Apheresis for severe hypercholesterolaemia and elevated lipoprotein(a)

Targeting Lipoprotein(a): Can RNA Therapeutics Provide the Next Step in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease?

Numerous genetic and epidemiologic studies have demonstrated an association between elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) and cardiovascular disease. As a result, lowering Lp(a) levels is widely recognized as a promising strategy for reducing the risk of new-onset coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. Lp(a) consists of a low-density lipoprotein-like particle with covalently linked apolipoprotein A (apo[a]) and apolipoprotein B-100, which explains its pro-thrombotic, pro-inflammatory, and pro-atherogenic properties. Lp(a) serum concentrations are genetically determined by the apo(a) isoform, with shorter isoforms having a higher rate of particle synthesis. To date, there are no approved pharmacological therapies that effectively reduce Lp(a) levels. Promising treatment approaches targeting apo(a) expression include RNA-based drugs such as pelacarsen, olpasiran, SLN360, and lepodisiran, which are currently in clinical trials. In this comprehensive review, we provide a detailed overview of RNA-based therapeutic approaches and discuss the recent advances and challenges of RNA therapeutics specifically designed to reduce Lp(a) levels and thus the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Impaired intestinal immunity and microbial diversity in common carp exposed to cadmium

Waterborne cadmium (Cd) accumulates in the fish intestine and causes irreversible toxicity by disrupting intestinal immunity and microbial diversity. To explore the toxicity of environmentally available high Cd concentration on intestinal immunity and microbial diversity of fish, we selected the widely used bioindicator model species, Common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Literature review and Cd pollution data supported sequential doses of 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2, and 6.4 mg/L Cd for 30 days. Based on intestinal tissue Cd accumulation, previous studies, and environmentally available Cd data, 0.4 and 1.6 mg/L Cd were selected for further studies. Intestinal Cd bioaccumulation increased significantly to ~100 times in fish exposed to 1.6 mg/L Cd. We observed villous atrophy, increased goblet cells with mucus production, muscularis erosion, and thickened lamina propria due to intense inflammatory cell infiltration in the intestine at this Cd concentration. Cd-induced immunosuppression occurred with increased lysozyme, alkaline phosphate (AKP), and acid phosphate (ACP). High levels of catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) suggested induced oxidative stress and poor metabolism by α-amylase and lipase suppression for Cd toxicity. Proteobacteria (41.2 %), Firmicutes (21.8 %), and Bacteroidetes (17.5 %) were the dominant bacterial phyla in the common carp intestine. Additionally, potential pathogenic Cyanobacteria increased in Cd-treated fish. The decrease of beneficiary bacteria like Aeromonas, and Cetobacterium indicated Cd toxicity. Overall, these findings indicate harmful consequences of high Cd concentration in the intestinal homeostasis and health status of fish.

Lipoprotein(a)-60 Years Later-What Do We Know?

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) molecule includes two protein components: apolipoprotein(a) and apoB100. The molecule is the main transporter of oxidized phospholipids (OxPL) in plasma. The concentration of this strongly atherogenic lipoprotein is predominantly regulated by the LPA gene expression. Lp(a) is regarded as a risk factor for several cardiovascular diseases. Numerous epidemiological, clinical and in vitro studies showed a strong association between increased Lp(a) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), calcific aortic valve disease/aortic stenosis (CAVD/AS), stroke, heart failure or peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Although there are acknowledged contributions of Lp(a) to the mentioned diseases, clinicians struggle with many inconveniences such as a lack of well-established treatment lowering Lp(a), and common guidelines for diagnosing or assessing cardiovascular risk among both adult and pediatric patients. Lp(a) levels are different with regard to a particular race or ethnicity and might fluctuate during childhood. Furthermore, the lack of standardization of assays is an additional impediment. The review presents the recent knowledge on Lp(a) based on clinical and scientific research, but also highlights relevant aspects of future study directions that would approach more suitable and effective managing risk associated with increased Lp(a), as well as control the Lp(a) levels.

Lipoprotein(a) in patients with breast cancer after chemotherapy: exploring potential strategies for cardioprotection

Developments in neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy (CHT) have led to an increase in the number of breast cancer survivors. The determination of an appropriate follow-up for these patients is of increasing importance. Deaths due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) are an important part of mortality in patients with breast cancer.This review suggests that chemotherapeutic agents may influence lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) concentrations in breast cancer survivors after CHT based on many convincing evidence from epidemiologic and observational researches. Usually, the higher the Lp(a) concentration, the higher the median risk of developing CVD. However, more clinical trial results are needed in the future to provide clear evidence of a possible causal relationship. This review also discuss the existing and emerging therapies for lowering Lp(a) concentrations in the clinical setting. Hormone replacement therapy, statins, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, Antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNA, etc. may reduce circulating Lp(a) or decrease the incidence of CVD.

Lipid Profile and Lipoprotein(a) Testing

BACKGROUND

The treatment of dyslipidemias plays a major role in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Proper evaluation of the patient's lipid status is very important for risk assessment and as a guide to treatment.

METHODS

This review is based on publications retrieved by a selective search of the literature, including current guidelines.

RESULTS

Measurement of the plasma concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, calculation of the non-HDL cholesterol concentration, and-on a single occasion-determination of the lipoprotein (a) concentration enable the clinician to quantify the lipid-associated health risk and monitor the effects of treatment. These blood tests can be performed in a non-fasting state except in special situations (particularly, hypertriglyceridemia). The HDL quotient is an obsolete measure. The main goal of treatment is to achieve an LDL-cholesterol level adequate to the patient's cardiovascular risk through lifestyle modification and, if necessary, medication. A high lipoprotein (a) concentration cannot be lowered with orally administered drugs; above all, patients should lower their LDL-cholesterol levels while minimizing all other risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Measurement of the concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL- and LDL-cholesterol and calculation of the non-HDL-C suffice as a guide to lipid-lowering treatment. The primary therapeutic goal is to lower LDL cholesterol.

[Update lipidology : Evidence-based treatment of dyslipidemia]

The treatment of elevated plasma lipid levels plays an important role in prevention of atherosclerosis. Lowering of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol with statins and if required with additional ezetimibe, bempedoic acid and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors is of utmost importance. While lifestyle modification can strongly influence the cardiovascular risk, it only plays a minor role in lowering LDL cholesterol values. The overall (absolute) cardiovascular risk determines if and in what intensity lipid-lowering treatment should be implemented. Based on new results from interventional studies the LDL cholesterol target values have been reduced in recent years. Thus, in patients with a very high risk (for example patients with established atherosclerotic disease) an LDL cholesterol level of < 55 mg/dl (< 1.4 mmol/l, conversion mg/dl×0.02586=mmol/l) and at least a 50% reduction from baseline should be strived for. With respect to elevated triglyceride levels, either alone or simultaneously with elevated LDL cholesterol levels, the treatment goals are less clearly defined, despite the fact that elevated triglyceride levels are causally linked to atherosclerotic events. Lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce triglyceride levels and are often more effective than specific triglyceride-lowering medications, such as fibrates and omega‑3 fatty acids. New lipid-lowering drugs for the treatment of patients with severely elevated triglyceride levels and elevated lipoprotein(a) levels are being developed but their clinical benefits still have to be confirmed in endpoint studies.

Apheresis: What Should a Clinician Know?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Apheresis is a treatment option for severe dyslipidemia which has been introduced approximately 40 years ago to clinical practice. This article reviews recent apheresis research progresses, including apheresis for elevated LDL-cholesterol and elevated lipoprotein(a).

RECENT FINDINGS

While the role of apheresis in treating more common forms of LDL-hypercholesterolemia has been reduced due to the development of new, very potent LDL-lowering drugs, it still plays an important role in treating patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and patients with severe lipoprotein(a) elevation. One apheresis session can decrease LDL-cholesterol, apoB, and lipoprotein(a) by approximately 65%, which results in a time averaged reduction of 30-50%. Although time-consuming, and expensive regular apheresis is very well tolerated and has been proven safe for decades. Apheresis remains a treatment option for severe dyslipidemia, especially in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and elevated lipoprotein(a), if other forms of therapy fail to achieve targets.

Polyzwitterionic Coating of Porous Adsorbents for Therapeutic Apheresis

Adsorbents for whole blood apheresis need to be highly blood compatible to minimize the activation of blood cells on the biomaterial surface. Here, we developed blood-compatible matrices by surface modification with polyzwitterionic polysulfobetainic and polycarboxybetainic coatings. Photoreactive zwitterionic terpolymers were synthesized by free-radical polymerization of zwitterionic, photoreactive, and fluorescent monomers. Upon UV irradiation, the terpolymers were photodeposited and mutually crosslinked on the surface of hydrophobic polystyrene-co-divinylbenzene and hydrophilic polyacrylamide-co-polyacrylate (DALI) beads. Fluorescent microscopy revealed coatings with an average thickness of 5 µm, which were limited to the bead surface. Blood compatibility was assessed based on polymer-induced hemolysis, coagulation parameters, and in vitro tests. The maintenance of the adsorption capacity after coating was studied in human whole blood with cytokines for polystyrene beads (remained capacity 25-67%) and with low-density lipoprotein (remained capacity 80%) for polyacrylate beads. Coating enhanced the blood compatibility of hydrophobic, but not of hydrophilic adsorbents. The most prominent effect was observed on coagulation parameters (e.g., PT, aPTT, TT, and protein C) and neutrophil count. Polycarboxybetaine with a charge spacer of five carbons was the most promising polyzwitterion for the coating of adsorbents for whole blood apheresis.

The Inherited Hypercholesterolemias

Inherited hypercholesterolemias include monogenic and polygenic disorders, which can be very rare (eg, cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX)) or relatively common (eg, familial combined hyperlipidemia [FCH]). In this review, we discuss familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), FH-mimics (eg, polygenic hypercholesterolemia [PH], FCH, sitosterolemia), and other inherited forms of hypercholesterolemia (eg, hyper-lipoprotein(a) levels [hyper-Lp(a)]). The prevalence, genetics, and management of inherited hypercholesterolemias are described and selected guidelines summarized.

An Updated Review and Meta Analysis of Lipoprotein Glomerulopathy

More than 200 cases of lipoprotein glomerulopathy (LPG) have been reported since it was first discovered 30 years ago. Although relatively rare, LPG is clinically an important cause of nephrotic syndrome and end-stage renal disease. Mutations in the APOE gene are the leading cause of LPG. APOE mutations are an important determinant of lipid profiles and cardiovascular health in the population and can precipitate dysbetalipoproteinemia and glomerulopathy. Apolipoprotein E-related glomerular disorders include APOE2 homozygote glomerulopathy and LPG with heterozygous APOE mutations. In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the number of LPG case reports and some progress in research into the mechanism and animal models of LPG. We consequently need to update recent epidemiological studies and the molecular mechanisms of LPG. This endeavor may help us not only to diagnose and treat LPG in a more personized manner but also to better understand the potential relationship between lipids and the kidney.

[Lipoprotein apheresis : State of the art and case report of the longest HELP treatment worldwide]

Lipoprotein apheresis is an extracorporeal procedure for the treatment of patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, patients with severe treatment-resistant hypercholesterolemia and patients with lipoprotein(a) hypercholesterolemia, who show progressive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease despite optimal treatment. This article reports on the historical developments of the procedures, the most frequently used methods for apheresis as well as the data situation on efficacy and tolerability. Randomized prospective studies on clinical outcomes are not available. Furthermore, the article reports on a patient with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and 34 years of treatment with heparin-induced extracorporeal low-density lipoprotein (LDL) precipitation (HELP) apheresis, the longest treatment of this kind worldwide. A second patient with combined heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and 31 years of liposorber and HELP apheresis is also described. The observational studies and the case reports demonstrate the safety and long-term tolerability of the procedure.

Use of apheresis in the age of new therapies for familial hypercholesterolaemia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Lipoprotein apheresis has been first line therapy for homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and other severe and refractory forms of dyslpidaemia for over 40 years but the recent advent of novel and potent LDL-lowering compounds necessitates a reappraisal of its role.

RECENT FINDINGS

During the past decade a substantial amount of evidence has accumulated describing the effect of LDL-lowering with apheresis and conventional drug therapy upon the cardiovascular outcomes associated with homozygous and statin-refractory heterozygous FH. This has necessitated re-defining the target levels of LDL cholesterol needed to arrest progression of atherosclerosis in these situations. At the same time, evidence has accrued regarding the pathogenicity of raised levels of lipoprotein (a) and the promising role of apheresis in mitigating the adverse effects of the latter. The latest advance in treatment has been the introduction of three classes of novel and potent LDL-lowering compounds in the shape of inhibitors of Propertin convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9), microsomal triglyceride transfer protein and angiopoietin-like 3.

SUMMARY

These recent developments raise the question of whether these compounds will be used as adjuvants to bolster lipoprotein apheresis in FH homozygotes or whether they will render it obsolete, as is already occurring with PCSK9 inhibitors in FH heterozygotes.

Establishing low-density lipoprotein apheresis tolerability in patients with prior anaphylactoid reactions to lipoprotein apheresis using magnesium sulfate

BACKGROUND

Lipoprotein apheresis (LA) tolerability is a key factor for the utilization of this therapy. Common reactions to LA are hypotension and nausea. Serious reactions include severe hypotension and anaphylactoid reactions (0.13%-1.3% and 0.2%-0.4%, respectively). The bradykinin response drives these reactions and can worsen with the use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors. Efforts to mitigate these reactions are necessary for the tolerability of LA with a dextran sulfate-adsorption (DSA) system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In an effort to increase apheresis tolerability, seven patients at The University of Kansas, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, who had prior anaphylactoid reactions (defined as general cutaneous flushing, nausea/vomiting, tongue swelling, lightheadedness, and hypotension) to the DSA despite pharmacologic intervention, were treated with pre-LA intravenous magnesium adapted from a protocol developed by co-author Eliaz. This protocol consists of 1.5 g of magnesium sulfate administered over 45 minutes. All seven patients were treated with intravenous magnesium sulfate immediately before LA.

RESULTS

No episodes of anaphylactoid reactions during LA have been reported to date.

CONCLUSIONS

Magnesium infusion before DSA can be utilized to establish tolerability in patients with prior anaphylactoid reactions to LA. Proposed mechanisms include temporary stabilization of the negative-positive interactions of the dextran sulfate filter leading to a reduction of circulating bradykinin, reduction of nitric oxide, and reduction of the sympathetic response to LA.

Association Between Lipoprotein(a) and Peri-procedural Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Who Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background

High lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) levels are associated with increased risks of cardiovascular events in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Peri-procedural myocardial infarction (PMI) occurs commonly during the PCI, whereas the relationship between Lp(a) and PMI remains unclear. Our study aimed to evaluate the association between Lp(a) value and the incidence of PMI in a larger-scale diabetic cohort undergoing PCI throughout 2013.

Methods

A total of 2,190 consecutive patients with DM were divided into two groups according to the median Lp(a) level of 175 mg/L: Low Lp(a) group (N = 1095) and high Lp(a) group (N = 1095). PMI was defined based on the 2018 universal definition of myocardial infarction.

Results

Patients with high Lp(a) levels exhibited higher rates of PMI compared to those with low Lp(a) levels (2.3% versus 0.8%, P = 0.006). The multivariable logistic analysis showed that PMI was independently predicted by Lp(a) as a dichotomous variable (OR 2.64, 95%CI 1.22-5.70) and as a continuous variable (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.12-2.20). However, further investigation found that this association was only maintained in men, whose Lp(a) levels were significantly associated with the frequency of PMI, both as a dichotomous variable (OR 3.66, 95%CI 1.34-10.01) and as a continuous variable (OR 1.81, 95%CI 1.18-2.78). Lp(a) wasn't a risk factor of PMI in women.

Conclusions

High Lp(a) levels had forceful correlations with the increased frequency of PMI in male diabetic patients undergoing PCI. Lp(a) might act as a marker of risk stratification and a therapeutic target to reduce PCI-related ischemic events.

[New Lipid-lowering Agents]

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The fact that elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) play a causal role in the development of ASCVD is now well accepted, given the results of numerous epidemiological and genetic studies, as well as randomized controlled clinical trials. Statins have become a primary therapeutic cornerstone in ASCVD prevention since they have been shown to reduce CV events by reducing levels of LDL-C. But despite the proven efficacy and safety of statin therapy, several aspects indicate a substantial need for additional or alternative LDL-C lowering therapies. These aspects include not only a high variability in individual response to therapy, but also possible side effects, potentially reducing adherence to treatment. Most importantly, an elevated risk for cardiovascular (CV) events remains in a large proportion of high-risk patients, especially in those with persistent elevation of LDL-C levels despite a maximum tolerated dose of statin therapy. Also, large clinical trials currently investigate a potential CV benefit of drug therapies targeting elevated levels of triglycerides and lipoprotein (a), respectively.

Lipoprotein(a): Behandlung eines unterschätzten kardiovaskulären Risikomarkers

Auf der Suche nach weiteren behandelbaren kardiovaskulären Risikofaktoren rückte das Lipoprotein(a) – Lp(a) – in den letzten Jahren in den wissenschaftlichen Fokus. Lp(a) ist ein genetischer, unabhängiger und vermutlich kausaler Marker für Atherosklerose und kalzifizierende Aortenklappenstenose. Sein proatherogenes, prothrombotisches und proinflammatorisches Wirkprofil bedingt eine hohe Pathogenität. Die Definition einer Lp(a)-Hyperlipoproteinämie ist komplex, da verschiedene Messverfahren im Einsatz sind und Grenzwerte für pathologische Lp(a)-Serumkonzentrationen kontrovers diskutiert werden. Aktuell steht nur das invasive Verfahren der Lipoproteinapherese zur Verfügung, mit der Lp(a) moderat gesenkt werden kann. Die in der Phase III befindlichen Lp(a)RNA-Inhibitoren stellen einen wesentlich spezifischeren und potenteren Therapieansatz dar. Laufende randomisierte Endpunktstudien mit diesen Medikamenten werden erheblich zum Verständnis der pathophysiologischen Bedeutung von Lp(a) unabhängig vom LDL-Cholesterin beitragen.

Lipoprotein(a): is it more, less or equal to LDL as a causal factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize the recent studies directly comparing LDL and lipoprotein(a) as causal factors for cardiovascular disease and mortality.

RECENT FINDINGS

In approximately 100,000 individuals from the Copenhagen General Population Study for risk of myocardial infarction, in observational analyses per 39 mg/dl (1 mmol/l) cholesterol increase, the hazard ratio was 1.3 (95% confidence interval: 1.2-1.3) for LDL cholesterol and 1.6 (1.4-1.9) for lipoprotein(a) cholesterol. In corresponding genetic analyses, the causal risk ratio was 2.1 (1.3-3.4) for LDL and 2.0 (1.6-2.6) for lipoprotein(a). Also, a 15 mg/dl (0.39 mmol/l) cholesterol increase was associated with a hazard ratio for cardiovascular mortality of 1.05 (1.04-1.07) for LDL cholesterol and 1.18 (1.12-1.25) for lipoprotein(a) cholesterol. Corresponding values for all-cause mortality were 1.01 (1.00-1.01) for LDL cholesterol and 1.07 (1.04-1.10) for lipoprotein(a) cholesterol. In genetic, causal analyses, the mortality increases for elevated lipoprotein(a) appeared to be through apolipoprotein(a) kringle IV-2 rather than through lipoprotein(a) levels per se.

SUMMARY

On cholesterol scales, lipoprotein(a) and LDL appeared equal as causal factors for myocardial infarction; however, lipoprotein(a) was most important for mortality. Lipoprotein(a) effects may not only be due to cholesterol content but could also be due to the structure of lipoprotein(a) resembling plasminogen.

HELP-(Heparin-induced Extracorporeal LDL Precipitation)-apheresis in heart recipients with cardiac allograft vasculopathy and concomitant hypercholesterolemia: Influence of long-term treatment on the microcirculation

Hyperlipidemic heart transplant patients who develop cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) benefit from HELP-apheresis (Heparin-induced Extracorporeal LDL Precipitation) which enables drastic lowering of plasma low-density lipoprotein, lipoprotein (a), and fibrinogen. There is evidence that HELP-apheresis also improves microcirculation by an immediate improvement of impaired endothelial-dependent vasodilatation and additive hemorheological effects.Therefore, cutaneous microcirculation was examined before, during, and after the first HELP-apheresis in eight hyperlipidemic cardiac transplant recipients with CAV. To study the long-term effect the intravital microscopy was repeated after three and 12 months of weekly apheresis treatment.In CAV patients the baseline mean erythrocyte velocity was pathologically reduced with 0.13±0.07 mm/s. During the first HELP-apheresis the erythrocyte velocity increased significantly (p = 0.0001) and remained increased until the end of the HELP procedure (p < 0.05). After three months of weekly apheresis treatment a decrease of temporary flow stops in the capillaries with a progressive homogenization (concordance) of the cutaneous microcirculation was observed. After one year of weekly treatment a markedly increase in mean erythrocyte velocity under resting conditions occurred. In addition, a reactive post-ischemic hyperemia could be established for the first time.Even the first single HELP-apheresis resulted in a significant improvement of the cutaneous microcirculation. The long-term treatment of these patients resulted in a marked improvement of the cutaneous microcirculation with the tendency to a normalization of the regulation of the capillary perfusion.

STATINS TREATMENT AND ORO-DENTAL ASPECTS IN A CASE OF HEREDITARY HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA IN A CHILD UNDER 6 YEARS

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disease with autosomal dominant transmission, characterised by high blood cholesterol levels. The evolution of this disease leads to primary atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Patients with HF develop atherosclerosis by the age of 20 and usually do not survive past the age of 30. We present the case and oro-dental aspects of a preschooler that was diagnosed at the age of 4 with FH, compound heterozygote (mutation/genotype1 LDLR: C20IX, exon 4; mutation/genotype2 LDLR: G571E, exon 12) and the experience of our clinic in the management of this patient that received off-label treatment with statins. When diagnosed, his cholesterol level was 932 mg/dL and his LDL-cholesterol level was 792 mg/dL. Treatment with rosuvastatin and ezetimibe was prescribed. Both substances (rosuvastatin and ezetimibe) are not approved for children under the age of 6 in Europe. Taking into considerations the diagnosis and prognosis for unfavorable evolution, treatment with statins was started at the age of 5 years.

Familial hypercholesterolemia and elevated lipoprotein(a): double heritable risk and new therapeutic opportunities

There is compelling evidence that the elevated plasma lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels increase the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the general population. Like low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles, Lp(a) particles contain cholesterol and promote atherosclerosis. In addition, Lp(a) particles contain strongly proinflammatory oxidized phospholipids and a unique apoprotein, apo(a), which promotes the growth of an arterial thrombus. At least one in 250 individuals worldwide suffer from the heterozygous form of familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), a condition in which LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) is significantly elevated since birth. FH-causing mutations in the LDL receptor gene demonstrate a clear gene-dosage effect on Lp(a) plasma concentrations and elevated Lp(a) levels are present in 30-50% of patients with HeFH. The cumulative burden of two genetically determined pro-atherogenic lipoproteins, LDL and Lp(a), is a potent driver of ASCVD in HeFH patients. Statins are the cornerstone of treatment of HeFH, but they do not lower the plasma concentrations of Lp(a). Emerging therapies effectively lower Lp(a) by as much as 90% using RNA-based approaches that target the transcriptional product of the LPA gene. We are now approaching the dawn of an era, in which permanent and significant lowering of the high cholesterol burden of HeFH patients can be achieved. If outcome trials of novel Lp(a)-lowering therapies prove to be safe and cost-effective, they will provide additional risk reduction needed to effectively treat HeFH and potentially lower the CVD risk in these high-risk patients even more than currently achieved with LDL-C lowering alone.

Current Role of Lipoprotein Apheresis

Purpose of Review

Lipoprotein apheresis is a very efficient but time-consuming and expensive method of lowering levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein(a)) and other apoB containing lipoproteins, including triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. First introduced almost 45 years ago, it has long been a therapy of “last resort” for dyslipidaemias that cannot otherwise be managed. In recent years new, very potent lipid-lowering drugs have been developed and the purpose of this review is to define the role of lipoprotein apheresis in the current setting.

Recent Findings

Lipoprotein apheresis still plays an important role in managing patients with homozygous FH and some patients with other forms of hypercholesterolaemia and cardiovascular disease. In particular, patients not achieving treatment goals despite modern lipid-lowering drugs, either because these are not tolerated or the response is insufficient. Recently, lipoprotein(a) has emerged as an important cardiovascular risk factor and lipoprotein apheresis has been used to decrease lipoprotein(a) concentrations in patients with marked elevations and cardiovascular disease. However, there is considerable heterogeneity concerning the recommendations by scientific bodies as to which patient groups should be treated with lipoprotein apheresis.

Summary

Lipoprotein apheresis remains an important tool for the management of patients with severe drug-resistant dyslipidaemias, especially those with homozygous FH.