting: Alleviating Oxidation, Inflammation, and Atherosclerosis. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e023328. [PMID: 35048716 PMCID: PMC9238481 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.121.023328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Characterized as a chronic inflammatory disease of the large arteries, atherosclerosis is the primary cause of cardiovascular disease, the leading contributor of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Elevated plasma cholesterol levels and chronic inflammation within the arterial plaque are major mediators of plaque initiation, progression, and instability. In 2003, the protein PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9) was discovered to play a critical role in cholesterol regulation, thus becoming a key player in the mechanisms behind atherosclerotic plaque development. Emerging evidence suggests that PCSK9 could potentially have effects on atherosclerosis that are independent of cholesterol levels. The objective of this review was to discuss the role on PCSK9 in oxidation, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. This function activates proinflammatory cytokine production and affects oxidative modifications within atherosclerotic lesions, revealing its more significant role in atherosclerosis. Although a variety of evidence demonstrates that PCSK9 plays a role in atherosclerotic inflammation, the direct mechanism of involvement is still unknown, driving a gap in knowledge to such a predominant player in cardiovascular disease. Investigation of proteins structurally related to PCSK9 may interestingly be the link in unveiling the mechanistic role of this protein’s involvement in oxidation and inflammation. Importantly, the unique structure of PCSK9 bears structural homology to a one‐of‐a‐kind domain found in the metabolic protein resistin, which is responsible for many of the same inflammatory outcomes as PCSK9. Closing this gap in knowledge of PCSK9`s role in atherosclerotic oxidation and inflammation will provide fundamental information for understanding, preventing, and treating cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Punch
- Department of Chemistry University of Massachusetts Lowell MA
| | - Justus Klein
- Division of Vascular Endothelium and Microcirculation Department of Medicine III University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav CarusTechnische Universität Dresden Germany
| | - Patrick Diaba-Nuhoho
- Division of Vascular Endothelium and Microcirculation Department of Medicine III University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav CarusTechnische Universität Dresden Germany
| | - Henning Morawietz
- Division of Vascular Endothelium and Microcirculation Department of Medicine III University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav CarusTechnische Universität Dresden Germany
| | - Mahdi Garelnabi
- Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences University of Massachusetts Lowell MA
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Grewal T, Buechler C. Emerging Insights on the Diverse Roles of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) in Chronic Liver Diseases: Cholesterol Metabolism and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031070. [PMID: 35162992 PMCID: PMC8834914 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases are commonly associated with dysregulated cholesterol metabolism. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease of the proprotein convertase family that is mainly synthetized and secreted by the liver, and represents one of the key regulators of circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Its ability to bind and induce LDL-receptor degradation, in particular in the liver, increases circulating LDL-cholesterol levels in the blood. Hence, inhibition of PCSK9 has become a very potent tool for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Besides PCSK9 limiting entry of LDL-derived cholesterol, affecting multiple cholesterol-related functions in cells, more recent studies have associated PCSK9 with various other cellular processes, including inflammation, fatty acid metabolism, cancerogenesis and visceral adiposity. It is increasingly becoming evident that additional roles for PCSK9 beyond cholesterol homeostasis are crucial for liver physiology in health and disease, often contributing to pathophysiology. This review will summarize studies analyzing circulating and hepatic PCSK9 levels in patients with chronic liver diseases. The factors affecting PCSK9 levels in the circulation and in hepatocytes, clinically relevant studies and the pathophysiological role of PCSK9 in chronic liver injury are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Grewal
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Christa Buechler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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36
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Ugovšek S, Zupan J, Rehberger Likozar A, Šebeštjen M. Influence of lipid-lowering drugs on inflammation: what is yet to be done? Arch Med Sci 2022; 18:855-869. [PMID: 35832698 PMCID: PMC9266870 DOI: 10.5114/aoms/133936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is associated with risk of cardiovascular events. The best-characterised and well-standardised clinical indicator of inflammation is C-reactive protein. Current evidence-based drug therapies for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases are mainly focused on reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, these drugs do not provide sufficient protection against recurrent cardiovascular events. One of the possible mechanisms behind this recurrence might be the persistence of residual inflammation. For the most commonly used lipid-lowering drugs, the statins, their reduction of cardiovascular events goes beyond lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Here, we review the effects of these lipid-lowering drugs on inflammation, considering statins, ezetimibe, fibrates, niacin, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors, bempedoic acid, ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid and antisense oligonucleotides. We focus in particular on C-reactive protein, and discuss how the effects of the statins might be related to reduced rates of cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Ugovšek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Zupan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Miran Šebeštjen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Vascular Diseases, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Department of Cardiology, Slovenia
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Vicente-Valor J, García-González X, Ibáñez-García S, Durán-García ME, de Lorenzo-Pinto A, Rodríguez-González C, Méndez-Fernández I, Percovich-Hualpa JC, Herranz-Alonso A, Sanjurjo-Sáez M. PCSK9 inhibitors revisited: Effectiveness and safety of PCSK9 inhibitors in a real-life Spanish cohort. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112519. [PMID: 34968928 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) have emerged as a therapeutic option for patients with hypercholesterolemia who do not attain low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals and/or are intolerant to other lipid-lowering drugs. Our aim was to analyze the effectiveness and safety of PCSK9i in routine clinical practice and factors related to poor outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted an ambispective study in 115 patients who recieved alirocumab or evolocumab, in a tertiary level hospital. From February 2017 to April 2020, patients were recruited and followed up for a median of 20.4 months. The main outcomes were relative reduction in LDL-C, percentage of patients achieving the therapeutic goals established by 2016 ESC/EAS guidelines, incidence of major cardiovascular events (MACEs) and drug-related adverse events (ADRs). RESULTS The median LDL-C achieved was 57.0 mg/dL (relative reduction of 59.9% from baseline, p< 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, smaller LDL-C reductions were related to female sex, absence of concomitant lipid-lowering therapy and treatment with alirocumab. Overall, 84.6% of the patients achieved the therapeutic goals. During follow-up, 7 MACEs were detected. ADRs, generally considered mild, affected 38.1% of the participants (mainly mialgias and arthralgias) and triggered discontinuations in 8.7% of cases. CONCLUSIONS PCSK9i are effective and safe, although certain factors may influence their effectiveness. Interestingly, our results suggest that alirocumab and evolocumab may not be therapeutic equivalents, as initially suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Vicente-Valor
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Xandra García-González
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Ibáñez-García
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Esther Durán-García
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana de Lorenzo-Pinto
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-González
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Méndez-Fernández
- Cardiology Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Percovich-Hualpa
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Herranz-Alonso
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Sanjurjo-Sáez
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
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Bonaventura A, Vecchié A, Ruscica M, Grossi F, Dentali F. PCSK9 as a new player in cancer: New opportunity or red herring? Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:960-969. [PMID: 34781861 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666211115122324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Initially described as a factor involved in liver regeneration and neuronal differentiation, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has become one of the key regulators of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Besides that, a number of studies have suggested PCSK9 may play a role in cancer biology. This is particularly true for gastroenteric (gastric and liver cancers) and lung cancers, where higher PCSK9 levels were associated with the increased ability of the tumor to develop and give metastasis as well as with reduced overall survival. Accordingly, monoclonal antibodies blocking PCSK9 were recently shown to synergize with immunotherapy in different types of cancers to achieve tumor growth suppression through an increased intratumoral infiltration of cytotoxic T cells. Anti-PCSK9 vaccines have been tested in animal models with encouraging results only in colon carcinoma. As most of this evidence is based on pre-clinical studies, this has led to some controversies and inconsistencies, thus suggesting that additional research is needed to clarify the topic. Finally, modulation of intracellular PCSK9 levels by silencing RNA (siRNA) may help understand the physiological and pathological mechanisms of PCSK9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Bonaventura
- Department of Internal Medicine, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese. Italy
| | | | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan. Italy
| | - Francesco Grossi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese. Italy
| | - Francesco Dentali
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Insubria University, Varese. Italy
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Ma W, Pan Q, Pan D, Xu T, Zhu H, Li D. Efficacy and Safety of Lipid-Lowering Drugs of Different Intensity on Clinical Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:713007. [PMID: 34744709 PMCID: PMC8567017 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.713007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There have been many meta-analyses for statins, ezetimibe and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) to evaluate clinical outcomes, but the efficacy and safety of different intensity of these three drugs on clinical outcomes was absent. PCSK9i, ezetimibe, and statins were divided into seven interventions as follows: including PCSK9i + high-intensity statins (P9i+HT), PCSK9i + moderate-intensity statins (P9i+MT), ezetimibe + high-intensity statins (Eze+HT), ezetimibe + moderate-intensity statins (Eze+MT), high-intensity statins (HT), moderate-intensity statins (MT), and low-intensity statins (LT). The risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to evaluate the clinical outcomes in all randomized controlled trials included. In traditional meta-analysis, the more intensive treatment had a lower risk of all-cause mortality (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.88-0.95), cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.86-0.92), myocardial infarction (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.77-0.81), coronary revascularization (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.76-0.84), and cerebrovascular events (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.80-0.88) compared with the less intensive treatment. However, the more intensive treatment had a higher risk of new-onset diabetes (RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04-1.12). The network meta-analysis demonstrated that P9i+HT, P9i+MT, HT, and MT were significantly associated with a risk reduction in coronary revascularization and cerebrovascular events compared with PLBO. LT could effectively reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.54-0.92), MI (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.54-0.82), and coronary revascularization (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.65-0.91) compared with PLBO. P9i+HT was superior to HT in reducing the risk of MI (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.68-0.90), coronary revascularization (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.73-0.96), and cerebrovascular events (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64-0.95). However, compared with PLBO, P9i+HT, HT, and MT could increase the risk of new-onset diabetes (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.11-1.37; RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.14-1.33; RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.15, respectively). In conclusion, PCSK9i added to background statins may be recommended as preferred lipid-lowering therapy, and did not increase the additional risk of new-onset diabetes. The safety and efficacy of ezetimibe was not superior to that of statins. LT can be recommended as the initial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenrui Ma
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease Research, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qinyuan Pan
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease Research, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Defeng Pan
- Xuzhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Tongda Xu
- Xuzhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Xuzhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Dongye Li
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease Research, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,Xuzhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Xuzhou, China
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Bensenor I, Padilha K, Lima IR, Santos RD, Lambert G, Ramin-Mangata S, Bittencourt MS, Goulart AC, Santos IS, Mill JG, Krieger JE, Lotufo PA, Pereira AC. Genome-Wide Association of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Plasma Levels in the ELSA-Brasil Study. Front Genet 2021; 12:728526. [PMID: 34659352 PMCID: PMC8514075 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.728526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological inhibition of PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) is an established therapeutic option to treat hypercholesterolemia, and plasma PCSK9 levels have been implicated in cardiovascular disease incidence. A number of genetic variants within the PCSK9 gene locus have been shown to modulate PCSK9 levels, but these only explain a very small percentage of the overall PCSK9 interindividual variation. Here we present data on the genetic association structure between PCSK9 levels and genom-wide genetic variation in a healthy sample from the general population. We performed a genome-wide association study of plasma PCSK9 levels in a sample of Brazilian individuals enrolled in the Estudo Longitudinal de Saude do Adulto cohort (n=810). Enrolled individuals were free from cardiovascular disease, diabetes and were not under lipid-lowering medication. Genome-wide genotyping was conducted using the Axiom_PMRA.r3 array, and imputation was performed using the TOPMED multi-ancestry sample panel as reference. Total PCSK9 plasma concentrations were determined using the Quantikine SPC900 ELISA kit. We observed two genome-wide significant loci and seven loci that reached the pre-defined value of p threshold of 1×10−6. Significant variants were near KCNA5 and KCNA1, and LINC00353. Genetic variation at the PCSK9 locus was able to explain approximately 4% of the overall interindividual variations in PCSK9 levels. Colocalization analysis using eQTL data suggested RWDD3, ATXN7L1, KCNA1, and FAM177A1 to be potential mediators of some of the observed associations. Our results suggest that PCSK9 levels may be modulated by trans genetic variation outside of the PCSK9 gene and this may have clinical implications. Understanding both environmental and genetic predictors of PCSK9 levels may help identify new targets for cardiovascular disease treatment and contribute to a better assessment of the benefits of long-term PCSK9 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela Bensenor
- Center for Clinical and Epidemiologic Research, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kallyandra Padilha
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Cardiology, Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabella Ramos Lima
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Cardiology, Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raul Dias Santos
- Lipid Clinic, Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gilles Lambert
- Inserm UMR 1188 DéTROI, Université La Réunion, Sainte Clotilde, France
| | | | - Marcio S Bittencourt
- Lipid Clinic, Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alessandra C Goulart
- Center for Clinical and Epidemiologic Research, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Itamar S Santos
- Center for Clinical and Epidemiologic Research, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose G Mill
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Jose E Krieger
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Cardiology, Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo A Lotufo
- Center for Clinical and Epidemiologic Research, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre C Pereira
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Cardiology, Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ruscica M, Sirtori CR, Corsini A, Watts GF, Sahebkar A. Lipoprotein(a): Knowns, unknowns and uncertainties. Pharmacol Res 2021; 173:105812. [PMID: 34450317 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 10 years, there have been advances on several aspects of lipoprotein(a) which are reviewed in the present article. Since the standard immunoassays for measuring lipoprotein(a) are not fully apo(a) isoform-insensitive, the application of an LC-MS/MS method for assaying molar concentrations of lipoprotein(a) has been advocated. Genome wide association, epidemiological, and clinical studies have established high lipoprotein(a) as a causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). However, the relative importance of molar concentration, apo(a) isoform size or variants within the LPA gene is still controversial. Lipoprotein(a)-raising single nucleotide polymorphisms has not been shown to add on value in predicting ASCVD beyond lipoprotein(a) concentrations. Although hyperlipoproteinemia(a) represents an important confounder in the diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), it enhances the risk of ASCVD in these patients. Thus, identification of new cases of hyperlipoproteinemia(a) during cascade testing can increase the identification of high-risk individuals. However, it remains unclear whether FH itself increases lipoprotein(a). The ASCVD risk associated with lipoprotein(a) seems to follow a linear gradient across the distribution, regardless of racial subgroups and other risk factors. The inverse association with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes needs consideration as effective lipoprotein(a) lowering therapies are progressing towards the market. Considering that Mendelian randomization analyses have identified the degree of lipoprotein(a)-lowering that is required to achieve ASCVD benefit, the findings of the ongoing outcome trial with pelacarsen will clarify whether dramatically lowering lipoprotein(a) levels can reduce the risk of ASCVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy.
| | - Cesare R Sirtori
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Alberto Corsini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy; IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto S. Giovanni, Milan, Italy
| | - Gerald F Watts
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Lipid Disorders Clinic, Cardiometabolic Services, Department of Cardiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Australia
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Trends in PCSK9 Inhibitor Prescriptions before and after the Price Reduction in Patients with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10173828. [PMID: 34501275 PMCID: PMC8432238 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10173828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and cardiovascular event rates, yet due to their high price remain underutilized and difficult to prescribe in clinical practice. In March 2018, their price was significantly reduced. We evaluated whether the price reduction would improve prescribing patterns of PCSK9 inhibitors in eligible patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). METHODS We identified the number of eligible ASCVD patients and those prescribed a PCSK9 inhibitor for each year between July 2015 and December 2019. Patient demographics and clinical characteristics for those prescribed a PCSK9 inhibitor were extracted from their electronic health record. RESULTS In total 1059 patients of eligible patients received a new prescription for a PCSK9 inhibitor. From 2015 to 2019, the rate of new prescriptions among eligible patients increased from 0.5 to 3.3% (p < 0.001) and continuation rates increased from 18 to 60% (p < 0.001). Following the price reduction, patients who were prescribed a PCSK9 inhibitor were younger and more likely to be female, but less likely to have Medicare insurance. CONCLUSIONS Despite the reduction in the cost of PCSK9 inhibitors, most eligible patients are not prescribed one. The reduction in cost has improved adherence, primarily in patients with commercial insurance. Older patients and those on Medicare still face significant barriers in accessing a PCSK9 inhibitor. Further reductions in the price of the PCSK9 inhibitors are needed as is further study of the barriers that exist in prescribing one.
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Ministrini S, Carbone F. PCSK9 and inflammation. Maybe a role in autoimmune diseases? Focus on rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:970-979. [PMID: 34375179 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210810150940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite a clear epidemiological link between autoimmune disease and cardiovascular (CV) risk exists, pathophysiological explanations are extremely complex and far from being elucidated. Dysregulation of metabolic pathways and chronic low-grade inflammation represent common pathways, but CV risk still remains underestimated in patients with autoimmune diseas. Among different candidate mediators, pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is attracting a growing attention, due to a combined effect on lipid metabolism and inflammatory response. Study on PCSK9 inhibitors have established a clear benefit on CV outcome without an established effect on inflammation. Conversely, evidence from sepsis and HIV infection strongly support a pro-inflammatory role of PCSK9. Still uncertain is instead the role of PCSK9 in autoimmune disease. So far reported clinical findings are controversial and likely reflect the poor knowledge of PCSK9 activity on monocyte/macrophage migration and activation. The complex signaling network around PCSK9 synthesis and metabolism may also have a role, especially concerning the involvement of scavenger receptors such as CD36. Such complexity in PCSK9 signaling seems particularly evident in autoimmune disease model. This would also potentially explain the observed independency between lipid profile and PCSK9 levels, the so-called "lipid paradox". In this narrative review we will summarize the current knowledge about the complex network of PCSK9 signaling. We will focus of upstream and downstream pathways with potential implication in autoimmune disease and potential effects of PCSK9 inhibiting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ministrini
- Internal Medicine, Angiology and Atherosclerosis; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, p.le Gambuli 1, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Federico Carbone
- First Clinic of internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 6 viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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Eckel RH, Bornfeldt KE, Goldberg IJ. Cardiovascular disease in diabetes, beyond glucose. Cell Metab 2021; 33:1519-1545. [PMID: 34289375 PMCID: PMC8411849 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the decades-old knowledge that diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the reasons for this association are only partially understood. While this association is true for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, different pathophysiological processes may be responsible. Lipids and other risk factors are indeed important, whereas the role of glucose is less clear. This lack of clarity stems from clinical trials that do not unambiguously show that intensive glycemic control reduces cardiovascular events. Animal models have provided mechanisms that link diabetes to increased atherosclerosis, and evidence consistent with the importance of factors beyond hyperglycemia has emerged. We review clinical, pathological, and animal studies exploring the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in humans living with diabetes and in mouse models of diabetes. An increased effort to identify risk factors beyond glucose is now needed to prevent the increased cardiovascular disease risk associated with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Eckel
- Divisions of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, and Cardiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Karin E Bornfeldt
- Department of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ira J Goldberg
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Szwed P, Gąsecka A, Zawadka M, Eyileten C, Postuła M, Mazurek T, Szarpak Ł, Filipiak KJ. Infections as Novel Risk Factors of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases: Pathophysiological Links and Therapeutic Implications. J Clin Med 2021; 10:2539. [PMID: 34201137 PMCID: PMC8229654 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) are the major cause of mortality worldwide. Despite the continuous progress in ASCVD therapy, the residual risk persists beyond the management of traditional risk factors. Several infections including Helicobacter pylori infection, periodontal disease, and viral infections are associated with the increased risk of ASCVD, both directly by damage to the heart muscle and vasculature, and indirectly by triggering a systemic proinflammatory state. Hence, beyond the optimal management of the traditional ASCVD risk factors, infections should be considered as an important non-classical risk factor to enable early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Here, we summarized the currently available evidence regarding the role of inflammation in ASCVD and the association between the particular infections and pathogens (Helicobacter pylori, periodontal disease, pneumonia, Cytomegalovirus, Human immunodeficiency virus, Herpes simplex virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) on the development and progression of ASCVD. We also speculated about the potential therapeutic implications of the anti-inflammatory and anti-infective drugs on ASCVD outcomes, including drugs routinely administered in patients with ASCVD (statins, P2Y12 receptor inhibitors, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers) and novel strategies aiming at residual risk reduction (colchicine, anti-cytokine drugs, and methotrexate). Considering the emerging association between infections and ASCVD, it is crucial to determine the possible advantages of infection prevention and treatment in patients with ASCVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Szwed
- 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (P.S.); (T.M.); (K.J.F.)
| | - Aleksandra Gąsecka
- 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (P.S.); (T.M.); (K.J.F.)
| | - Mateusz Zawadka
- 2nd Department of Anaestesiology and Intensive Therapy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Ceren Eyileten
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Center for Preclinical Research and Technology Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (C.E.); (M.P.)
| | - Marek Postuła
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Center for Preclinical Research and Technology Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (C.E.); (M.P.)
| | - Tomasz Mazurek
- 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (P.S.); (T.M.); (K.J.F.)
| | - Łukasz Szarpak
- Institute of Outcomes Research, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Medical Academy in Warsaw, 03-411 Warsaw, Poland;
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie Bialystok Oncology Center, 02-034 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Krzysztof J. Filipiak
- 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (P.S.); (T.M.); (K.J.F.)
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Ji E, Lee S. Antibody-Based Therapeutics for Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115770. [PMID: 34071276 PMCID: PMC8199089 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing due to the aging of societies. Atherosclerosis, a type of chronic inflammatory disease that occurs in arteries, is considered to be the main cause of cardiovascular diseases such as ischemic heart disease or stroke. In addition, the inflammatory response caused by atherosclerosis confers a significant effect on chronic inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and rheumatic arthritis. Here, we review the mechanism of action of the main causes of atherosclerosis such as plasma LDL level and inflammation; furthermore, we review the recent findings on the preclinical and clinical effects of antibodies that reduce the LDL level and those that neutralize the cytokines involved in inflammation. The apolipoprotein B autoantibody and anti-PCSK9 antibody reduced the level of LDL and plaques in animal studies, but failed to significantly reduce carotid inflammation plaques in clinical trials. The monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9 (alirocumab, evolocumab), which are used as a treatment for hyperlipidemia, lowered cholesterol levels and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Antibodies that neutralize inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and IL-12/23) have shown promising but contradictory results and thus warrant further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunhye Ji
- Division of Cardiology, Heart Institute, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea;
| | - Sahmin Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Heart Institute, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Korea;
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Correspondence:
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Pęczek P, Leśniewski M, Mazurek T, Szarpak L, Filipiak KJ, Gąsecka A. Antiplatelet Effects of PCSK9 Inhibitors in Primary Hypercholesterolemia. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11060466. [PMID: 34071103 PMCID: PMC8224623 DOI: 10.3390/life11060466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are a novel group of hypolipidemic drugs that are recommended particularly for high-risk hypercholesterolemia patients, including those with primary hypercholesterolemia (PH), where lifelong exposure to high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels results in an elevated risk of atherosclerosis at an early age. The onset and progression of atherosclerosis is significantly influenced by activated platelets. Oxidized LDL influences platelet activation by interacting with their surface receptors and remodeling the composition of their cell membrane. This results in platelet aggregation, endothelial cell activation, promotion of inflammation and oxidative stress, and acceleration of lipid accumulation in atherosclerotic plaques. PCSK9 inhibitors reduce platelet activation by both significantly lowering LDL levels and reducing the LDL receptor-mediated activation of platelets by PCSK9. They also work synergistically with other hypolipidemic and antithrombotic drugs, including statins, ezetimibe, acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel, and ticagrelor, which enhances their antiplatelet and LDL-lowering effects. In this review, we summarize the currently available evidence on platelet hyperreactivity in PH, the effects of PCSK9 inhibitors on platelets, and their synergism with other drugs used in PH therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Pęczek
- 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, 00-927 Warsaw, Poland; (P.P.); (M.L.); (T.M.); (K.J.F.)
| | - Mateusz Leśniewski
- 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, 00-927 Warsaw, Poland; (P.P.); (M.L.); (T.M.); (K.J.F.)
| | - Tomasz Mazurek
- 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, 00-927 Warsaw, Poland; (P.P.); (M.L.); (T.M.); (K.J.F.)
| | - Lukasz Szarpak
- Department of Research Outcomes, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Medical Academy in Warsaw, 03-411 Warsaw, Poland;
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie Bialystok Oncology Center, Department of Research Outcomes, 15-027 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Krzysztof J. Filipiak
- 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, 00-927 Warsaw, Poland; (P.P.); (M.L.); (T.M.); (K.J.F.)
| | - Aleksandra Gąsecka
- 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, 00-927 Warsaw, Poland; (P.P.); (M.L.); (T.M.); (K.J.F.)
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-22-599-1951
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Shyamala N, Gundapaneni KK, Galimudi RK, Tupurani MA, Padala C, Puranam K, Kupsal K, Kummari R, Gantala SR, Nallamala KR, Sahu SK, Hanumanth SR. PCSK9 genetic (rs11591147) and epigenetic (DNA methylation) modifications associated with PCSK9 expression and serum proteins in CAD patients. J Gene Med 2021; 23:e3346. [PMID: 33885177 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) genetic polymorphisms play a significant role in cholesterol homeostasis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association of PCSK9 genetic variations NM_174936.3:c.137G>T (R46L, rs11591147) and NM_174936.3:c.1120G>T (D374Y, rs137852912), as well as promoter DNA methylation status, with mRNA expression and circulating serum protein levels in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. METHODS The present study includes 300 CAD cases and 300 controls from South India. Biochemical assays were performed using commercially available kits. PCSK9 rs11591147 and rs137852912 polymorphisms were analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism method, whereas promoter DNA methylation status and gene expression were determined using methylation specific PCR and quantitative PCR respectively. RESULTS The genotypic distribution of PCSK9 rs11591147 revealed that individuals with the TT-genotype and T-allele have a reduced risk for CAD. Furthermore, patients with the PCSK9 rs11591147 TT genotype have a significantly lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels and also higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels than individuals with the GG genotype. Logistic regression analysis has shown that the GG and GT (p = 1.51 × 10-8 , p = 1.47 × 10-9 ) genotypes predicted the risk for CAD with an odds ratio of 5.8 and 7.3 respectively. In addition, individuals with the TT genotype were hypermethylated at promoter DNA of PCSK9, resulting in lower mRNA expression and circulating serum proteins than in individuals with the GG genotype. In silico analyses revealed that rs11591147 T-allele has protein destabilizing capacity. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the present study indicates that the PCSK9 gene expression and circulating serum protein levels are not only associated with rs11591147 genotype, but also with promoter DNA methylation. Furthermore, the findings with respect to both single nucleotide polymorphism and promoter DNA methylation may open avenues for novel treatment possibilities targeting PCSK9 for CAD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nivas Shyamala
- Department of Genetics & Biotechnology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India
| | | | - Rajesh Kumar Galimudi
- Department of Genetics & Biotechnology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India.,Vascular and Renal Translational Research Group, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | | | - Chiranjeevi Padala
- Department of Genetics & Biotechnology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India.,Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India
| | - Kaushik Puranam
- Department of Genetics & Biotechnology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India
| | - Keerthi Kupsal
- Department of Genetics & Biotechnology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India
| | - Ramanjaneyulu Kummari
- Department of Genetics & Biotechnology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India
| | - Srilatha Reddy Gantala
- Department of Genetics & Biotechnology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India
| | - Krishna Reddy Nallamala
- CARE cardiac center, Durgabai Deshmukh Hospital and Research Centre, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India
| | - Sanjib K Sahu
- CARE cardiac center, Durgabai Deshmukh Hospital and Research Centre, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India
| | - Surekha Rani Hanumanth
- Department of Genetics & Biotechnology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India
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Macchi C, Ferri N, Sirtori CR, Corsini A, Banach M, Ruscica M. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9: A View beyond the Canonical Cholesterol-Lowering Impact. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2021; 191:1385-1397. [PMID: 34019847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), mainly synthetized and released by the liver, represents one of the key regulators of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Although genetic and interventional studies have demonstrated that lowering PCSK9 levels corresponds to a cardiovascular benefit, identification of non-cholesterol-related processes has emerged since its discovery. Besides liver, PCSK9 is also expressed in many tissues (eg, intestine, endocrine pancreas, and brain). The aim of the present review is to describe and discuss PCSK9 pathophysiology and possible non-lipid-lowering effects whether already extensively characterized (eg, inflammatory burden of atherosclerosis, triglyceride-rich lipoprotein metabolism, and platelet activation), or to be unraveled (eg, in adipose tissue). The identification of novel transcriptional factors in the promoter region of human PCSK9 (eg, ChREBP) characterizes new mechanisms explaining how controlling intrahepatic glucose may be a therapeutic strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes. Finally, the evidence describing PCSK9 as involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis raises the possibility of this protein being involved in cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Macchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, Italy.
| | - Nicola Ferri
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Cesare R Sirtori
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, Italy
| | - Alberto Corsini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, Italy; Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico MultiMedica, Sesto San Giovanni/Milan, Italy
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Hypertension, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland; Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, Lodz, Poland; Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, Italy.
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Lekuona I, Pintó X. Clinical development of bempedoic acid: phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials. CLINICA E INVESTIGACION EN ARTERIOSCLEROSIS 2021; 33 Suppl 1:58-64. [PMID: 33966815 DOI: 10.1016/j.arteri.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
We review all the phase II and III studies carried out with bempedoic acid at the dose of 180mg, alone or in combination with different lipid-lowering drugs and in different subgroups of patients that unequivocally show the efficacy and safety of the drug. We point out some of the potential advantages of its use in clinical practice in patients with statin intolerance and the efficacy in reducing LDL-c when combined with statins, and with statins and ezetimibe, as well as in reducing inflammation markers pending the results of the CV Clear Outcomes trial that will end in 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñaki Lekuona
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Quirón Salud Bizkaia
| | - Xavier Pintó
- Unidad de Lípidos y Riesgo Vascular, Servicio de Medicina Interna,Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge-Idibell, Universidad de Barcelona, CIBEROBN, Fundación para la investigación y prevención de las enfermedades cardiovasculares (Fipec), España.
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