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Packard CJ, Pirillo A, Tsimikas S, Ference BA, Catapano AL. Exploring apolipoprotein C-III: pathophysiological and pharmacological relevance. Cardiovasc Res 2024; 119:2843-2857. [PMID: 38039351 PMCID: PMC11484501 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad177] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The availability of pharmacological approaches able to effectively reduce circulating LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) has led to a substantial reduction in the risk of atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, a residual cardiovascular (CV) risk persists in treated individuals with optimal levels of LDL-C. Additional risk factors beyond LDL-C are involved, and among these, elevated levels of triglycerides (TGs) and TG-rich lipoproteins are causally associated with an increased CV risk. Apolipoprotein C-III (apoC-III) is a key regulator of TG metabolism and hence circulating levels through several mechanisms including the inhibition of lipoprotein lipase activity and alterations in the affinity of apoC-III-containing lipoproteins for both the hepatic receptors involved in their removal and extracellular matrix in the arterial wall. Genetic studies have clarified the role of apoC-III in humans, establishing a causal link with CVD and showing that loss-of-function mutations in the APOC3 gene are associated with reduced TG levels and reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Currently available hypolipidaemic drugs can reduce TG levels, although to a limited extent. Substantial reductions in TG levels can be obtained with new drugs that target specifically apoC-III; these include two antisense oligonucleotides, one small interfering RNA and an antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris J Packard
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Angela Pirillo
- Center for the Study of Atherosclerosis, E. Bassini Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Center for the Study of Dyslipidaemias, IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto S. Giovanni, 20099 Milan, Italy
| | - Sotirios Tsimikas
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Brian A Ference
- Centre for Naturally Randomized Trials, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alberico L Catapano
- Center for the Study of Dyslipidaemias, IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto S. Giovanni, 20099 Milan, Italy
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Tomlinson B, Wu QY, Zhong YM, Li YH. Advances in Dyslipidaemia Treatments: Focusing on ApoC3 and ANGPTL3 Inhibitors. J Lipid Atheroscler 2024; 13:2-20. [PMID: 38299167 PMCID: PMC10825570 DOI: 10.12997/jla.2024.13.1.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Apolipoprotein C3 (apoC3) and angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) inhibit lipolysis by lipoprotein lipase and may influence the secretion and uptake of various lipoproteins. Genetic studies show that depletion of these proteins is associated with improved lipid profiles and reduced cardiovascular events so it was anticipated that drugs which mimic the effects of loss-of-function mutations would be useful lipid treatments. ANGPTL3 inhibitors were initially developed as a treatment for severe hypertriglyceridaemia including familial chylomicronaemia syndrome (FCS), which is usually not adequately controlled with currently available drugs. However, it was found ANGPTL3 inhibitors were also effective in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and they were studied in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH). Evinacumab targets ANGPTL3 and reduced LDL-C by about 50% in patients with homozygous FH and it has been approved for that indication. The antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) vupanorsen targeting ANGPTL3 was less effective in reducing LDL-C in patients with moderate hypertriglyceridaemia and its development has been discontinued but the small interfering RNA (siRNA) ARO-ANG3 is being investigated in Phase 2 studies. ApoC3 can be inhibited by the ASO volanesorsen, which reduced triglycerides by >70% in patients with FCS and it was approved for FCS in Europe but not in the United States because of concerns about thrombocytopaenia. Olezarsen is an N-acetylgalactosamine-conjugated ASO targeting apoC3 which appears as effective as volanesorsen without the risk of thrombocytopaenia and is undergoing Phase 3 trials. ARO-APOC3 is an siRNA targeting apoC3 that is currently being investigated in Phase 3 studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Tomlinson
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Qian-yan Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-ming Zhong
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-hong Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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Pirillo A, Catapano AL. How to Handle Elevated Triglycerides: Life after PROMINENT. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2023; 25:921-929. [PMID: 38114852 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-023-01175-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG) is a common condition characterised by elevated levels of plasma triglycerides (TG), which are transported in the blood mainly by TG-rich lipoproteins (TRL). Elevated TG levels (150-400 mg/dL) are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Severe HTG (>880 mg/dL) is associated with a risk of acute pancreatitis only. Randomised clinical trials investigating the clinical benefit of TG-lowering drugs in patients with elevated TG levels have provided conflicting results. RECENT FINDINGS Elevated TG levels are only one marker of altered lipid/lipoprotein metabolism and indeed reflect altered concentrations of one or more classes or subfractions of TRL, which in turn may have a different association with CV risk. Fibrates, the drugs most commonly used to treat HTG, provide cardiovascular benefits to only a specific subgroup of patients. The lack of clinical benefit from pemafibrate has emphasised the concept that lowering TG levels is not sufficient to reduce the CV risk unless it is accompanied by a reduction in the number of circulating atherogenic lipoproteins, which can be assessed by determining apolipoprotein B levels. Treatment with omega-3 fatty acids was also ineffective in reducing CV risk, with the exception of icosapent ethyl, which, however, appears to have beneficial effects beyond lipids. New drugs are currently being developed that aim to lower TG levels by targeting apolipoprotein C-III or angiopoietin-like-3, both of which are involved in the metabolism of TGs. TG reduction can be achieved by various drugs, but most of them are ineffective in reducing CV risk. The results of outcome studies on new TG-lowering drugs will clarify whether lowering apoB levels is critical to achieve clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Pirillo
- Center for the Study of Atherosclerosis, E. Bassini Hospital, Cinisello Balsamo, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberico L Catapano
- IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto S. Giovanni, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review will briefly revise the evidence concerning the pharmacological inhibition of Apolipoprotein CIII (ApoCIII) in patients with hypertriglyceridemia. RECENT FINDINGS ApoCIII is a plasma apolipoprotein playing a major role in the metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, namely chylomicrons and very-low-density lipoproteins as well as in the pathological processes involved in atherosclerosis. Therefore, ApoCIII is a potential new target for reducing plasma levels of TRLs and, thereby, cardiovascular risk. In recent years, there have been extensive preclinical and clinical pharmacological studies aimed at testing drugs directed against ApoCIII. SUMMARY In this review, firstly we will summarize the molecular function of ApoCIII in lipoprotein metabolism. Then, we will examine the lipid-lowering potential of the pharmacological inhibition of ApoCIII based on the results of clinical trial employing Volansesorsen, the first approved antisense therapeutic oligonucleotide against ApoCIII mRNA. The future perspectives for ApoCIII inhibition will be also revised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Tramontano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Kettunen S, Ruotsalainen AK, Ylä-Herttuala S. RNA interference-based therapies for the control of atherosclerosis risk factors. Curr Opin Cardiol 2022; 37:364-371. [PMID: 35731681 DOI: 10.1097/hco.0000000000000972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Atherosclerosis, characterized by lipid accumulation and chronic inflammation in the arterial wall, is the leading causes of death worldwide. The purpose of this article is to review the status of RNA interference (RNAi) based therapies in clinical trials for the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis risk factors. RECENT FINDINGS There is a growing interest on using RNAi technology for the control of atherosclerosis risk factors. Current clinical trials utilizing RNAi for atherosclerosis are targeting lipid metabolism regulating genes including proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9, apolipoprotein C-III, lipoprotein (a) and angiopoietin-like protein 3. Currently, three RNAi-based drugs have been approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but there are several therapies in clinical trials at the moment, and potentially entering the market in near future. In addition, recent preclinical studies on regulating vascular inflammation have shown promising results. SUMMARY In recent years, RNAi based technologies and therapies have been intensively developed for the treatment of atherosclerosis risk factors, such as hyperlipidemia and vascular inflammation. Multiple potential therapeutic targets have emerged, and many of the reported clinical trials have already been successful in plasma lipid lowering. The scope of RNAi therapies is well recognized and recent approvals are encouraging for the treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland
- Heart Center and Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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Parthymos I, Kostapanos MS, Liamis G, Florentin M. Early Investigational and Experimental Therapeutics for the Treatment of Hypertriglyceridemia. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9020042. [PMID: 35200696 PMCID: PMC8874974 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9020042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertriglyceridemia has been identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and acute pancreatitis. To date, there are only few drug classes targeting triglyceride levels such as fibrates and ω-3 fatty acids. These agents are at times insufficient to address very high triglycerides and the residual cardiovascular risk in patients with mixed dyslipidemia. To address this unmet clinical need, novel triglyceride-lowering agents have been in different phases of early clinical development. In this review, the latest and experimental therapies for the management of hypertriglyceridemia are presented. Specifically, ongoing trials evaluating novel apolipoprotein C-III inhibitors, ω-3 fatty acids, as well as fibroblast growth 21 analogues are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Parthymos
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (I.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Michael S. Kostapanos
- Lipid Clinic, Department of General Medicine, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK;
| | - George Liamis
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (I.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Matilda Florentin
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (I.P.); (G.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-6944662406; Fax: +30-26510-07016
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Ruotsalainen AK, Mäkinen P, Ylä-Herttuala S. Novel RNAi-Based Therapies for Atherosclerosis. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2021; 23:45. [PMID: 34146172 PMCID: PMC8214045 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-021-00938-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Atherosclerosis, defined by inflammation and accumulation of cholesterol, extracellular matrix, and cell debris into the arteries is a common factor behind cardiovascular diseases (CVD), such as coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and stroke. In this review, we discuss and describe novel RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapies in clinical trials and on the market. RECENT FINDINGS The first RNAi-based therapies have entered clinical use for the control of atherosclerosis risk factors, i.e., blood cholesterol levels. The most advanced treatment is silencing of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) with a drug called inclisiran, which has been approved for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in late 2020, and results in a robust decrease in plasma cholesterol levels. As the new RNAi therapies for atherosclerosis are now entering markets, the usefulness of these therapies will be further evaluated in larger patient cohorts. Thus, it remains to be seen how fast, effectively and eminently these new drugs consolidate their niche within the cardiovascular disease drug palette.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Kaisa Ruotsalainen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Kuopio Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, FIN-70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Petri Mäkinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Seppo Ylä-Herttuala
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Heart Center and Gene Therapy Unit, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 1777, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
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