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Mszar R, Mszar E. Familial Hypercholesterolemia and Our Family's Heart History: From Atherosclerosis and Angina to Awareness and Advocacy. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2024; 17:e010864. [PMID: 38357792 DOI: 10.1161/circoutcomes.124.010864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Reed Mszar
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT (R.M.)
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Alshahrani A, Kholaif N, Al-Khnifsawi M, Zarif H, Mahzari M. The Effect of PCSK9 Inhibitors on LDL-C Target Achievement in Patients with Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis. Adv Ther 2024; 41:837-846. [PMID: 38169062 PMCID: PMC10838833 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02764-y] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Achieving target low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels remains challenging when treating homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) are prescribed in addition to statins and ezetimibe, but patients' response varies and depends on residual low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) function. METHODS A multicenter, retrospective observational analysis evaluated LDL-C target achievement in response to PCSK9i treatment in 28 patients with HoFH from the Middle East/North Africa region. Effect of genotype was investigated. Demographic and clinical information was retrospectively obtained from medical records. Patient response to PCSK9i treatment was assessed by calculating percentage changes in lipid levels from pre-PCSK9i treatment baseline to most recent follow-up visit where patients were recorded as receiving PCSK9i on top of standard of care lipid-lowering therapies (LLTs; i.e., statins/ezetimibe) and assessing European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) target achievement up to January 31, 2022. Lowest LDL-C level while receiving PCSK9i was identified. RESULTS The cohort (n = 28) had a mean age (standard deviation; SD) of 22.8 (9.8) years (n = 28) and was 51% female (n = 27). Baseline LDL-C data were available in 24/28 (85.7%) patients (mean [SD] 14.0 [3.0] mmol/L). Median (interquartile range) duration of PCSK9i treatment was 12.0 months (4.0-19.1) months and mean (SD) % change in LDL-C after PCSK9i treatment was - 8.6% (12.1). LDL-C reduction from baseline was below 15% in 17/24 patients (70.8%). In the full cohort, mean (SD) minimum LDL-C during PCSK9i treatment was 11.9 (2.8; n = 28) mmol/L. No patient achieved EAS target LDL-C while receiving PCSK9i; genotype analysis suggested LDLR-null/null patients were most refractory to PCSK9i. CONCLUSION Response to PCSK9i was minimal in this cohort of patients with HoFH. No patients achieved EAS LDL-C targets, and most failed to reach the EAS-recommended 15% LDL-C reduction for PCSK9i therapy continuation. These results suggest additional LLTs are necessary to achieve LDL-C targets in HoFH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awad Alshahrani
- Department of Medicine, Ministry of the National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naji Kholaif
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Alfaisal University, Al Takhassousi, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Hawazen Zarif
- Department of Medicine, Ministry of the National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moeber Mahzari
- Department of Medicine, Ministry of the National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Timoshchenko O, Ivanoshchuk D, Semaev S, Orlov P, Zorina V, Shakhtshneider E. Diagnosis of Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Children and Young Adults. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:314. [PMID: 38203485 PMCID: PMC10778969 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010314] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The early detection and treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in childhood and adolescence are critical for increasing life expectancy. The purpose of our study was to investigate blood lipid parameters, features of physical signs of cholesterol accumulation, and a personal and family history of premature cardiovascular diseases in children and young adults when FH is diagnosed. The analysis included patients under 18 years of age (n = 17) and young adults (18-44 years of age; n = 43) who received a diagnosis of FH according to clinical criteria. Targeted high-throughput sequencing was performed using a custom panel of 43 genes. A family history of cardiovascular diseases was more often noted in the group under 18 years of age than in young adults (p < 0.001). Among young adults, there was a high prevalence of typical signs of the disease such as tendon xanthomas and the early development of arterial atherosclerosis (p < 0.001). By molecular genetic testing, "pathogenic" and "probably pathogenic" variants were identified in the genes of 73.3% of patients under 18 years of age and 51.4% of patients 18-44 years of age. Thus, blood lipid screening tests combined with an accurate assessment of the family history is a highly relevant and inexpensive option for diagnosing FH in childhood. Molecular genetic testing allows us to make an accurate diagnosis and to improve adherence to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Timoshchenko
- Institute of Internal and Preventive Medicine (IIPM)–Branch of ICG SB RAS, 175/1 Borisa Bogatkova Str., Novosibirsk 630089, Russia (E.S.)
| | - Dinara Ivanoshchuk
- Institute of Internal and Preventive Medicine (IIPM)–Branch of ICG SB RAS, 175/1 Borisa Bogatkova Str., Novosibirsk 630089, Russia (E.S.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ICG SB RAS), 10 Prospekt Ak. Lavrentyeva, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Sergey Semaev
- Institute of Internal and Preventive Medicine (IIPM)–Branch of ICG SB RAS, 175/1 Borisa Bogatkova Str., Novosibirsk 630089, Russia (E.S.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ICG SB RAS), 10 Prospekt Ak. Lavrentyeva, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Pavel Orlov
- Institute of Internal and Preventive Medicine (IIPM)–Branch of ICG SB RAS, 175/1 Borisa Bogatkova Str., Novosibirsk 630089, Russia (E.S.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ICG SB RAS), 10 Prospekt Ak. Lavrentyeva, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Valentina Zorina
- Institute of Internal and Preventive Medicine (IIPM)–Branch of ICG SB RAS, 175/1 Borisa Bogatkova Str., Novosibirsk 630089, Russia (E.S.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ICG SB RAS), 10 Prospekt Ak. Lavrentyeva, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Elena Shakhtshneider
- Institute of Internal and Preventive Medicine (IIPM)–Branch of ICG SB RAS, 175/1 Borisa Bogatkova Str., Novosibirsk 630089, Russia (E.S.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ICG SB RAS), 10 Prospekt Ak. Lavrentyeva, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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Awan Z, Batran A, Al-Allaf FA, Alharbi RS, Hegazy GA, Jamalalail B, Almansouri M, Bima AI, Almukadi H, Kutbi HI, Altayar AE, Banaganapalli B, Shaik NA. Identification and functional characterization of two rare LDLR stop gain variants (p.C231* and p.R744*) in Saudi familial hypercholesterolemia patients. Panminerva Med 2023; 65:479-490. [PMID: 35274909 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.22.04612-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a globally underdiagnosed inherited metabolic disorder. Owing to limited published data from Arab world, this study was conducted with the aim of identifying the genetic and molecular basis of FH in highly consanguineous Saudi population. METHODS We performed clinical screening, biochemical profiling, whole exome sequencing and variant segregation analysis of two Saudi FH families. Additionally, 500 normolipic individuals were screened to ensure the absence of FH variant in general Saudi population. Functional characterization of FH variants on secondary structure characteristics of RNA and protein molecules was performed using different bioinformatics modelling approaches. RESULTS WES analysis identified two independent rare LDLR gene stop gain variants (p.C231* and p.R744*) consistent to the clinical presentation of FH patients from two different families. RNAfold analysis has shown that both variants were predicted to disturb the free energy dynamics of LDLR mRNA molecule and destabilize its folding pattern and function. PSIPRED based structural modelling analysis has suggested that both variants bring drastic changes disturbing the secondary structural elements of LDLR molecule. The p.C231* and p.R744* variants are responsible for partial or no protein product, thus they are class 1 variants causing loss of function (LoF) LDLR variants. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the effectiveness of the WES, sanger sequencing, and computational analysis in expanding FH variant spectrum in culturally distinct populations like Saudi Arabia. Genetic testing of FH patients is very essential in better clinical diagnosis, screening, treatment, and management and prevention of cardiovascular disease burden in the society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuhier Awan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alhanuf Batran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal A Al-Allaf
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raneem S Alharbi
- Department of Genetics, Al Borg Medical Laboratories, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gehan A Hegazy
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bassam Jamalalail
- Department of Genetics, Al Borg Medical Laboratories, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majid Almansouri
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulhadi I Bima
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haifa Almukadi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaiziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussam I Kutbi
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed E Altayar
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Babajan Banaganapalli
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Princess Al-Jawhara Center of Excellence in Research of Hereditary Disorders, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noor A Shaik
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia -
- Princess Al-Jawhara Center of Excellence in Research of Hereditary Disorders, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Genetic Testing for Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Health Technology Assessment. ONTARIO HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT SERIES 2022; 22:1-155. [PMID: 36158868 PMCID: PMC9470216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited disorder characterized by abnormally elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol serum levels from birth, which increases the risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Genetic testing is a type of a medical test that looks for changes in genes or chromosome structure to discover genetic differences, anomalies, or mutations that may prove pathological. It is regarded as the gold standard for screening and diagnosing FH. We conducted a health technology assessment on genetic testing for people with FH and their relatives (i.e., cascade screening). The assessment included an evaluation of clinical utility (the ability of a test to improve health outcomes), the diagnostic yield (ability of a test to identify people with FH), cost-effectiveness, the budget impact of publicly funding genetic testing for FH, and patient preferences and values. METHODS We performed a systematic literature search of the clinical evidence. For evaluation of clinical utility, we assessed the risk of bias of each included study using the ROBINS-I tool and the quality of the body of evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group criteria.We performed a systematic economic literature search and conducted a cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis with a lifetime horizon from a public payer perspective. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of using genetic testing both for confirming a FH clinical diagnosis and for cascade screening in relatives of genetically confirmed cases. We evaluated the cost effectiveness of cascade screening strategies with genetic testing, sequential testing, and lipid testing approaches. We also analyzed the budget impact of publicly funding genetic testing in Ontario. RESULTS We included 11 studies in the clinical evidence review. Overall, our review found that genetic testing to diagnose FH improves several health outcomes (GRADE: Moderate) compared with clinical evaluation without a genetic test. We also found that genetic cascade screening leads to a high diagnostic yield of FH.According to our primary economic evaluation, genetic testing is a dominant strategy (more effective and less costly) compared with no genetic testing for individuals with a FH clinical diagnosis. It reduced the number of FH diagnoses, led to fewer cardiovascular events, and improved QALYs. For first-degree relatives of genetically confirmed cases, all cascade screening strategies (genetic testing, sequential testing, and lipid testing) were cost-effective when compared with no cascade screening in a pairwise fashion. The ICERs of cascade screening with genetic, sequential, and lipid testing compared with no cascade screening were $58,390, $50,220, and $45,754 per QALY gained, respectively. When comparing all screening strategies together, cascade screening with lipid testing was the most cost-effective strategy. At commonly used willingness-to-pay values of $50,000 and $100,000 per QALY gained, the probability of lipid cascade screening being cost-effective was 53.5% and 71.5%, respectively.The annual budget impact of publicly funding genetic testing for individuals with a clinical FH diagnosis in Ontario ranged from a cost saving of $2 million in year 1 to $64 million in year 5, for a total of $141 million saved over the next 5 years, assuming the cost of genetic testing remains at $490 per person. If only testing-related costs were considered, the budget impact was estimated to be an additional cost of $7 million in year 1, increasing to $20 million in year 5, for a total cost of $64 million over the next 5 years. For relatives of genetically confirmed cases, publicly funding genetic cascade screening would lead to an additional cost of $5 million in year 1, increasing to $27 million in year 5, for a total cost of $73 million over the next 5 years. If only testing-related costs were considered, the budget impact was estimated to be an additional of $66 million. CONCLUSIONS Genetic testing for FH has a higher clinical utility than clinical evaluation without a genetic test. It also results in a high diagnostic yield of FH through cascade screening. For individuals with a clinical diagnosis of FH, genetic testing would be a cost-saving and more effective diagnostic strategy. For relatives of index cases confirmed through genetic testing, genetic and lipid cascade screening are both cost-effective compared with no screening, but genetic cascade screening is less cost-effective than lipid cascade screening. We estimated that publicly funding genetic testing for individuals with a clinical diagnosis of FH in Ontario would save $141 million, and publicly funding genetic testing in a cascade screening program for relatives would cost an additional $73 million over the next five years.Most people with a positive genetic test perceived the screening, diagnosis, and treatment for FH more positively. The discovery of the condition can lead people to adhere to relevant treatments in an effort to control their cholesterol levels. People we spoke with felt that greater awareness and education would allow for more efficient uptake of cascade screening.
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Mszar R, Webb GB, Kulkarni VT, Ahmad Z, Soffer D. Genetic Lipid Disorders Associated with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Molecular Basis to Clinical Diagnosis and Epidemiologic Burden. Med Clin North Am 2022; 106:325-348. [PMID: 35227434 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2021.11.009] [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: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Genetic lipid disorders, ranging from common dyslipidemias such as familial hypercholesterolemia, lipoprotein (a), and familial combined hyperlipidemia to rare disorders including familial chylomicronemia syndrome and inherited hypoalphalipoproteinemias (ie, Tangier and fish eye diseases), affect millions of individuals in the United States and tens of millions around the world and are often undiagnosed in the general population. Clinicians should take into consideration the potential of inherited lipid disorders or syndromes when severe derangements in lipid parameters are observed. Patients' combined genotype and phenotype should be evaluated in conjunction with a host of environmental factors impacting their risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reed Mszar
- Yale Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gayley B Webb
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vivek T Kulkarni
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zahid Ahmad
- Division of Nutrition and Metabolic Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Daniel Soffer
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Chua YA, Razman AZ, Ramli AS, Mohd Kasim NA, Nawawi H. Familial Hypercholesterolaemia in the Malaysian Community: Prevalence, Under-Detection and Under-Treatment. J Atheroscler Thromb 2021; 28:1095-1107. [PMID: 33455995 PMCID: PMC8560842 DOI: 10.5551/jat.57026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is the most common autosomal dominant lipid disorder, leading to severe hypercholesterolaemia. Early detection and treatment with lipid-lowering medications may reduce the risk of premature coronary artery disease in FH patients. However, there is scarcity of data on FH prevalence, detection rate, treatment and control with lipid-lowering therapy in the Malaysian community. METHODS Community participants (n=5130) were recruited from all states in Malaysia. Blood samples were collected for lipid profiles and glucose analyses. Personal and family medical histories were collected by means of assisted questionnaire. Physical examination for tendon xanthomata and premature corneal arcus were conducted on-site. FH were clinically screened using Dutch Lipid Clinic Network Criteria. RESULTS Out of 5130 recruited community participants, 55 patients were clinically categorised as potential (Definite and Probable) FH, making the prevalence FH among the community as 1:100. Based on current total population of Malaysia (32 million), the estimated number of FH patients in Malaysia is 320,000, while the detection rates are estimated as 0.5%. Lipid-lowering medications were prescribed to 54.5% and 30.5% of potential and possible FH patients, respectively, but none of them achieved the therapeutic LDL-c target. CONCLUSION Clinically diagnosed FH prevalence in Malaysian population is much higher than most of the populations in the world. At community level, FH patients are clinically under-detected, with majority of them not achieving target LDL-c level for high-risk patients. Therefore, public health measures are warranted for early detection and treatment, to enhance opportunities for premature CAD prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-An Chua
- Institute of Pathology, Laboratory and Forensic Medicine (I-PPerForM), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Aimi Zafira Razman
- Institute of Pathology, Laboratory and Forensic Medicine (I-PPerForM), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Anis Safura Ramli
- Institute of Pathology, Laboratory and Forensic Medicine (I-PPerForM), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
- Departments of Primary Care Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selayang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Noor Alicezah Mohd Kasim
- Institute of Pathology, Laboratory and Forensic Medicine (I-PPerForM), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
- Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selayang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hapizah Nawawi
- Institute of Pathology, Laboratory and Forensic Medicine (I-PPerForM), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
- Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selayang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Specialist Lipid and Coronary Risk Prevention Clinics, Clinical Training Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
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Sithole MN, Marais S, Maree SM, Du Plessis LH, Du Plessis J, Gerber M. Development and characterization of nano-emulsions and nano-emulgels for transdermal delivery of statins. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2021; 18:789-801. [PMID: 33393386 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2021.1867533] [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] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral administration of statins for the treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia results in poor therapeutic outcomes and patient compliance. An alternative administration route is proposed to circumvent the current limitations. This research is aimed at developing nano-emulsions and nano-emulgels as the ultimate potential delivery systems of statins for administration via the transdermal route. METHODS Oil-in-water (o/w) nano-formulations (nano-emulsions and nano-emulgels) containing 2% (w/w) of the selected statin and 8% apricot kernel oil as oil phase were formulated. The nano-formulations were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), pH, viscosity, droplet size and zeta-potential. RESULTS Nano-emulsions' and nano-emulgels' droplet size ranged between 114.23-169.83 nm and 149.83-267.53 nm, respectively. The addition of Carbopol® Ultrez 20 increased the nano-emulsions' viscosity (3.59-8.38 cP) resulting in the formation of nano-emulgels (viscosity: 1911.00-46,090.00 cP). The entrapment efficiency (90.77-99.55%) confirmed the incorporation of the statins. Membrane release studies indicated that statins were released at higher flux values in nano-emulsions compared to their respective nano-emulgels. Ex vivo (skin diffusion) studies indicated higher median values in the nano-emulgels compared to their nano-emulsion counterparts. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate the benefits of nano-emulsions and nano-emulgels as potential alternative delivery systems for the transdermal delivery of statins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mduduzi N Sithole
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,Afrigen Biologics (Pty) Limited, Formulation Development, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Suzanne Marais
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Sumari M Maree
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Lissinda H Du Plessis
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Jeanetta Du Plessis
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Minja Gerber
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Mszar R, Buscher S, McCann D, Taylor HL. Self-Efficacy, Perceived Barriers to Care, and Health-Promoting Behaviors Among Franco-Americans Across Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study. Am J Health Promot 2020; 35:703-707. [PMID: 33375809 DOI: 10.1177/0890117120982412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the prevalence of perceived barriers to accessing health care services, self-efficacy, and health-promoting behaviors among Franco-Americans as a higher-risk group for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), stratified by cardiovascular risk factors. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey based on components of the Health Belief Model. SETTING Administered in-person at a Franco-American cultural center and online through mailing lists and social media platforms in the Northeastern United States. SAMPLE Franco-Americans and French Canadians (n = 170). MEASURES Demographic and clinical characteristics (i.e. high cholesterol, prior heart attack or stroke, family history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), diagnosis of FH), perceived barriers to accessing health care services, self-efficacy, and health-promoting behaviors (i.e. taking lipid-lowering medications, seeing a cardiovascular specialist). RESULTS In a cohort of Franco-Americans, 42 (25%) had both high cholesterol and family history of ASCVD. Among Franco-Americans with both cardiovascular risk factors, 22% had low self-efficacy and only 16% had discussed FH with their physician. Individuals with both risk factors were significantly more likely to report a concern over a future diagnosis as a barrier to accessing health care services when compared with those with neither risk factor (36% vs. 15%, p = 0.014). Overall, other prominent barriers to care included knowledge of when to seek help (27%) and a distrust in medicine (26%). CONCLUSION Franco-Americans report significant barriers to accessing health care services. Our findings strengthen the case for developing focused public health strategies to raise awareness for FH, particularly among high-risk subpopulations with unmet cardiovascular needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reed Mszar
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sara Buscher
- Division of General Pediatrics, 1862Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dervilla McCann
- Department of Cardiology, Central Maine Medical Center, Lewiston, ME, USA
| | - Heidi L Taylor
- Department of Sociology, 4521Bates College, Lewiston, ME, USA
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