Inhibition of neointima formation through DNA vaccination for apolipoprotein(a): a new therapeutic strategy for lipoprotein(a)

What's in a prick? Vaccines and the cardiovascular system

Evidence suggests a crucial role for vaccines in cardiovascular disease, mediated not only by disease prevention but also by immunomodulatory effects. This review attempts to briefly present the effects of pathogens and vaccines on the cardiovascular system and potential mechanisms for the development of vaccines against cardiovascular diseases per se. Current epidemiological evidence regarding vaccine effectiveness in different categories of heart disease is discussed, as well as current international guidelines' recommendations. In summary, cardiologists should strive to promote vaccination against specific pathogens with proven beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases.

A novel lipoprotein (a) lowering drug, D-47, decreases neointima thickening after vascular injury

Although Lp(a) have been thought to be a cardiovascular risk factor, it is unclear whether lowering Lp(a) levels reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. No pharmacological agents which selectively reduce serum Lp(a) levels, and Lp(a) is present in primate but absent in common laboratory animals such as mice and pigs. In the present study we used transgenic mice of human Lp(a) and tested effect a novel Lp(a) lowering drug D-47 on neointima formation after vascular injury. D-47 successfully decreased plasma levels of Lp(a) and possibly inhibited neointima formation in Lp(a) transgenic mice. The results indicate that we can modulate plasma Lp(a) levels by pharmacologic agents and inhibit atherogenic properties of Lp(a) by reducing plasma levels of Lp(a). J. Med. Invest. 64: 64-67, February, 2017.

Lipoprotein(a) as a therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease

INTRODUCTION

Recent advances in genetics and epidemiology have once again thrust lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) into the clinical spotlight. Elevated plasma concentrations of Lp(a) are an independent, causal risk factor for coronary heart disease. The mechanisms underlying the pathogenicity of Lp(a) remain obscure, and uncertainty continues to surround the appropriate use of Lp(a) in the clinic.

AREAS COVERED

We summarize the most recent findings on the biology and epidemiology of Lp(a), and use this as a platform to discuss strategies to lower plasma Lp(a) concentrations. The majority of the existing approaches are not Lp(a) specific since they also improve other aspects of the lipid profile. It is possible, however, that the unique characteristics of Lp(a) can be exploited to design therapeutics to specifically lower Lp(a).

EXPERT OPINION

Lp(a) should be measured in selected patients, including those with a family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), those with several risk factors for CVD and those who exhibit resistance to statins. Lp(a) lowering should not be the primary driver of choice of therapy, as it has not yet been established through randomized controlled trials that Lp(a) lowering per se has clinical benefit. The development of agents that specifically lower Lp(a) will allow interrogation of this question.