Current trends in non-HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Temporal trends and racial/ethnic- and sex-differences in LDL cholesterol control among US adults with self-reported atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Objective

Current guidelines for secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) recommend targeting a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of < 70 mg/dL. However, temporal trends and racial/ethnic- and sex-differences in achievement of LDL-C targets are not well described. We assessed trends and racial/ethnic- and sex-differences in achievement of LDL-C < 70 mg/dL using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2008 to 2017-March 2020.

Methods

We combined NHANES cycles into 4 periods: 2005-2008, 2009-2012, 2013-2016, and 2017-March 2020 and included participants ≥ 40 years with self-reported ASCVD. We estimated LDL-C < 70 mg/dL prevalence over time and further stratified by sex and race/ethnicity. We used multivariable logistic regression adjusted for social determinants of health and clinical covariates to model LDL-C target attainment.

Results

Among 1,826 NHANES participants representing 7,161,221 US adults with self-reported ASCVD (59.6% ≥ 65 years, 56.4% male, 74.8% White), LDL-C target attainment increased from 19.0% (95% CI, 15.3%-23.3%) in 2005-2008 to 26.3% (95% CI, 20.4%-33.1%) in 2017-March 2020 (P = 0.012 for trend). Achievement of LDL-C < 70 mg/dL significantly rose among men from19.5% (95% CI, 15.1%-24.8%) to 29.4% (95% CI, 20.7%-29.9%) without significant change in women (from 18.3% [95% CI, 13.6%-24.2%] to 22.5% [95% CI, 13.0%-35.9%]; P = 0.241 for trend). Improvement in LDL-C target attainment was similar among White, Black, and Hispanic individuals (∼5-7% increase) and was greatest among individuals of other (non-White, Hispanic, or Black) race/ethnicity (23.1% increase). In our multivariable analysis, comorbid diabetes and ages 65-75 and > 75 years were associated with LDL-C target attainment.

Conclusion

LDL-C control modestly improved between 2005 and 2008 and 2017-March 2020; however, only ∼1/4 of individuals met guideline-directed LDL-C treatment targets by 2017-March 2020. Women had lower LDL-C control and lesser magnitude of improvement in LDL-C control than men, highlighting a need for targeted interventions to improve lipid-lowering therapy utilization in this population.

Directly Measuring Atherogenic Lipoprotein Kinetics in Zebrafish with the Photoconvertible LipoTimer Reporter

Lipoprotein kinetics are a crucial factor in understanding lipoprotein metabolism since a prolonged time in circulation can contribute to the atherogenic character of apolipoprotein-B (ApoB)-containing lipoproteins (B-lps). Here, we report a method to directly measure lipoprotein kinetics in live developing animals. We developed a zebrafish geneticly encoded reporter, LipoTimer, in which endogenous ApoBb.1 is fused to the photoconvertible fluorophore Dendra2 which shift its emission profile from green to red upon UV exposure. By quantifying the red population of ApoB-Dendra2 over time, we found that B-lp turnover in wild-type larvae becomes faster as development proceeds. Mutants with impaired B-lp uptake or lipolysis present with increased B-lp levels and half-life. In contrast, mutants with impaired B-lp triglyceride loading display slightly fewer and smaller-B-lps, which have a significantly shorter B-lp half-life. Further, we showed that chronic high-cholesterol feeding is associated with a longer B-lp half-life in wild-type juveniles but does not lead to changes in B-lp half-life in lipolysis deficient apoC2 mutants. These data support the hypothesis that B-lp lipolysis is suppressed by the flood of intestinal-derived B-lps that follow a high-fat meal.

Manno-oligosaccharides from Cassia Seed Gum Attenuate Atherosclerosis through Inflammation Modulation and Intestinal Barrier Integrity Improvement in ApoE-/- Mice

SCOPE

Manno-oligosaccharides from cassia seed gum (CMOS) have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and regulatory effects on cholesterol metabolism. However, their protective effects against the progression of atherosclerosis (AS) and underlying molecular mechanisms have not been investigated. This study investigates the anti-atherosclerotic effects of CMOS on ApoE-/- mice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

CMOS are supplemented in atherosclerotic male ApoE-/- mice fed with a high-fat-high-cholesterol diet (HFHCD). After the 12-week intervention, CMOS at 1200 mg kg-1 ·bw d-1 significantly decrease the atherosclerotic lesion area by 0.63-fold and the aortic arch lesion size by 0.63-fold when compared to the HFHCD group. Moreover, inflammation in atherosclerotic lesions is reduced by CMOS intervention, and the levels of serum lipids and inflammatory cytokines are decreased. The number of goblet cells and the expression of intestinal epithelial tight junction proteins in the H-CMOS group increase, thus indicating that CMOS can restore intestinal barrier integrity in atherosclerotic mice. Furthermore, CMOS reshape the unbalanced gut microbiota in ApoE-/- mice caused by HFHCD, and reduce the relative abundance of Desulfovibrio and Faecalibaculum that exhibits positive relationships with inflammation.

CONCLUSION

CMOS inhibit inflammation, alter intestinal barrier integrity, and regulate gut microbiota to attenuate AS in ApoE-/- mice.

The clinical effects of inclisiran, a first-in-class LDL-C lowering siRNA therapy, on the LDL-C levels in Chinese patients with hypercholesterolemia

BACKGROUND

Inclisiran is a novel siRNA therapy that inhibits the synthesis of proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) by targeting the PCSK9 mRNA, consequently, decreases low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety, PK and LDL-C lowering effects of inclisiran in the Chinese patients with elevated LDL-C despite treatment with maximally tolerated LDL-C lowering therapies.

METHODS

Forty Chinese patients with hypercholesterolemia (LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL) who were on maximally tolerated statin were randomized to receive a single dose of either inclisiran sodium 100 or 300mg s.c. injection (each for 15 patients) or placebo (10 patients). Safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (i.e., PCSK9 and LDL-C levels) were evaluated for up to 90 days after the s.c. injection of study drug.

RESULTS

Following single subcutaneous injections inclisiran sodium at 100 mg or 300 mg, inclisiran has a relative short elimination half-life (T1/2, 6.5 hours). Both plasma PCSK9 and serum LDL-C decreased rapidly and consistently, with the maximal reduction between Day 30 and Day 60; then the decreases of PCSK9 and LDL-C were generally maintained up to 56.4% and 49.6% of 100 mg, 74.9% and 58.3% of 300 mg, respectively, at day 90. All adverse events were mild or moderate in severity, and no discontinuations due to adverse events. There were no serious adverse events being reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Inclisiran was generally safe and well tolerated. Single dose of both Inclisiran 100 and 300 mg significantly reduced PCSK9 and LDL-C levels in Chinese patients up to Day 90. The greatest reductions were observed with the 300 mg regimen of Inclisiran.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04774003.

Translational Population-Pharmacodynamic Modeling of a Novel Long-Acting siRNA Therapy, Inclisiran, for the Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia

Inclisiran is a novel N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) conjugated small-interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) therapy designed to specifically target proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) mRNA in the liver for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Inclisiran's GalNAc attachment results in a rapid uptake into the liver, and thus a short plasma half-life, but long duration of effects on PCSK9 inhibition and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering. The effects on PCSK9 inhibition and consequent LDL-C reduction are sustained for more than 6 months following a single subcutaneous (s.c.) dose, despite inclisiran being detectable in the plasma only for up to 48 hours. A kinetic-pharmacodynamic (K-PD) model was developed to characterize inclisiran's dose-related LDL-C lowering effects and to evaluate the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on LDL-C lowering. To accommodate the long duration of action, the K-PD model incorporated an effect compartment which represents the liver. Inclisiran concentration in the liver leads to decreased production of the PCSK9 protein and allow recycling of more LDL-C receptors on the hepatocyte cell surface, which results in a reduction of circulating LDL-C. The analysis of covariates identified PCSK9 and LDL-C baseline levels as important factors for the effects of LDL-C lowering. Observations and modeling and simulation results demonstrated that PCSK9 and LDL-C reductions are achieved rapidly after dosing and sustained when patients are treated with a 300 mg s.c. dose once every 6 months.

Lipid-Lowering Therapy Use and Intensification Among United States Veterans Following Myocardial Infarction or Coronary Revascularization Between 2015 and 2019

BACKGROUND

Understanding how statins, ezetimibe, and PCSK9i (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 serine protease inhibitors) are prescribed after a myocardial infarction (MI) or elective coronary revascularization may improve lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) intensification and reduce recurrent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events. We described the use and intensification of LLT among US veterans who had a MI or elective coronary revascularization between July 24, 2015, and December 9, 2019, within 12 months of hospital discharge.

METHODS

LLT intensification was defined as increasing statin dose, or initiating a statin, ezetimibe, or a PCSK9i, overall and among those with an LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) ≥70 or 100 mg/dL. Poisson regression was used to determine patient characteristics associated with a greater likelihood of LLT intensification following hospitalization for MI or elective coronary revascularization.

RESULTS

Among 81 372 index events (mean age, 69.0 years, 2.3% female, mean LDL-C 89.6 mg/dL, 33.8% with LDL-C <70 mg/dL), 39.7% were not taking any LLT, and 22.0%, 37.2%, and 0.6% were taking a low-moderate intensity statin, a high-intensity statin, and ezetimibe, respectively, before MI/coronary revascularization during the study period. Within 14 days, 3 months, and 12 months posthospitalization, 33.3%, 41.9%, and 47.3%, respectively, of veterans received LLT intensification. LLT intensification was most common among veterans taking no LLT (82.5%, n=26 637) before MI/coronary revascularization. Higher baseline LDL-C, having a lipid test, and attending a cardiology visit were each associated with a greater likelihood of LLT intensification, while age ≥75 versus <65 years was associated with a lower likelihood of LLT intensification within 12 months posthospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Less than half of veterans received LLT intensification in the year after MI or coronary revascularization suggesting a missed opportunity to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk.

[The frequency and profile of drug treatment in subjects with dyslipidemias and cardimetabolic diseases in an urban russian population older then 55 years]

Aim      To analyze frequency and profile of the lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) in patients with dyslipidemia (DLP) and cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) in a population sample aged 55-84 years at the current time (2015-2017).Material and methods  Despite guidelines on DLP treatment and the availability of effective and safe lipid-lowering drugs, control of DPL in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is insufficient. Knowledge of the level of pharmaceutical correction of DLP in the Russian population is limited; it requires an LLT assessment in various regions and in a wide age range, and a regular monitoring taking into account changing approaches to the correction of DLP. A random population of men and women aged 55-84 years (n=3 896) was evaluated in Novosibirsk in 2015-2017 (project HAPIEE). A joint DLP category was established as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥3.0 mmol/l, or total cholesterol (TC) ≥5.0 mmol/l, or triglycerides (TG) ≥1.7 mmol/l, or LLT. The combined group of DLP and CMD included ischemic heart disease (IHD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), and DLP. Regular LLD treatment for the recent 12 months, excluding the dosage of medicines, was assessed using the Anatomic Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification. The conditional control of serum lipids was taken as the achievement of LDL-C &lt;3.0 mmol/l, TC &lt;5.0 mmol/l, and TG &lt;1.7 mmol/l.Results In the study sample, the total prevalence of DLP and CMD was 88 % (82.8 % for men and 91.3 % for women, p&lt;0.001). 48.3% of patients in the IHD group, 35.0% in the DM2 group, 29.4% in the DLP group, and 32.8% in the CMD group took LLT. Control of serum lipids was achieved in 18.3% (37.9 % of patients on LLT) of patients with IHD; 9 % (25.6 % of patients on LLT) of patients with DM2; 7.3 % (24.8 % of patients on LLT) of patients with DLP; and 9.0 % (27.6 % of patients on LLTсреди) in the DLP and CMD group. Women with DM2 and DLP more frequently achieved lipid control than men (p&lt;0.001). 98.7 % of study participants took statins as LLT.Conclusion      In the sample of urban population aged 55-84 years in 2015-2017, 90 % of patients had DLP or CMD, and at least ¾ of them required blood lipid control. The lipid control was achieved in every fifth IHD patient and in approximately 40% of those who took LLT. For DM2 or DLP patients, the lipid control was achieved in every tenth patient and in approximately 25% of those receiving LLT. Frequency of lipid control in IHD patients was comparable for men and women; in DM2 and DLP, men less frequently achieved the lipid control than women. About 70% of patients in the combined DLP and CMD group and more than 50% of IHD patients did not take LLT, which considerably contributed to the insufficient lipid control in primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic CVDs in this population.

Modeling cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerosis

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among Western populations. Many risk factors have been identified for ASCVD; however, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) remains the gold standard. Cholesterol metabolism at the cellular and whole-body level is maintained by an array of interacting components. These regulatory mechanisms have complex behavior. Likewise, the mechanisms which underpin atherogenesis are nontrivial and multifaceted. To help overcome the challenge of investigating these processes mathematical modeling, which is a core constituent of the systems biology paradigm has played a pivotal role in deciphering their dynamics. In so doing models have revealed new insights about the key drivers of ASCVD. The aim of this review is fourfold; to provide an overview of cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerosis, to briefly introduce mathematical approaches used in this field, to critically discuss models of cholesterol metabolism and atherosclerosis, and to highlight areas where mathematical modeling could help to investigate in the future. This article is categorized under: Cardiovascular Diseases > Computational Models.

Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol may predict the cardio-cerebrovascular risk in patients on maintenance hemodialysis

Background

Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) may be an independent risk factor for cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CVD); however, the cutoff level in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) is unknown.

Methods

This was a retrospective multicenter study of MHD patients treated at 10 dialysis centers in Guangdong Province from July 1, 2016, to April 1, 2017. Laboratory test data were collected and CVD complications and outcomes recorded.

Results

In total, 1288 eligible patients were included in this study; the non-HDL-C interquartile range was 2.76 (2.24–3.45) mmol/L. Over a median follow-up time of 24 months, 141 patients developed CVD. The non-HDL-C level was a principal risk factor for such events (P < 0.05; 95% confidence interval 0.800–0.842). The maximum Youden index was 0.549 and the best cutoff > 3.39 mmol/L.

Conclusion

Higher baseline non-HDL-C levels may increase the CVD risk in MHD patients. Thus, non-HDL-C effectively predicts CVD.

The U-Shaped Association of Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels With All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality Among Patients With Hypertension

Background: Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) is a valuable indicator in routine blood lipid tests, but the associations of non-HDL-C with mortality in hypertensive population still remain uncertain.

Methods: In the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 1999 to 2014, participants having hypertension were included and grouped by non-HDL-C levels (<130, 130–159, 160–189, 190–219, and ≥220 mg/dl). Multivariate Cox regression was conducted for calculation of hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). To reveal the relationship between non-HDL-C and mortality, Kaplan–Meier survival curves, restricted cubic spline, linear regression, and subgroup analysis were also applied.

Results: A total of 12,169 participants (47.52% males, mean age 57.27 ± 15.79 years) were included. During average follow-up of 92.5 months, 1,946 (15.99%) all-cause deaths and 422 (3.47%) cardiovascular deaths occurred. After adjusting for confounders, the association of non-HDL-C with mortality was detected as U-shaped. Threshold values were observed at 158 mg/dl for all-cause mortality and 190 mg/dl as to cardiovascular mortality. Below the threshold, every 10 mg/dl increment in non-HDL-C attributed to relatively low all-cause mortality significantly (HR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.92–0.96). Above the threshold, non-HDL-C has significant positive associations with both all-cause (HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.05) and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05–1.14). For subgroups analysis, similar results were found among participants age <65 years old, non-white population, those were not taking lipid-lowering drugs, and subjects with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m².

Conclusion: The U-shaped association was detected between non-HDL-C and mortality among hypertensive population.

Effect of feeding goat meat containing low cholesterol and rich omega-6 fatty acid on blood lipid status of white rat (Rattus norvegicus)

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Healthy goat meat is an essential aspect in increasing consumer acceptance for this livestock product. The research aimed to examine the effect of goat meat containing low cholesterol and rich omega-6 fatty acid on the performance and blood lipid status of white rats (Rattus norvegicus).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty 2-month-old male white rats (R. norvegicus) weighing 195-230 g were randomly divided into three groups, with each group consisting of 10 rats. Group I was treated with a control feed (T0; BR I concentrate). Group II (T1) was treated with a mixed feed containing 50% control feed and 50% goat meat. Group III (T2) was treated with a mixed feed comprising 50% control feed and 50% goat meat with low cholesterol and rich omega-6 fatty acids. Each treatment was given ad libitum for 30 days. The variables measured were dry matter and organic matter consumption, daily body weight gain, feed conversion, triglyceride levels, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and atherogenic index (AI). The data were analyzed statistically using analysis of variance in a completely randomized design.

RESULTS

The total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol levels at T0, T1, and T2 were as follows: 99.97, 35.97, and 50.43 mg/dL (total cholesterol); 108.35, 33.92, and 58.17 mg/dL (HDL cholesterol); and 101.43, 38.09, and 48.65 mg/dL (LDL cholesterol). The highest HDL and the lowest LDL cholesterol levels (p<0.05) were observed in the T2 treatment group, which had the lowest AI (1.69 vs. 1.77 and 2.19).

CONCLUSION

The consumption of goat with low cholesterol and rich omega-6 fatty acids reduces the total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, raises the HDL cholesterol levels, and decreases the AI.

Opportunities to improve cardiovascular health in the new American workplace

Adult working-class Americans spend on average 50% of their workday awake time at their jobs. The vast majority of these jobs involve mostly physically inactive tasks and frequent exposure to unhealthy food options. Traditionally, the workplace has been a challenging environment for cardiovascular prevention, where cardiovascular guidelines have had limited implementation. Despite the impact that unhealthy lifestyles at the workplace may have on the cardiovascular health of U.S. workers, there is currently no policy in place aimed at improving this. In this review, we discuss recent evidence on the prevalence of physical inactivity among Americans, with a special focus on the time spent at the workplace; and the invaluable opportunity that workplace-based lifestyle interventions may represent for improving the prevention of cardiovascular disease. We describe the current regulatory context, the key stakeholders involved, and present specific, guideline-inspired initiatives to be considered by both Congress and employers to improve the "cardiovascular safety" of US jobs. Additionally, we discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has forever altered the workplace, and what lessons can be taken from this experience and applied to cardiovascular disease prevention in the new American workplace. For many Americans, long sitting hours at their job represent a risk to their cardiovascular health. We discuss how a paradigm shift in how we approach cardiovascular health, from focusing on leisure time to also focusing on work time, may help curtail the epidemic of cardiovascular disease in this country.

Lifelong Aspirin for All in the Secondary Prevention of Chronic Coronary Syndrome: Still Sacrosanct or Is Reappraisal Warranted?

Four decades have passed since the first trial suggesting the efficacy of aspirin in the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction. Further trials, collectively summarized by the Antithrombotic Trialists' Collaboration, solidified the historical role of aspirin in secondary prevention. Although the benefit of aspirin in the immediate phase after a myocardial infarction remains incontrovertible, a number of emerging lines of evidence, discussed in this narrative review, raise some uncertainty as to the primacy of aspirin for the lifelong management of all patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). For example, data challenging the previously unquestioned role of aspirin in CCS have come from recent trials where aspirin was discontinued in specific clinical scenarios, including early discontinuation of the aspirin component of dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention and the withholding of aspirin among patients with both CCS and atrial fibrillation who require anticoagulation. Recent primary prevention trials have also failed to consistently demonstrate net benefit for aspirin in patients treated to optimal contemporary cardiovascular risk factor targets, indicating that the efficacy of aspirin for secondary prevention of CCS may similarly have changed with the addition of more modern secondary prevention therapies. The totality of recent evidence supports further study of the universal need for lifelong aspirin in secondary prevention for all adults with CCS, particularly in stable older patients who are at highest risk for aspirin-induced bleeding.

Current Data Regarding the Relationship between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Reducing cardiovascular risk (CVR) is the main focus of diabetes mellitus (DM) management nowadays. Complex pathogenic mechanisms that are the subject of this review lead to early and severe atherosclerosis in DM patients. Although it is not a cardiovascular disease equivalent at the moment of diagnosis, DM subjects are affected by numerous cardiovascular complications, such as acute coronary syndrome, stroke, or peripheral artery disease, as the disease duration increases. Therefore, early therapeutic intervention is mandatory and recent guidelines focus on intensive CVR factor management: hyperglycaemia, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia. Most important, the appearance of oral or injectable antidiabetic medication such as SGLT-2 inhibitors or GLP-1 agonists has proven that an antidiabetic drug not only reduces glycaemia, but also reduces CVR by complex mechanisms. A profound understanding of intimate mechanisms that generate atherosclerosis in DM and ways to inhibit or delay them are of the utmost importance in a society where cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are predominant.

Cholesterol in LDL receptor recycling and degradation

The SREBP2/LDLR pathway is sensitive to cholesterol content in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), while membrane low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) is influenced by sterol response element binding protein 2 (SREBP2), pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and inducible degrader of LDLR (IDOL). LDL-C, one of the risk factors in cardiovascular disease, is cleared through endocytosis recycling of LDLR. Therefore, we propose that a balance between LDLR endocytosis recycling and PCSK9-mediated and IDOL-mediated lysosomal LDLR degradation is responsible for cholesterol homeostasis in the ER. For statins that decrease serum LDL-C levels via cholesterol synthesis inhibition, the mechanism by which the statins increase the membrane LDLR may be regulated by cholesterol homeostasis in the ER.