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Muntner P, Ghazi L, Jones J, Dhalwani N, Poudel B, Wen Y, Chen L, Wang Z, Bittner V, Kalich B, Farkouh ME, Woodward M, Colantonio LD, Rosenson RS. Persistence and Adherence to PCSK9 Inhibitor Monoclonal Antibodies Versus Ezetimibe in Real-World Settings. Adv Ther 2024; 41:2399-2413. [PMID: 38691317 PMCID: PMC11133193 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-024-02868-z] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The cardiovascular disease risk reduction benefits of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor monoclonal antibodies (PCSK9i mAb) and ezetimibe are dependent on remaining on treatment and being persistent and adherent. We estimated the percentage of patients on therapy, persistent and adherent at 182 and 365 days among US adults with health insurance who initiated a PCSK9i mAb (n = 16,588) or ezetimibe (n = 83,086) between July 2015 and December 2019. METHODS Using pharmacy fill claims, being on therapy was defined as having a day of medication supply in the last 60 of 182 and 365 days following treatment initiation, being persistent was defined as not having a gap of 60 days or more between the last day of supply from one prescription fill and the next fill, and being adherent was defined by having medication available to take on ≥ 80% of the 182 and 365 days following treatment initiation. We estimated multivariable-adjusted risk ratios for being persistent and adherent comparing patients initiating PCSK9i mAb versus ezetimibe using Poisson regression. RESULTS At 182 days following initiation, 80% and 68% were on therapy and 76% and 64% were persistent among patients who initiated a PCSK9i mAb and ezetimibe, respectively. Among patients who were on therapy and persistent at 182 days following initiation, 88% and 81% of those who initiated a PCSK9i mAb and ezetimibe, respectively, were on therapy at 365 days. Among those on therapy and persistent at 182 days following initiation, being persistent and being adherent at 365 days were each more common among PCSK9i mAb versus ezetimibe initiators (persistent: 82% versus 76%, multivariable-adjusted risk ratio 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.08; adherent: 74% versus 71%, multivariable-adjusted risk ratio 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.03). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest approaches to increase persistence and adherence to PCSK9i mAb and ezetimibe should be implemented prior to or within 182 days following treatment initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Muntner
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Lama Ghazi
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
| | - Jenna Jones
- Center for Observational Research, Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
| | - Nafeesa Dhalwani
- Center for Observational Research, Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
| | - Bharat Poudel
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Ying Wen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Ligong Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Zhixin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Vera Bittner
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Michael E Farkouh
- Department of Medicine, Cedar-Sinai School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark Woodward
- The George Institute for Global Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisandro D Colantonio
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Robert S Rosenson
- Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Ebenbichler C, Drexel H, Hanusch U, Toplak H, Dhalwani NN, Bridges I, Hoelzl R, Hemetsberger M, Ray KK. Evolocumab effectiveness in the real-world setting: Austrian data from the pan-European observational HEYMANS study. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2024; 136:77-86. [PMID: 37525072 PMCID: PMC10837260 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-023-02245-w] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This real-world study examined clinical characteristics and dyslipidemia management among patients initiating evolocumab across 12 European countries. Austrian data are reported. METHODS Data of consenting adults were collected for ≤ 6 months prior to evolocumab initiation (baseline) and ≤ 30 months post-initiation. Patient characteristics, lipid lowering therapy (LLT, i.e. statin and/or ezetimibe) and lipid values were collected from medical records. RESULTS In Austria, 363 patients were enrolled. At baseline, 52% of patients initiated evolocumab without background LLT; the median (Q1, Q3) initial low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level was 142 (111, 187) mg/dL. Within 3 months of evolocumab treatment, median LDL‑C decreased by 59% to 58 (37, 91) mg/dL. This reduction was maintained over time, despite consistently infrequent use of background LLT. LDL-C < 55 mg/dL was attained by 65% of patients (76% with, 55% without background LLT). Evolocumab persistence was ≥ 90% at month 12 and month 30. CONCLUSION In Austria, patients were initiated on evolocumab at LDL‑C levels almost 3‑times higher than the guideline-recommended clinical goal (< 55 mg/dL). Persistence with evolocumab was very high. Evolocumab led to a rapid and sustained LDL‑C reduction with 65% attaining the LDL‑C goal. Patients using evolocumab in combination with statins and/or ezetimibe were more likely to attain their LDL‑C goal and thus decrease cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Ebenbichler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Heinz Drexel
- Vorarlberg Institute for Vascular Investigation & Treatment (VIVIT) at Feldkirch Academic Teaching Hospital, Feldkirch, Austria
| | - Ursula Hanusch
- Center for Clinical Studies, Dr. Hanusch GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hermann Toplak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | | | | | | | - Kausik K Ray
- Imperial Centre for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Bao X, Liang Y, Chang H, Cai T, Feng B, Gordon K, Zhu Y, Shi H, He Y, Xie L. Targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9): from bench to bedside. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:13. [PMID: 38185721 PMCID: PMC10772138 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01690-3] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has evolved as a pivotal enzyme in lipid metabolism and a revolutionary therapeutic target for hypercholesterolemia and its related cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This comprehensive review delineates the intricate roles and wide-ranging implications of PCSK9, extending beyond CVD to emphasize its significance in diverse physiological and pathological states, including liver diseases, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and notably, cancer. Our exploration offers insights into the interaction between PCSK9 and low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs), elucidating its substantial impact on cholesterol homeostasis and cardiovascular health. It also details the evolution of PCSK9-targeted therapies, translating foundational bench discoveries into bedside applications for optimized patient care. The advent and clinical approval of innovative PCSK9 inhibitory therapies (PCSK9-iTs), including three monoclonal antibodies (Evolocumab, Alirocumab, and Tafolecimab) and one small interfering RNA (siRNA, Inclisiran), have marked a significant breakthrough in cardiovascular medicine. These therapies have demonstrated unparalleled efficacy in mitigating hypercholesterolemia, reducing cardiovascular risks, and have showcased profound value in clinical applications, offering novel therapeutic avenues and a promising future in personalized medicine for cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, emerging research, inclusive of our findings, unveils PCSK9's potential role as a pivotal indicator for cancer prognosis and its prospective application as a transformative target for cancer treatment. This review also highlights PCSK9's aberrant expression in various cancer forms, its association with cancer prognosis, and its crucial roles in carcinogenesis and cancer immunity. In conclusion, this synthesized review integrates existing knowledge and novel insights on PCSK9, providing a holistic perspective on its transformative impact in reshaping therapeutic paradigms across various disorders. It emphasizes the clinical value and effect of PCSK9-iT, underscoring its potential in advancing the landscape of biomedical research and its capabilities in heralding new eras in personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhui Bao
- Institute of Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China.
- Center for Clinical Research, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Cell-based Immunotherapy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Yongjun Liang
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanman Chang
- Institute for Food Safety and Health, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tianji Cai
- Department of Sociology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Baijie Feng
- Department of Oncology, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Konstantin Gordon
- Medical Institute, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia
- A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Center, Obninsk, Russia
| | - Yuekun Zhu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hailian Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiang Hi-tech Park, Shanghai, China
| | - Yundong He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Liyi Xie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Sudano I, Krähenbühl S, Mach F, Anstett A, Dhalwani N, Bridges I, Sibartie M, Ray KK. Evolocumab use in clinical practice in Switzerland: final data of the observational HEYMANS cohort study. Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis 2024; 18:17539447231213288. [PMID: 38183273 PMCID: PMC10771737 DOI: 10.1177/17539447231213288] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS The HEYMANS study observed patients receiving evolocumab as part of routine clinical hyperlipidemia management. It was designed to capture data on clinical parameters relevant to health authorities and physicians. METHODS This was a European multi-country observational cohort serial chart review study; data on the Swiss cohort are reported here. Patients were prescribed evolocumab as per the Swiss reimbursement criteria in force at the time and were invited chronologically. The study consisted of a 6-month period prior to initiation of evolocumab, a 12-month core observation period (entered by 75 patients, completed by 74 patients), and an 18-month extended observation period (entered by 40 patients, completed by 34 patients). The primary objective was to describe the clinical characteristics of patients receiving evolocumab. Secondary objectives included to describe lipid levels, evolocumab use, and patterns of use of other lipid-lowering therapies (LLT, that is, statins and/or ezetimibe) over time. The study was conducted in the Swiss cohort between May 2017 and June 2021. RESULTS Patients who received evolocumab in Swiss routine practice mostly were in secondary prevention (93%) and had a history of statin intolerance (85%) with 53% receiving no background LLT. One-third had familial hypercholesterolemia. Patients initiated evolocumab at a median low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of 3.6 mmol/L, which decreased by 54% within 3 months to 1.6 mmol/L and was stable thereafter. Overall, 61% achieved the LDL-C goal of <1.4 mmol/L with more patients attaining this goal when they received evolocumab with a statin and/or ezetimibe (84%) compared to 41% when receiving evolocumab alone. An LDL-C reduction of ⩾50% was achieved by 85% of patients. Persistence with evolocumab at 12 months was 85%. CONCLUSION In Swiss clinical practice, evolocumab was mainly prescribed to patients with very high cardiovascular risk, who had very high LDL-C levels. Most patients continued to use evolocumab throughout the study period. In these patients, LDL-C was reduced by >50% within 3 months and LDL-C reductions were maintained over time. Guideline-recommended LDL-C goals for this very high-risk cohort were more frequently attained in patients receiving a combination of statin and/or ezetimibe and evolocumab. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02770131.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Sudano
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University Heart Center, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Krähenbühl
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - François Mach
- Department of Cardiology, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Nafeesa Dhalwani
- Center for Observational Research, Amgen Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
| | - Ian Bridges
- International Biostatistics, Amgen Ltd, Uxbridge, UK
| | | | - Kausik K. Ray
- Imperial Centre for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Cowart K, Singleton J, Carris NW. Inclisiran for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia and for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction: A Narrative Review. Clin Ther 2023; 45:1099-1104. [PMID: 37451914 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2023.06.011] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Inclisiran is a novel nonstatin therapy providing significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as well as improvements in other lipid biomarkers. This review summarizes data from postapproval publications regarding the impact of inclisiran on lipids and cardiovascular risk reduction, as well as its tolerability and cost-effectiveness. METHODS A search of PubMed for inclisiran was used to identify articles published since its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Clinical research studies reporting meta-analysis; pooled patient-level trial analyses; cost-effectiveness analyses; new human data; prespecified, post-hoc, or subgroup trial analyses; and clinical trial extensions were included. FINDINGS The search identified 153 citations; 16 studies were included. FDA-approval trials, subsequent pooled patient-level trial analyses, and extension studies found that inclisiran, administered with and without maximally tolerated statin therapy, reduced LDL-C by ≈50%, with the reduction sustained for 4 years. Inclisiran appeared to be well tolerated, even long-term, with injection-site reactions being the most common adverse effect. A patient-level pooled analysis of data from Phase III trials suggested that cardiovascular events were reduced with inclisiran versus placebo (7.1% vs 9.4%; odds ratio = 0.74 [95% CI, 0.58-0.94]). Inclisiran is suggested to be cost-effective based the presumed cardiovascular benefit commensurate with LDL-C reduction. IMPLICATIONS The cardiovascular benefit and cost-effectiveness of inclisiran are promising, though not definitive. The results of a large-scale study of the effects of inclisiran on cardiovascular outcomes are expected in 2026; until then, the nonstatin therapies primarily prescribed for LDL-C reduction remain proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin (PCSK)-9 inhibitors and ezetimibe. However, inclisiran is a reasonable alternative to, PCSK-9 inhibitors, in patients who struggle with the self-injection of or adherence to PCSK-9 inhibitors as inclisiran maintenance therapy is administered twice yearly by a health care professional.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Cowart
- USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jerica Singleton
- USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Nicholas W Carris
- USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.
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Lee J, Lee SH. Expanding the therapeutic landscape: ezetimibe as non-statin therapy for dyslipidemia. Korean J Intern Med 2023; 38:797-809. [PMID: 37866817 PMCID: PMC10636547 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2023.243] [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] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and statins are the primary therapeutic options for reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. However, it can be challenging to achieve optimal LDL-C goals with statin monotherapy. Ezetimibe, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor, offers a potential non-statin therapy to optimize LDL-C management. Key clinical trials, such as IMPROVE-IT and RACING, have demonstrated that the addition of ezetimibe to statin therapy leads to further decreases in LDL-C or significant decreases in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), particularly in patients with high ASCVD risk. Subsequent meta-analyses and clinical trials have further supported the beneficial effect of ezetimibe, suggesting additive decreases in LDL-C and MACEs, as well as pleiotropic effects. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the clinical implications of ezetimibe for managing dyslipidemia; it also evaluates the available evidence that supports the role of ezetimibe as an adjunct non-statin therapy for long-term use. However, the long-term pleiotropic effects of ezetimibe remain controversial because of limited clinical data. Therefore, additional research is needed to clarify its potential benefits beyond LDL-C reduction. Nonetheless, an understanding of the role of ezetimibe in dyslipidemia management will help clinicians to develop effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongmin Lee
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Seung-Hwan Lee
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul,
Korea
- Department of Medical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul,
Korea
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Zivkovic S, Maric G, Cvetinovic N, Lepojevic-Stefanovic D, Bozic Cvijan B. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lipid-Lowering Drugs and Supplements-A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15061517. [PMID: 36986246 PMCID: PMC10053759 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Since the establishment of the "lipid hypothesis", according to which, cholesterol level is directly correlated to the risk of CVD, many different lipid-lowering agents have been introduced in clinical practice. A majority of these drugs, in addition to their lipid-lowering properties, may also exhibit some anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. This hypothesis was based on the observation that a decrease in lipid levels occurs along with a decrease in inflammation. Insufficient reduction in the inflammation during treatment with lipid-lowering drugs could be one of the explanations for treatment failure and recurrent CVD events. Thus, the aim of this narrative review was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of currently available lipid-lowering medications including statins, ezetimibe, bile acid sequestrants (BAS), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, fibrates, omega-3 fatty acids, and niacin, as well as dietary supplements and novel drugs used in modern times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Zivkovic
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Zvezdara University Medical Center, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gorica Maric
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Epidemiology, University of Belgrade, Dr. Subotica 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Natasa Cvetinovic
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, University Medical Center "Dr Dragisa Misovic-Dedinje", 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Bojana Bozic Cvijan
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Masana L, Plana N, Andreychuk N, Ibarretxe D. LIPID LOWERING COMBINATION THERAPY. From prevention to atherosclerosis plaque treatment. Pharmacol Res 2023; 190:106738. [PMID: 36940892 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106738] [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: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Statins have contributed to the prevention of numerous atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) events and cardiovascular deaths in the past three decades. The benefit of statins is mainly mediated by the lowering of LDLc. According to scientific evidence, the current international guidelines recommend very low LDLc goals in patients at high/very high cardiovascular risk because they are associated with fewer CV events and improvements in atherosclerotic plaques. However, these goals often cannot be obtained with statins alone. Recent RCTs have demonstrated that these CV benefits can also be obtained with nonstatin LDLc-lowering drugs such as PCSK9 inhibitors (alirocumab and evolocumab), ezetimibe and bempedoic acid, while evidence with inclisiran is upcoming. Icosapent ethyl, a lipid metabolism modifier, has also shown an effect on event reduction. Physicians should take advantage of the currently available lipid-lowering therapies, choosing the drug or combination of drugs that is most appropriate for each patient according to his or her CV risk and baseline LDLc concentration. Strategies implementing combination therapies from early stages or even from the outset may increase the number of patients attaining LDLc goals, thereby preventing new CV episodes and improving existing atherosclerotic lesions. DATA AVAILABILITY: No data was used for the research described in the article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lluís Masana
- Unitat Medicina Vascular i Metabolism. Hospital Universitari Sant Joan. IISPV. CIBERDEM. Universitat Rovira i Virgili. Reus. Spain.
| | - Núria Plana
- Unitat Medicina Vascular i Metabolism. Hospital Universitari Sant Joan. IISPV. CIBERDEM. Universitat Rovira i Virgili. Reus. Spain
| | - Natalia Andreychuk
- Unitat Medicina Vascular i Metabolism. Hospital Universitari Sant Joan. IISPV. CIBERDEM. Universitat Rovira i Virgili. Reus. Spain
| | - Daiana Ibarretxe
- Unitat Medicina Vascular i Metabolism. Hospital Universitari Sant Joan. IISPV. CIBERDEM. Universitat Rovira i Virgili. Reus. Spain
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Atherogenic Dyslipidemias: Unmet Needs and the Therapeutic Potential of Emerging and Novel Approaches and Drugs. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/ph16020176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Innovative lipid-modifying agents are valuable resources to improve the control of atherogenic dyslipidemias and reduce the lipid-related residual cardiovascular risk of patients with intolerance or who are not fully responsive to a consolidated standard of care (statins plus ezetimibe). Moreover, some of the upcoming compounds potently affect lipid targets that are thus far considered “unmodifiable”. The present paper is a viewpoint aimed at presenting the incremental metabolic and cardiovascular benefits of the emerging lipid-modulating agents and real-life barriers, hindering their prescription by physicians and their assumption by patients, which need to be worked out for a more diffuse and appropriate drug utilization.
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Giglio RV, Muzurović EM, Patti AM, Toth PP, Agarwal MA, Almahmeed W, Klisic A, Ciaccio M, Rizzo M. Treatment with Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibitors (PCSK9i): Current Evidence for Expanding the Paradigm? J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther 2023; 28:10742484231186855. [PMID: 37448204 DOI: 10.1177/10742484231186855] [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] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Background: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) are low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)-lowering drugs that play a critical role in lipoprotein clearance and metabolism. PCSK9i are used in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia and for the secondary prevention of acute cardiovascular events in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: We focused on the literature from 2015, the year of approval of the PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies, to the present on the use of PCSK9i not only in the lipid field but also by evaluating their effects on metabolic factors. Results: PCSK9 inhibits cholesterol efflux from macrophages and contributes to the formation of macrophage foam cells. PCSK9 has the ability to bind to Toll-like receptors, thus mediating the inflammatory response and binding to scavenger receptor B/cluster of differentiation 36. PCSK9i lower the entire spectrum of apolipoprotein B-100 containing lipoproteins (LDL, very LDLs, intermediate-density lipoproteins, and lipoprotein[a]) in high CVD-risk patients. Moreover, PCSK9 inhibitors are neutral on risk for new-onset diabetes mellitus and might have a beneficial impact on the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by improving lipid and inflammatory biomarker profiles, steatosis biomarkers such as the triglyceride-glucose index, and hepatic steatosis index, although there are no comprehensive studies with long-term follow-up studies. Conclusion: The discovery of PCSK9i has opened a new era in therapeutic management in patients with hypercholesterolemia and high cardiovascular risk. Increasingly, there has been mounting scientific and clinical evidence supporting the safety and tolerability of PCSK9i.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Vincenza Giglio
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostics, Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University-Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Emir M Muzurović
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Section, Clinical Centre of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Angelo Maria Patti
- Internal Medicine Unit, "Vittorio Emanuele II" Hospital, Castelvetrano, Italy
| | - Peter P Toth
- Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Manyoo A Agarwal
- Heart and Vascular Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Wael Almahmeed
- Heart and Vascular Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Aleksandra Klisic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
- Primary Health Care Center, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Marcello Ciaccio
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostics, Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Molecular Medicine, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University-Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Manfredi Rizzo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, Columbia, SC, USA
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Fan FS. Small-interfering RNA targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 might promote fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma through upregulation of CD36. Tumour Biol 2023; 45:73-80. [PMID: 37694331 DOI: 10.3233/tub-230007] [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] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) binds to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and fatty acid translocase CD36, inducing lysosomal degradation of these two receptors in the liver cells. Both monoclonal antibody (mAb) and small-interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting PCSK9 have been designed for treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia recently, with elevating LDL receptors on the liver cell surface and increasing LDL uptake as the main beneficial mechanism. However, given that the binding domains of PCSK9 for LDL receptor and CD36 are different, and PCSK9 mAb only attacks the domain for LDL receptor, CD36 expression remains partially controlled under PCSK9 mAb treatment. In contrast, PCSK9 siRNA brings on complete loss of PCSK9, resulting in overexpression of CD36. Based on the fact that CD36 is a key factor in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and subsequent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the risk of developing NAFLD and HCC on long-term use of PCSK9 siRNA is thus raised as a hypothesis. Additionally, because CD36 is also involved in the promotion of malignant diseases other than HCC, such as acute myeloid leukemia, gastric cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer, the speculative danger of flourishing these malignancies by PCSK9 siRNA is discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank S Fan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
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