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Zhang N, Shi K, Ma S, Zhang X, Duan M, Zhang M, Liu Y, Gao T, Yang H, Ma X, Huang Y, Cheng Y, Qu H, Fan J, Yao Q, Zhan S. Correlation between lipoprotein(a) and recurrent ischemic events post-cerebral vascular stent implantation. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2024:107882. [PMID: 39038628 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2024.107882] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The association of Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) with recurrent ischemic events in stented patients remains uncertain. So, this research aimed to investigate the impact of elevated Lp(a) levels on the occurrence of ischemic events in this specific patient population. METHODS Totally 553 patients who underwent intracranial or extracranial artery stent implantation were included. Baseline data were collected and postoperative ischemic outcomes were followed up. Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the association between Lp(a) and outcomes, while accounting for confounding factors. Finally, we established prediction models based on nomogram. RESULTS Of total 553 patients, a number of 107 (19.3%) experienced outcomes. These included 46 cases (34.7%) in group with elevated Lp(a) levels (>30 mg/dL) and 61 cases (18.4%) in non-elevated group (χ2=6.343, p=0.012). The group with elevated Lp(a) was 1.811 times more likely to experience ischemic events than the non-elevated group, each 1 mg/dL increase in Lp(a) resulted in a 1.008-fold increase in the recurrence rate of ischemic events. In addition, sex (male), previous history of coronary heart disease, decreased albumin, elevated very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and poorly controlled risk factors (including blood pressure and blood sugar) were also associated with a high risk of recurrent ischemic events after stent implantation. CONCLUSION Lp(a) elevation was a significant risk factor for ischemic events in symptomatic patients who underwent intracranial or extracranial artery stenting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Kaili Shi
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Shuyin Ma
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Minyu Duan
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Mengyuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Yixin Liu
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Tiantian Gao
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Han Yang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Yizhou Huang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Yuxuan Cheng
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Huiyang Qu
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Jiaxin Fan
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Qingling Yao
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Shuqin Zhan
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.
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ShaMa A, Xu C, Huang Y, Ma C, Hu J, Li Z, Zeng C. Association between lipoprotein(a) and cardiovascular disease in patients undergoing coronary angiography. Herz 2024:10.1007/s00059-024-05247-0. [PMID: 38658408 DOI: 10.1007/s00059-024-05247-0] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many previous studies reported the relationship between lipoprotein(a) and cardiovascular disease, but the conclusions were controversial. The aim of our study was to retrospectively investigate the association between lipoprotein(a) and cardiovascular disease in patients undergoing coronary angiography. METHODS We collected and compared clinical information of patients hospitalized for coronary angiography. Multivariable hierarchical logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between lipoprotein(a) and cardiovascular disease in patients undergoing coronary angiography. RESULTS There were no significant differences in gender, hypertension, APOA1, smoking, hyperuricemia, obesity, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), cardiac insufficiency, family history of diabetes, or family history of hyperlipidemia among the four groups of lipoprotein(a). Elevated lipoprotein(a) does not increase the risk of hypertriglyceridemia, while elevated lipoprotein(a) increases the risk of high total cholesterol and high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c). Elevated lipoprotein(a) increases the risk of diabetes and premature coronary artery disease (CAD). Elevated lipoprotein(a) increases the incidence of CAD, multivessel lesions, and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Multivariate logistic regression analysis further showed that elevated lipoprotein(a) increases the incidence of high total cholesterol, high LDL‑c, diabetes, CAD, premature CAD, multivessel lesions, and PCI. CONCLUSION The findings indicated that elevated lipoprotein(a) had no obvious relationship with hypertension and obesity. Elevated lipoprotein(a) increases the risk of high total cholesterol, high LDL‑c, and premature CAD, and increases the occurrence and severity of coronary heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azhi ShaMa
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Chunmei Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yingying Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Chunlan Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jingyue Hu
- Department of Neurology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuxin Li
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunyu Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.
- Heart Center of Fujian Province, Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
- Department of Cardiology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, China.
- Cardiovascular Research Center of Chongqing College, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, China.
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de Boer LM, Wiegman A, Swerdlow DI, Kastelein JJP, Hutten BA. Pharmacotherapy for children with elevated levels of lipoprotein(a): future directions. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:1601-1615. [PMID: 36047306 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2118522] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). With the advent of the antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeted at LPA, the gene encoding apolipoprotein(a), that are highly effective for lowering Lp(a) levels, this risk factor might be managed in the near future. Given that Lp(a) levels are mostly genetically determined and once elevated, present from early age, we have evaluated future directions for the treatment of children with high Lp(a) levels. AREAS COVERED In the current review, we discuss different pharmacological treatments in clinical development and provide an in-depth overview of the effects of ASOs and siRNAs targeted at LPA. EXPERT OPINION Since high Lp(a) is an important risk factor for ASCVD and given the promising effects of both ASOs and siRNAs targeted at apo(a), there is an urgent need for well-designed prospective studies to assess the impact of elevated Lp(a) in childhood. If the Lp(a)-hypothesis is confirmed in adults, and also in children, the rationale might arise for treating children with high Lp(a) levels. However, we feel that this should be limited to children with the highest cardiovascular risk including familial hypercholesterolemia and potentially pediatric stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte M de Boer
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Albert Wiegman
- Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - John J P Kastelein
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara A Hutten
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Vasyutina M, Alieva A, Reutova O, Bakaleiko V, Murashova L, Dyachuk V, Catapano AL, Baragetti A, Magni P. The zebrafish model system for dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis research: Focus on environmental/exposome factors and genetic mechanisms. Metabolism 2022; 129:155138. [PMID: 35051509 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2022.155138] [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: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Dyslipidemias and atherosclerosis play a pivotal role in cardiovascular risk and disease. Although some pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these conditions have been unveiled, several knowledge gaps still remain. Experimental models, both in vitro and in vivo, have been instrumental to our better understanding of such complex processes. The latter have often been based on rodent species, either wild-type or, in several instances, genetically modified. In this context, the zebrafish may represent an additional very useful in vivo experimental model for dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Interestingly, the lipid metabolism of zebrafish shares several features with that present in humans, recapitulating some molecular features and pathophysiological aspects in a better way than that of rodents. The zebrafish model may be of help to address questions related to exposome factors as well as to genetic features, aiming to dissect selected aspects of the more complex scenario observed in humans. Indeed, exposome-related dyslipidemia/atherosclerosis research in zebrafish may target different scientific questions, related to nutrition, microbiota, temperature, light exposure at the larval stage, exposure to chemicals and epigenetic consequences of such external factors. Addressing genetic features related to dyslipidemia/atherosclerosis using the zebrafish model is already a reality and active research is now ongoing in this promising area. Novel technologies (gene and genome editing) may help to identify new candidate genes involved in dyslipidemia and dyslipidemia-related diseases. Based on these considerations, the zebrafish experimental model appears highly suitable for the study of exposome factors, genes and molecules involved in the development of atherosclerosis-related disease as well as for the validation of novel potential treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Vasyutina
- Almazov Federal Medical Research Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Asiiat Alieva
- Almazov Federal Medical Research Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Olga Reutova
- Almazov Federal Medical Research Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Lada Murashova
- Almazov Federal Medical Research Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Alberico L Catapano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Baragetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Magni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy.
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Kostner KM, Kostner GM. Lp(a) and the Risk for Cardiovascular Disease: Focus on the Lp(a) Paradox in Diabetes Mellitus. Int J Mol Sci 2022. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23073584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is one of the strongest causal risk factors of atherosclerotic disease. It is rich in cholesteryl ester and composed of apolipoprotein B and apo(a). Plasma Lp(a) levels are determined by apo(a) transcriptional activity driven by a direct repeat (DR) response element in the apo(a) promoter under the control of (HNF)4α Farnesoid-X receptor (FXR) ligands play a key role in the downregulation of APOA expression. In vitro studies on the catabolism of Lp(a) have revealed that Lp(a) binds to several specific lipoprotein receptors; however, their in vivo role remains elusive. There are more than 1000 publications on the role of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Lp(a) metabolism; however, the data is often inconsistent and confusing. In patients suffering from Type-I diabetes mellitus (T1DM), provided they are metabolically well-controlled, Lp(a) plasma concentrations are directly comparable to healthy individuals. In contrast, there exists a paradox in T2DM patients, as many of these patients have reduced Lp(a) levels; however, they are still at an increased cardiovascular risk. The Lp(a) lowering mechanism observed in T2DM patients is most probably caused by mutations in the mature-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) gene and possibly other polymorphisms in key transcription factors of the apolipoprotein (a) gene (APOA).
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Lp(a) and the Risk for Cardiovascular Disease: Focus on the Lp(a) Paradox in Diabetes Mellitus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073584. [PMID: 35408941 PMCID: PMC8998850 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is one of the strongest causal risk factors of atherosclerotic disease. It is rich in cholesteryl ester and composed of apolipoprotein B and apo(a). Plasma Lp(a) levels are determined by apo(a) transcriptional activity driven by a direct repeat (DR) response element in the apo(a) promoter under the control of (HNF)4α Farnesoid-X receptor (FXR) ligands play a key role in the downregulation of APOA expression. In vitro studies on the catabolism of Lp(a) have revealed that Lp(a) binds to several specific lipoprotein receptors; however, their in vivo role remains elusive. There are more than 1000 publications on the role of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Lp(a) metabolism; however, the data is often inconsistent and confusing. In patients suffering from Type-I diabetes mellitus (T1DM), provided they are metabolically well-controlled, Lp(a) plasma concentrations are directly comparable to healthy individuals. In contrast, there exists a paradox in T2DM patients, as many of these patients have reduced Lp(a) levels; however, they are still at an increased cardiovascular risk. The Lp(a) lowering mechanism observed in T2DM patients is most probably caused by mutations in the mature-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) gene and possibly other polymorphisms in key transcription factors of the apolipoprotein (a) gene (APOA).
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7
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Kostner KM, Kostner GM. Lp(a) and the Risk for Cardiovascular Disease: Focus on the Lp(a) Paradox in Diabetes Mellitus. Int J Mol Sci 2022. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3390/ijms23073584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is one of the strongest causal risk factors of atherosclerotic disease. It is rich in cholesteryl ester and composed of apolipoprotein B and apo(a). Plasma Lp(a) levels are determined by apo(a) transcriptional activity driven by a direct repeat (DR) response element in the apo(a) promoter under the control of (HNF)4α Farnesoid-X receptor (FXR) ligands play a key role in the downregulation of APOA expression. In vitro studies on the catabolism of Lp(a) have revealed that Lp(a) binds to several specific lipoprotein receptors; however, their in vivo role remains elusive. There are more than 1000 publications on the role of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Lp(a) metabolism; however, the data is often inconsistent and confusing. In patients suffering from Type-I diabetes mellitus (T1DM), provided they are metabolically well-controlled, Lp(a) plasma concentrations are directly comparable to healthy individuals. In contrast, there exists a paradox in T2DM patients, as many of these patients have reduced Lp(a) levels; however, they are still at an increased cardiovascular risk. The Lp(a) lowering mechanism observed in T2DM patients is most probably caused by mutations in the mature-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) gene and possibly other polymorphisms in key transcription factors of the apolipoprotein (a) gene (APOA).
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8
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Metzner T, Leitner DR, Mellitzer K, Beck A, Sourij H, Stojakovic T, Reishofer G, März W, Landmesser U, Scharnagl H, Toplak H, Silbernagel G. Effects of Alirocumab on Triglyceride Metabolism: A Fat-Tolerance Test and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10010193. [PMID: 35052871 PMCID: PMC8774139 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: PCSK9 antibodies strongly reduce LDL cholesterol. The effects of PCSK9 antibodies on triglyceride metabolism are less pronounced. The present study aimed to investigate in detail the effects of alirocumab on triglycerides, triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, and lipase regulators. Methods: A total of 24 patients with an indication for treatment with PCSK9 antibodies were recruited. There were two visits at the study site: the first before initiation of treatment with alirocumab and the second after 10 weeks of treatment. Fat-tolerance tests, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to analyze lipid metabolism. Results: A total of 21 participants underwent the first and second investigation. Among these, two participants only received alirocumab twice and 19 patients completed the trial per protocol. All of them had atherosclerotic vascular disease. There was no significant effect of alirocumab treatment on fasting triglycerides, post-prandial triglycerides, or lipoprotein-lipase regulating proteins. Total, large, and small LDL particle concentrations decreased, while the HDL particle concentration increased (all p < 0.001). Mean total circulating PCSK9 markedly increased in response to alirocumab treatment (p < 0.001). Whereas PCSK9 increased more than three-fold in all 19 compliant patients, it remained unchanged in those two patients with two injections only. Conclusion: Significant effects of alirocumab on triglyceride metabolism were not detectable in the ALIROCKS trial. The total circulating PCSK9 concentration might be a useful biomarker to differentiate non-adherence from non-response to PCSK9 antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Metzner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Angiology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
- Department of Medical Affairs, Sanofi-Aventis GmbH, 1100 Vienna, Austria
| | - Deborah R Leitner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Karin Mellitzer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Andrea Beck
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Harald Sourij
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Tatjana Stojakovic
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Gernot Reishofer
- Department of Radiology, Clinical Division of Neuroradiology, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Winfried März
- Department of Internal Medicine 5 (Nephrology, Hypertensiology, Endocrinology, Diabetology, Rheumatology), Mannheim Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- Synlab Academy, Synlab Holding Germany GmbH, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Ulf Landmesser
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK)-Partner Site Berlin, Department of Cardiology, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité University Medicine Berlin, 12200 Berlin, Germany
| | - Hubert Scharnagl
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Hermann Toplak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Günther Silbernagel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Angiology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
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Lipoprotein (a) and Cardiovascular Disease: A Missing Link for Premature Atherosclerotic Heart Disease and/or Residual Risk. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2021; 79:e18-e35. [PMID: 34694242 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Lipoprotein(a) or lipoprotein "little a" is an under-recognized causal risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD), including coronary atherosclerosis, aortic valvular stenosis, ischemic stroke, heart failure and peripheral arterial disease. Elevated plasma Lp(a) (≥50 mg/dL or ≥100 nmol/L) is commonly encountered in almost 1 in 5 individuals and confers a higher CV risk compared to those with normal Lp(a) levels, although such normal levels have not been generally agreed upon. Elevated Lp(a) is considered a cause of premature and accelerated atherosclerotic CVD. Thus, in patients with a positive family or personal history of premature coronary artery disease (CAD), Lp(a) should be measured. However, elevated Lp(a) may confer increased risk for incident CAD even in the absence of a family history of CAD, and even in those who have guideline-lowered LDL-cholesterol (<70 mg/dl) and continue to have a persisting CV residual risk. Thus, measurement of Lp(a) will have a significant clinical impact on the assessment of atherosclerotic CVD risk, and will assume a more important role in managing patients with CVD with the advent and clinical application of specific Lp(a)-lowering therapies. Conventional therapeutic approaches like lifestyle modification and statin therapy remain ineffective at lowering Lp(a). Newer treatment modalities, such as gene silencing via RNA interference with use of antisense oligonucleotide(s) or small interfering RNA molecules targeting Lp(a) seem very promising. These issues are herein reviewed, accumulated data are scrutinized, meta-analyses and current guidelines are tabulated and Lp(a)-related CVDs and newer therapeutic modalities are pictorially illustrated.
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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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