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Damase TR, Sukhovershin R, Godin B, Nasir K, Cooke JP. Established and Emerging Nucleic Acid Therapies for Familial Hypercholesterolemia. Circulation 2024; 150:724-735. [PMID: 39186530 PMCID: PMC11349040 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.067957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disease that leads to elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and risk of coronary heart disease. Current therapeutic options for FH remain relatively limited and only partially effective in both lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and modifying coronary heart disease risk. The unique characteristics of nucleic acid therapies to target the underlying cause of the disease can offer solutions unachievable with conventional medications. DNA- and RNA-based therapeutics have the potential to transform the care of patients with FH. Recent advances are overcoming obstacles to clinical translation of nucleic acid-based medications, including greater stability of the formulations as well as site-specific delivery, making gene-based therapy for FH an alternative approach for treatment of FH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Biana Godin
- Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Khurram Nasir
- Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston, TX, 77030
| | - John P. Cooke
- Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston, TX, 77030
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2
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Chuecos MA, Lagor WR. Liver directed adeno-associated viral vectors to treat metabolic disease. J Inherit Metab Dis 2024; 47:22-40. [PMID: 37254440 PMCID: PMC10687323 DOI: 10.1002/jimd.12637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The liver is the metabolic center of the body and an ideal target for gene therapy of inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs). Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors can deliver transgenes to the liver with high efficiency and specificity and a favorable safety profile. Recombinant AAV vectors contain only the transgene cassette, and their payload is converted to non-integrating circular double-stranded DNA episomes, which can provide stable expression from months to years. Insights from cellular studies and preclinical animal models have provided valuable information about AAV capsid serotypes with a high liver tropism. These vectors have been applied successfully in the clinic, particularly in trials for hemophilia, resulting in the first approved liver-directed gene therapy. Lessons from ongoing clinical trials have identified key factors affecting efficacy and safety that were not readily apparent in animal models. Circumventing pre-existing neutralizing antibodies to the AAV capsid, and mitigating adaptive immune responses to transduced cells are critical to achieving therapeutic benefit. Combining the high efficiency of AAV delivery with genome editing is a promising path to achieve more precise control of gene expression. The primary safety concern for liver gene therapy with AAV continues to be the small risk of tumorigenesis from rare vector integrations. Hepatotoxicity is a key consideration in the safety of neuromuscular gene therapies which are applied at substantially higher doses. The current knowledge base and toolkit for AAV is well developed, and poised to correct some of the most severe IMDs with liver-directed gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel A. Chuecos
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
- Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - William R. Lagor
- Department of Integrative Physiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
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3
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Zhao L, Yang Z, Zheng M, Shi L, Gu M, Liu G, Miao F, Chang Y, Huang F, Tang N. Recombinant adeno-associated virus 8 vector in gene therapy: Opportunities and challenges. Genes Dis 2024; 11:283-293. [PMID: 37588223 PMCID: PMC10425794 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, significant breakthroughs have been made in the field of gene therapy. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is one of the most promising gene therapy vectors and a powerful tool for delivering the gene of interest. Among the AAV vectors, AAV serotype 8 (AAV8) has attracted much attention for its efficient and stable gene transfection into specific tissues. Currently, recombinant AAV8 has been widely used in gene therapy research on a variety of diseases, including genetic diseases, cancers, autoimmune diseases, and viral diseases. This paper reviewed the applications and challenges of using AAV8 as a vector for gene therapy, with the aim of providing a valuable resource for those pursuing the application of viral vectors in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Zhao
- Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230000, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute, Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong, Jiangsu 226133, China
- InnoStar Bio-tech Nantong Co., Ltd., Nantong, Jiangsu 226133, China
| | - Zixuan Yang
- Shanghai Innostar Bio-Technology Co., Ltd, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Minhui Zheng
- Shanghai Innostar Bio-Technology Co., Ltd, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Shanghai Innostar Bio-Technology Co., Ltd, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mengyun Gu
- Shanghai Innostar Bio-Technology Co., Ltd, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Gang Liu
- InnoStar Bio-tech Nantong Co., Ltd., Nantong, Jiangsu 226133, China
| | - Feng Miao
- InnoStar Bio-tech Nantong Co., Ltd., Nantong, Jiangsu 226133, China
| | - Yan Chang
- Shanghai Innostar Bio-Technology Co., Ltd, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Fanghua Huang
- Center for Drug Evaluation, National Medical Products Administration, Beijing 100022, China
| | - Naping Tang
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute, Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong, Jiangsu 226133, China
- Shanghai Innostar Bio-Technology Co., Ltd, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
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4
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Srivastava RAK. New opportunities in the management and treatment of refractory hypercholesterolemia using in vivo CRISPR-mediated genome/base editing. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2023; 33:2317-2325. [PMID: 37805309 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2023.08.010] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Refractory hypercholesterolemia (RH), caused primarily by the loss-of-function mutation of LDL receptor (LDLR) gene seen in HoFH and HeFH patients, remains a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Statin and ezetimibe combination therapy lower circulating LDL by 30% in HoFH patients. PCSK9 mAB, being an LDLR-dependent therapy, is not effective in HoFH, but lowers LDL by 25% in HeFH patients. A maximum reduction of 50% was noted in HoFH patients treated with ANGPTL3 mAB, which was not enough to achieve therapeutic goal of LDL. Therefore, new approaches are warranted to offer hopes to individuals intolerant to higher dose statins and not able to achieve recommended LDL level. DATA SYNTHESIS New approaches to lower LDL include gene therapy and gene editing. AAV-based gene therapy has shown encouraging results in animal models. Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome/base editing, gain of function and loss of function have been successfully done in animal models. Recent progress in the refinement of genome/base editing has overcome the issues of off-target mutagenesis with ∼1% mutagenesis in case of PCSK9 and almost no off-target mutagenesis in inactivating ANGPTL3 in animal models showing 50% reduction in cholesterol. Current approaches using CRISPR-Cas9 genome/base editing targeting LDLR-dependent and LDLR-independent pathways are underway. CONCLUSIONS The new information on gain of LDLR function and inactivation of ANGPTL3 together with developments in genome/base editing technology to overcome off-target insertion and deletion mutagenesis offer hope to refractory hypercholesterolemic individuals who are at a higher risk of developing ASCVD.
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Graves LE, Horton A, Alexander IE, Srinivasan S. Gene Therapy for Paediatric Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia. Heart Lung Circ 2023; 32:769-779. [PMID: 37012174 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2023.01.017] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The clinical outcome for children and adolescents with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH) can be devastating, and treatment options are limited in the presence of a null variant. In HoFH, atherosclerotic risk accumulates from birth. Gene therapy is an appealing treatment option as restoration of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene function could provide a cure for HoFH. A clinical trial using a recombinant adeno-associated vector (rAAV) to deliver LDLR DNA to adult patients with HoFH was recently completed; results have not yet been reported. However, this treatment strategy may face challenges when translating to the paediatric population. The paediatric liver undergoes substantial growth which is significant as rAAV vector DNA persists primarily as episomes (extra-chromosomal DNA) and are not replicated during cell division. Therefore, rAAV-based gene addition treatment administered in childhood would likely only have a transient effect. With over 2,000 unique variants in LDLR, a goal of genomic editing-based therapy development would be to treat most (if not all) mutations with a single set of reagents. For a robust, durable effect, LDLR must be repaired in the genome of hepatocytes, which could be achieved using genomic editing technology such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 and a DNA repair strategy such as homology-independent targeted integration. This review discusses this issue in the context of the paediatric patient group with severe compound heterozygous or homozygous null variants which are associated with aggressive early-onset atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction, together with the important pre-clinical studies that use genomic editing strategies to treat HoFH in place of apheresis and liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara E Graves
- Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Ari Horton
- Monash Heart and Monash Children's Hospital, Monash Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Monash Cardiovascular Research Centre, Victorian Heart Institute, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Monash Genetics, Monash Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Department of Genomic Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Vic, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, Monash University Clayton, Vic, Australia
| | - Ian E Alexander
- Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Shubha Srinivasan
- Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Srivastava RAK. A Review of Progress on Targeting LDL Receptor-Dependent and -Independent Pathways for the Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia, a Major Risk Factor of ASCVD. Cells 2023; 12:1648. [PMID: 37371118 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of the LDL receptor in 1973 by Brown and Goldstein as a causative protein in hypercholesterolemia, tremendous amounts of effort have gone into finding ways to manage high LDL cholesterol in familial hypercholesterolemic (HoFH and HeFH) individuals with loss-of-function mutations in the LDL receptor (LDLR) gene. Statins proved to be the first blockbuster drug, helping both HoFH and HeFH individuals by inhibiting the cholesterol synthesis pathway rate-limiting enzyme HMG-CoA reductase and inducing the LDL receptor. However, statins could not achieve the therapeutic goal of LDL. Other therapies targeting LDLR include PCSK9, which lowers LDLR by promoting LDLR degradation. Inducible degrader of LDLR (IDOL) also controls the LDLR protein, but an IDOL-based therapy is yet to be developed. Among the LDLR-independent pathways, such as angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3), apolipoprotein (apo) B, apoC-III and CETP, only ANGPTL3 offers the advantage of treating both HoFH and HeFH patients and showing relatively better preclinical and clinical efficacy in animal models and hypercholesterolemic individuals, respectively. While loss-of-LDLR-function mutations have been known for decades, gain-of-LDLR-function mutations have recently been identified in some individuals. The new information on gain of LDLR function, together with CRISPR-Cas9 genome/base editing technology to target LDLR and ANGPTL3, offers promise to HoFH and HeFH individuals who are at a higher risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rai Ajit K Srivastava
- Integrated Pharma Solutions LLC, Boston, MA 02101-02117, USA
- College of Professional Studies, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02101-02117, USA
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Choi D, Malick WA, Koenig W, Rader DJ, Rosenson RS. Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Challenges for a High-Risk Population: JACC Focus Seminar 1/3. J Am Coll Cardiol 2023; 81:1621-1632. [PMID: 37076217 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2023.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
The availability of statins, ezetimibe, and PCSK9 inhibitors has significantly improved the prognosis of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). However, a great number of individuals with FH do not achieve guideline-recommended low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels despite maximal lipid-lowering therapy. Novel therapies that lower LDL independent of LDL receptor activity can help mitigate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in most homozygous FH and many heterozygous FH patients. However, access to novel therapies remains limited for heterozygous FH patients with persistent elevation of LDL cholesterol despite treatment with multiple classes of cholesterol-lowering therapies. Conduction of cardiovascular outcomes clinical trials in patients with FH can be challenging because of difficulty in recruitment and long periods of follow-up. In the future, the use of validated surrogate measures of atherosclerosis may allow for clinical trials with fewer study participants and shorter duration, thereby expediting access to novel treatments for patients with FH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daein Choi
- Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; The Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Waqas A Malick
- The Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Wolfgang Koenig
- Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany; Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniel J Rader
- Departments of Medicine and Genetics and the Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert S Rosenson
- The Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA. https://twitter.com/DrRSRosenson
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Canepari C, Cantore A. Gene transfer and genome editing for familial hypercholesterolemia. FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2023; 3:1140997. [PMID: 39086674 PMCID: PMC11285693 DOI: 10.3389/fmmed.2023.1140997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease characterized by high circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. High circulating LDL cholesterol in FH is due to dysfunctional LDL receptors, and is mainly expressed by hepatocytes. Affected patients rapidly develop atherosclerosis, potentially leading to myocardial infarction and death within the third decade of life if left untreated. Here, we introduce the disease pathogenesis and available treatment options. We highlight different possible targets of therapeutic intervention. We then review different gene therapy strategies currently under development, which may become novel therapeutic options in the future, and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, we briefly outline the potential applications of some of these strategies for the more common acquired hypercholesterolemia disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesare Canepari
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Cantore
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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Parsamanesh N, Kooshkaki O, Siami H, Santos RD, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. Gene and cell therapy approaches for familial hypercholesterolemia: An update. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103470. [PMID: 36572377 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common autosomal codominant hereditary illness marked by the heightened risk of early atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and high blood levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). FH patients can have homozygous or heterozygous variants. This condition has been linked to variations in the genes for the LDL receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein B, proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin 9 (PCSK9), and LDLR adaptor protein 1. Drugs such as statins, ezetimibe, and PCSK9 inhibitors are currently widely available, allowing for the theoretical normalization of plasma LDL-C levels mostly in patients with heterozygous FH. However, homozygous FH patients usually have a poor response to traditional lipid-lowering therapy and may have a poor prognosis at a young age. LDL apheresis and novel pharmacological therapies such as microsomal transfer protein inhibitors or anti-angiopoietin-like protein 3 monoclonal antibodies are extremely expensive and unavailable in most regions of the world. Therefore, the unmet need persists for these patients. In this review, we discuss the numerous gene delivery, gene editing, and stem cell manipulation techniques used in this study to correct FH-causing LDLR gene variations in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. Finally, we looked at a variety of studies that corrected genetic defects that caused FH using the ground-breaking clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) gene editing technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negin Parsamanesh
- Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Omid Kooshkaki
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Haleh Siami
- School of Medicine, Islamic Azad University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Raul D Santos
- Lipid Clinic Heart Institute (Incor), University of São Paulo, Medical School Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We reviewed current and future therapeutic options for patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) and place this evidence in context of an adaptable treatment algorithm. RECENT FINDINGS Lowering LDL-C levels to normal in patients with HoFH is challenging, but a combination of multiple lipid-lowering therapies (LLT) is key. Patients with (near) absence of LDL receptor expression are most severely affected and frequently require regular lipoprotein apheresis on top of combined pharmacologic LLT. Therapies acting independently of the LDL receptor pathway, such as lomitapide and evinacumab, are considered game changers for many patients with HoFH, and may reduce the need for lipoprotein apheresis in future. Liver transplantation is to be considered a treatment option of last resort. Headway is being made in gene therapy strategies, either aiming to permanently replace or knock out key lipid-related genes, with first translational steps into humans being made. Cardiovascular disease risk management beyond LDL-C, such as residual Lp(a) or inflammatory risk, should be evaluated and addressed accordingly in HoFH. SUMMARY Hypercholesterolemia is notoriously difficult to control in most patients with HoFH, but multi-LLT, including newer drugs, allows reduction of LDL-C to levels unimaginable until a few years ago. Cost and availability of these new therapies are important future challenges to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tycho R. Tromp
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marina Cuchel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Recent Advances in Gene Therapy for Familial Hypercholesterolemia: An Update Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11226773. [PMID: 36431249 PMCID: PMC9699383 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11226773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Existing lipid-lowering therapies have difficulty in achieving lipid target levels in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), especially in the treatment of patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. (2) Method: All of the literature data containing "Familial hypercholesterolemia" and "Gene Therapy" in PubMed and Clinical Trials from 2018 to 2022 were selected. (3) Results: The rapid development of gene therapy technology in recent years is expected to change the treatment status of FH patients. As emerging gene therapy vectors, the optimized adeno-associated viruses, exosomes, and lipid nanoparticles have demonstrated an improved safety and higher transfection efficiency. Various RNA-targeted therapies are in phase 1-3 clinical trials, such as small interfering RNA-based drugs inclisiran, ARO-ANG3, ARO-APOC3, olpasiran, SLN360, and antisense oligonucleotide-based drugs AZD8233, vupanorsen, volanesorsen, IONIS-APO(a)Rx, etc., all of which have demonstrated excellent lipid-lowering effects. With gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas 9 and meganuclease, completing animal experiments in mice or cynomolgus monkeys and demonstrating lasting lipid-lowering effects, patients with FH are expected to reach a permanent cure in the future. (4) Conclusion: Gene therapy is being widely used for the lipid-lowering treatment of FH patients and has shown excellent therapeutic promise, but the current delivery efficiency, economic burden, immunogenicity and the precision of gene therapy can be further optimized.
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New Trends and Therapies for Familial Hypercholesterolemia. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11226638. [PMID: 36431115 PMCID: PMC9696955 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11226638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is associated with an elevated risk of atherosclerosis. The finding of monogenic defects indicates higher atherosclerotic risk in comparison with hypercholesterolemia of other etiologies. However, in heterozygous FH, cardiovascular risk is heterogeneous and depends not only on high cholesterol levels but also on the presence of other biomarkers and genes. The development of atherosclerosis risk scores specific for heterozygous FH and the use of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis imaging help with identifying higher-risk individuals who may benefit from further cholesterol lowering with PCSK9 inhibitors. There is no question about the extreme high risk in homozygous FH, and intensive LDL-cholesterol-lowering therapy must be started as soon as possible. These patients have gained life free of events in comparison with the past, but a high atherosclerosis residual risk persists. Furthermore, there is also the issue of aortic and supra-aortic valve disease development. Newer therapies such as inhibitors of microsomal transfer protein and angiopoietin-like protein 3 have opened the possibility of LDL-cholesterol normalization in homozygous FH and may provide an alternative to lipoprotein apheresis for these patients. Gene-based therapies may provide more definite solutions for lowering high LDL cholesterol and consequent atherosclerosis risk for people with FH.
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Hindi NN, Alenbawi J, Nemer G. Pharmacogenomics Variability of Lipid-Lowering Therapies in Familial Hypercholesterolemia. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11090877. [PMID: 34575654 PMCID: PMC8468752 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11090877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The exponential expansion of genomic data coupled with the lack of appropriate clinical categorization of the variants is posing a major challenge to conventional medications for many common and rare diseases. To narrow this gap and achieve the goals of personalized medicine, a collaborative effort should be made to characterize the genomic variants functionally and clinically with a massive global genomic sequencing of "healthy" subjects from several ethnicities. Familial-based clustered diseases with homogenous genetic backgrounds are amongst the most beneficial tools to help address this challenge. This review will discuss the diagnosis, management, and clinical monitoring of familial hypercholesterolemia patients from a wide angle to cover both the genetic mutations underlying the phenotype, and the pharmacogenomic traits unveiled by the conventional and novel therapeutic approaches. Achieving a drug-related interactive genomic map will potentially benefit populations at risk across the globe who suffer from dyslipidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagham N. Hindi
- Division of Genomics and Translational Biomedicine, College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar; (N.N.H.); (J.A.)
| | - Jamil Alenbawi
- Division of Genomics and Translational Biomedicine, College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar; (N.N.H.); (J.A.)
| | - Georges Nemer
- Division of Genomics and Translational Biomedicine, College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar; (N.N.H.); (J.A.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut DTS-434, Lebanon
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +974-445-41330
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