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Kaur G, Abdelrahman K, Berman AN, Biery DW, Shiyovich A, Huck D, Garshick M, Blankstein R, Weber B. Lipoprotein(a): Emerging insights and therapeutics. Am J Prev Cardiol 2024; 18:100641. [PMID: 38646022 PMCID: PMC11033089 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2024.100641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The strong association between lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease has led to considerations of Lp(a) being a potential target for mitigating residual cardiovascular risk. While approximately 20 % of the population has an Lp(a) level greater than 50 mg/dL, there are no currently available pharmacological lipid-lowering therapies that have demonstrated substantial reduction in Lp(a). Novel therapies to lower Lp(a) include antisense oligonucleotides and small-interfering ribonucleic acid molecules and have shown promising results in phase 2 trials. Phase 3 trials are currently underway and will test the causal relationship between Lp(a) and ASCVD and whether lowering Lp(a) reduces cardiovascular outcomes. In this review, we summarize emerging insights related to Lp(a)'s role as a risk-enhancing factor for ASCVD, association with calcific aortic stenosis, effects of existing therapies on Lp(a) levels, and variations amongst patient populations. The evolving therapeutic landscape of emerging therapeutics is further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurleen Kaur
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Adam N. Berman
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David W. Biery
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arthur Shiyovich
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Huck
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Ron Blankstein
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brittany Weber
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Shiyovich A, Berman AN, Besser SA, Biery DW, Kaur G, Divakaran S, Singh A, Huck DM, Weber B, Plutzky J, Di Carli MF, Nasir K, Cannon C, Januzzi JL, Bhatt DL, Blankstein R. Association of Lipoprotein (a) and Standard Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors With Incident Myocardial Infarction: The Mass General Brigham Lp(a) Registry. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e034493. [PMID: 38761082 PMCID: PMC11179826 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.034493] [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] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is a robust predictor of coronary heart disease outcomes, with targeted therapies currently under investigation. We aimed to evaluate the association of high Lp(a) with standard modifiable risk factors (SMuRFs) for incident first acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS AND RESULTS This retrospective study used the Mass General Brigham Lp(a) Registry, which included patients aged ≥18 years with an Lp(a) measurement between 2000 and 2019. Exclusion criteria were severe kidney dysfunction, malignant neoplasm, and prior known atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and smoking were considered SMuRFs. High Lp(a) was defined as >90th percentile, and low Lp(a) was defined as <50th percentile. The primary outcome was fatal or nonfatal AMI. A combination of natural language processing algorithms, International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes, and laboratory data was used to identify the outcome and covariates. A total of 6238 patients met the eligibility criteria. The median age was 54 (interquartile range, 43-65) years, and 45% were women. Overall, 23.7% had no SMuRFs, and 17.8% had ≥3 SMuRFs. Over a median follow-up of 8.8 (interquartile range, 4.2-12.8) years, the incidence of AMI increased gradually, with higher number of SMuRFs among patients with high (log-rank P=0.031) and low Lp(a) (log-rank P<0.001). Across all SMuRF subgroups, the incidence of AMI was significantly higher for patients with high Lp(a) versus low Lp(a). The risk of high Lp(a) was similar to having 2 SMuRFs. Following adjustment for confounders and number of SMuRFs, high Lp(a) remained significantly associated with the primary outcome (hazard ratio, 2.9 [95% CI, 2.0-4.3]; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Among patients with no prior atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, high Lp(a) is associated with significantly higher risk for first AMI regardless of the number of SMuRFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Shiyovich
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
- Department of RadiologyBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Adam N. Berman
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Stephanie A. Besser
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - David W. Biery
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Gurleen Kaur
- Department of MedicineBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Sanjay Divakaran
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
- Department of RadiologyBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Avinainder Singh
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Daniel M. Huck
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
- Department of RadiologyBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Brittany Weber
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Jorge Plutzky
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Marcelo F. Di Carli
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
- Department of RadiologyBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Khurram Nasir
- Division of Cardiovascular Prevention and Wellness, Department of Cardiovascular MedicineHouston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular CenterHoustonTX
| | - Christopher Cannon
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - James L. Januzzi
- Cardiology DivisionMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Baim Institute for Clinical ResearchBostonMA
| | - Deepak L. Bhatt
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
- Mount Sinai HeartIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health SystemNew YorkNY
| | - Ron Blankstein
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
- Department of RadiologyBrigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
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Berman AN, Biery DW, Besser SA, Singh A, Shiyovich A, Weber BN, Huck DM, Divakaran S, Hainer J, Kaur G, Blaha MJ, Cannon CP, Plutzky J, Januzzi JL, Booth JN, López JAG, Kent ST, Nasir K, Di Carli MF, Bhatt DL, Blankstein R. Lipoprotein(a) and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients With or Without Baseline Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease. J Am Coll Cardiol 2024; 83:873-886. [PMID: 38418000 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, whether the optimal Lp(a) threshold for risk assessment should differ based on baseline ASCVD status is unknown. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to assess the association between Lp(a) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among patients with and without baseline ASCVD. METHODS We studied a retrospective cohort of patients with Lp(a) measured at 2 medical centers in Boston, Massachusetts, from 2000 to 2019. To assess the association of Lp(a) with incident MACE (nonfatal myocardial infarction [MI], nonfatal stroke, coronary revascularization, or cardiovascular mortality), Lp(a) percentile groups were generated with the reference group set at the first to 50th Lp(a) percentiles. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to assess the association of Lp(a) percentile group with MACE. RESULTS Overall, 16,419 individuals were analyzed with a median follow-up of 11.9 years. Among the 10,181 (62%) patients with baseline ASCVD, individuals in the 71st to 90th percentile group had a 21% increased hazard of MACE (adjusted HR: 1.21; P < 0.001), which was similar to that of individuals in the 91st to 100th group (adjusted HR: 1.26; P < 0.001). Among the 6,238 individuals without established ASCVD, there was a continuously higher hazard of MACE with increasing Lp(a), and individuals in the 91st to 100th Lp(a) percentile group had the highest relative risk with an adjusted HR of 1.93 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In a large, contemporary U.S. cohort, elevated Lp(a) is independently associated with long-term MACE among individuals with and without baseline ASCVD. Our results suggest that the threshold for risk assessment may be different in primary vs secondary prevention cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam N Berman
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. https://twitter.com/adambermanMD
| | - David W Biery
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephanie A Besser
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Avinainder Singh
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Arthur Shiyovich
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brittany N Weber
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel M Huck
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sanjay Divakaran
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jon Hainer
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gurleen Kaur
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael J Blaha
- Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher P Cannon
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jorge Plutzky
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James L Januzzi
- Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Baim Institute for Clinical Research, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John N Booth
- Center for Observational Research, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | | | - Shia T Kent
- Center for Observational Research, Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Khurram Nasir
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Prevention and Wellness, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Marcelo F Di Carli
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Deepak L Bhatt
- Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health System, New York, New York, USA. https://twitter.com/DLBHATTMD
| | - Ron Blankstein
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Maloberti A, Intravaia RCM, Mancusi C, Cesaro A, Golia E, Ilaria F, Coletta S, Merlini P, De Chiara B, Bernasconi D, Algeri M, Ossola P, Ciampi C, Riccio A, Tognola C, Ardissino M, Inglese E, Scaglione F, Calabrò P, De Luca N, Giannattasio C. Secondary Prevention and Extreme Cardiovascular Risk Evaluation (SEVERE-1), Focus on Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors: The Study Protocol. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 2023; 30:573-583. [PMID: 38030852 PMCID: PMC10721661 DOI: 10.1007/s40292-023-00607-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite significant improvement in secondary CardioVascular (CV) preventive strategies, some acute and chronic coronary syndrome (ACS and CCS) patients will suffer recurrent events (also called "extreme CV risk"). Recently new biochemical markers, such as uric acid (UA), lipoprotein A [Lp(a)] and several markers of inflammation, have been described to be associated with CV events recurrence. The SEcondary preVention and Extreme cardiovascular Risk Evaluation (SEVERE-1) study will accurately characterize extreme CV risk patients enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. AIM Our aims will be to describe the prevalence of extreme CV risk and its association with newly described biochemical CV risk factors. AIM Our aims will be to describe the prevalence of extreme CV risk and its association with newly described biochemical CV risk factors. METHODS We will prospectively enrol 730 ACS/CCS patients at the beginning of a CR program. Extreme CV risk will be retrospectively defined as the presence of a previous (within 2 years) CV events in the patients' clinical history. UA, Lp(a) and inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 and -18, tumor necrosis factor alpha, C-reactive protein, calprotectin and osteoprotegerin) will be assessed in ACS/CCS patients with extreme CV risk and compared with those without extreme CV risk but also with two control groups: 1180 hypertensives and 765 healthy subjects. The association between these biomarkers and extreme CV risk will be assessed with a multivariable model and two scoring systems will be created for an accurate identification of extreme CV risk patients. The first one will use only clinical variables while the second one will introduce the biochemical markers. Finally, by exome sequencing we will both evaluate polygenic risk score ability to predict recurrent events and perform mendellian randomization analysis on CV biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS Our study proposal was granted by the European Union PNRR M6/C2 call. With this study we will give definitive data on extreme CV risk prevalence rising attention on this condition and leading cardiologist to do a better diagnosis and to carry out a more intensive treatment optimization that will finally leads to a reduction of future ACS recurrence. This will be even more important for cardiologists working in CR that is a very important place for CV risk definition and therapies refinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Maloberti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, Milan, Italy.
- Cardiology 4, Cardio Center, ASST GOM Niguarda, Niguarda Hospital, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20159, Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Costantino Mancusi
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, Federico II° University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Enrica Golia
- S. Anna e S. Sebastiano Hospital, Caserta, Italy
| | - Fucile Ilaria
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, Federico II° University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Piera Merlini
- Cardiology 4, Cardio Center, ASST GOM Niguarda, Niguarda Hospital, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20159, Milan, Italy
| | - Benedetta De Chiara
- Cardiology 4, Cardio Center, ASST GOM Niguarda, Niguarda Hospital, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20159, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Bernasconi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, Milan, Italy
- Clinical Research and Innovation, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Algeri
- Cardiology 4, Cardio Center, ASST GOM Niguarda, Niguarda Hospital, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20159, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Ossola
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Ciampi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, Milan, Italy
| | - Alfonso Riccio
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Tognola
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, Milan, Italy
- Cardiology 4, Cardio Center, ASST GOM Niguarda, Niguarda Hospital, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20159, Milan, Italy
| | - Maddalena Ardissino
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Elvira Inglese
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, ASST "Grande Ospedale Metropolitano" Niguarda, 20162, Milan, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesco Scaglione
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, ASST "Grande Ospedale Metropolitano" Niguarda, 20162, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Nicola De Luca
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, Federico II° University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Giannattasio
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, Milan, Italy
- Cardiology 4, Cardio Center, ASST GOM Niguarda, Niguarda Hospital, Piazza Ospedale Maggiore 3, 20159, Milan, Italy
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Pasławska A, Tomasik PJ. Lipoprotein(a)-60 Years Later-What Do We Know? Cells 2023; 12:2472. [PMID: 37887316 PMCID: PMC10605347 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pasławska
- Tuchow Health Center, Medical Hospital Laboratory, Szpitalna St. 1, 33-170 Tuchow, Poland;
| | - Przemysław J. Tomasik
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Pediatric Institute, College of Medicine, Jagiellonian University, Wielicka St. 265, 30-663 Cracow, Poland
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Farina JM, Pereyra M, Mahmoud AK, Chao CJ, Barry T, Halli Demeter SM, Ayoub C, Arsanjani R. Current Management and Future Perspectives in the Treatment of Lp(a) with a Focus on the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:919. [PMID: 37513831 PMCID: PMC10385436 DOI: 10.3390/ph16070919] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a lipid molecule with atherogenic, inflammatory, thrombotic, and antifibrinolytic effects, whose concentrations are predominantly genetically determined. The association between Lp(a) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has been well-established in numerous studies, and the ability to measure Lp(a) levels is widely available in the community. As such, there has been increasing interest in Lp(a) as a therapeutic target for the prevention of CVD. The impact of the currently available lipid-modifying agents on Lp(a) is modest and heterogeneous, except for the monoclonal antibody proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i), which demonstrated a significant reduction in Lp(a) levels. However, the absolute reduction in Lp(a) to significantly decrease CVD outcomes has not been definitely established, and the magnitude of the effect of PCSK9i seems insufficient to directly reduce the Lp(a)-related CVD risk. Therefore, emerging therapies are being developed that specifically aim to lower Lp(a) levels and the risk of CVD, including RNA interference (RNAi) agents, which have the capacity for temporary and reversible downregulation of gene expression. This review article aims to summarize the effects of Lp(a) on CVD and to evaluate the available evidence on established and emerging therapies targeting Lp(a) levels, focusing on the potential reduction of CVD risk attributable to Lp(a) concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Farina
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA
| | - Milagros Pereyra
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA
| | - Ahmed K Mahmoud
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA
| | - Chieh-Ju Chao
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Timothy Barry
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA
| | - Susan M Halli Demeter
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA
| | - Chadi Ayoub
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA
| | - Reza Arsanjani
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 5777 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA
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Maloberti A, Fabbri S, Colombo V, Gualini E, Monticelli M, Daus F, Busti A, Galasso M, De Censi L, Algeri M, Merlini PA, Giannattasio C. Lipoprotein(a): Cardiovascular Disease, Aortic Stenosis and New Therapeutic Option. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010170. [PMID: 36613613 PMCID: PMC9820656 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic and progressive inflammatory process beginning early in life with late clinical manifestation. This slow pathological trend underlines the importance to early identify high-risk patients and to treat intensively risk factors to prevent the onset and/or the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. In addition to the common Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, new markers able to increase the risk of CV disease have been identified. Among them, high levels of Lipoprotein(a)-Lp(a)-lead to very high risk of future CV diseases; this relationship has been well demonstrated in epidemiological, mendelian randomization and genome-wide association studies as well as in meta-analyses. Recently, new aspects have been identified, such as its association with aortic stenosis. Although till recent years it has been considered an unmodifiable risk factor, specific drugs have been developed with a strong efficacy in reducing the circulating levels of Lp(a) and their capacity to reduce subsequent CV events is under testing in ongoing trials. In this paper we will review all these aspects: from the synthesis, clearance and measurement of Lp(a), through the findings that examine its association with CV diseases and aortic stenosis to the new therapeutic options that will be available in the next years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Maloberti
- Cardiology 4, Cardio Center A. De Gasperis, ASST GOM Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-644-478-55; Fax: +39-02-644-425-66
| | - Saverio Fabbri
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Colombo
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Gualini
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Daus
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Busti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Galasso
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo De Censi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Algeri
- Cardiology 4, Cardio Center A. De Gasperis, ASST GOM Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Giannattasio
- Cardiology 4, Cardio Center A. De Gasperis, ASST GOM Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Milano-Bicocca University, 20126 Milan, Italy
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Raitakari O, Kivelä A, Pahkala K, Rovio S, Mykkänen J, Ahola-Olli A, Loo BM, Lyytikäinen LP, Lehtimäki T, Kähönen M, Juonala M, Rönnemaa T, Lamina C, Kronenberg F, Viikari J. Long-term tracking and population characteristics of lipoprotein (a) in the cardiovascular risk in young finns study. Atherosclerosis 2022; 356:18-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2022.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Lee CK, Liao CW, Meng SW, Wu WK, Chiang JY, Wu MS. Lipids and Lipoproteins in Health and Disease: Focus on Targeting Atherosclerosis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080985. [PMID: 34440189 PMCID: PMC8393881 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in pharmacotherapy, intervention devices and techniques, residual cardiovascular risks still cause a large burden on public health. Whilst most guidelines encourage achieving target levels of specific lipids and lipoproteins to reduce these risks, increasing evidence has shown that molecular modification of these lipoproteins also has a critical impact on their atherogenicity. Modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by oxidation, glycation, peroxidation, apolipoprotein C-III adhesion, and the small dense subtype largely augment its atherogenicity. Post-translational modification by oxidation, carbamylation, glycation, and imbalance of molecular components can reduce the capacity of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) for reverse cholesterol transport. Elevated levels of triglycerides (TGs), apolipoprotein C-III and lipoprotein(a), and a decreased level of apolipoprotein A-I are closely associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Pharmacotherapies aimed at reducing TGs, lipoprotein(a), and apolipoprotein C-III, and enhancing apolipoprotein A-1 are undergoing trials, and promising preliminary results have been reported. In this review, we aim to update the evidence on modifications of major lipid and lipoprotein components, including LDL, HDL, TG, apolipoprotein, and lipoprotein(a). We also discuss examples of translating findings from basic research to potential therapeutic targets for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Kuo Lee
- College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (C.-K.L.); (C.-W.L.); (S.-W.M.); (W.-K.W.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu 300, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Che-Wei Liao
- College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (C.-K.L.); (C.-W.L.); (S.-W.M.); (W.-K.W.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Wei Meng
- College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (C.-K.L.); (C.-W.L.); (S.-W.M.); (W.-K.W.)
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu 300, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Kai Wu
- College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (C.-K.L.); (C.-W.L.); (S.-W.M.); (W.-K.W.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Jiun-Yang Chiang
- College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (C.-K.L.); (C.-W.L.); (S.-W.M.); (W.-K.W.)
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (J.-Y.C.); (M.-S.W.)
| | - Ming-Shiang Wu
- College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (C.-K.L.); (C.-W.L.); (S.-W.M.); (W.-K.W.)
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (J.-Y.C.); (M.-S.W.)
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Iannuzzo G, Tripaldella M, Mallardo V, Morgillo M, Vitelli N, Iannuzzi A, Aliberti E, Giallauria F, Tramontano A, Carluccio R, Calcaterra I, Di Minno MND, Gentile M. Lipoprotein(a) Where Do We Stand? From the Physiopathology to Innovative Terapy. Biomedicines 2021; 9:838. [PMID: 34356902 PMCID: PMC8301358 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of epidemiologic studies have demonstrated a strong association between increasing lipoprotein a [Lp(a)] and cardiovascular disease. This correlation was demonstrated independent of other known cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. Screening for Lp(a) in the general population is not recommended, although Lp(a) levels are predominantly genetically determined so a single assessment is needed to identify patients at risk. In 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines recommend Lp(a) measurement at least once a lifetime, fo subjects at very high and high CV risk and those with a family history of premature cardiovascular disease, to reclassify patients with borderline risk. As concerning medications, statins play a key role in lipid lowering therapy, but present poor efficacy on Lp(a) levels. Actually, treatment options for elevated serum levels of Lp(a) are very limited. Apheresis is the most effective and well tolerated treatment in patients with high levels of Lp(a). However, promising new therapies, in particular antisense oligonucleotides have showed to be able to significantly reduce Lp(a) in phase II RCT. This review provides an overview of the biology and epidemiology of Lp(a), with a view to future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Iannuzzo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (V.M.); (M.M.); (N.V.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Maria Tripaldella
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (V.M.); (M.M.); (N.V.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Vania Mallardo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (V.M.); (M.M.); (N.V.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Mena Morgillo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (V.M.); (M.M.); (N.V.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Nicoletta Vitelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (V.M.); (M.M.); (N.V.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Arcangelo Iannuzzi
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, A. Cardarelli Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Emilio Aliberti
- North Tees University Hospital Stockton-on-Tees, Stockton TS19 8PE, UK;
| | - Francesco Giallauria
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, “Federico II” University of Naples, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.G.); (A.T.); (R.C.)
| | - Anna Tramontano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, “Federico II” University of Naples, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.G.); (A.T.); (R.C.)
| | - Raffaele Carluccio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, “Federico II” University of Naples, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (F.G.); (A.T.); (R.C.)
| | - Ilenia Calcaterra
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (V.M.); (M.M.); (N.V.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Matteo Nicola Dario Di Minno
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (V.M.); (M.M.); (N.V.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (M.G.)
| | - Marco Gentile
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, “Federico II” University, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (V.M.); (M.M.); (N.V.); (I.C.); (M.N.D.D.M.); (M.G.)
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11
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Berman AN, Biery DW, Ginder C, Hulme OL, Marcusa D, Leiva O, Wu WY, Singh A, Divakaran S, Hainer J, Turchin A, Januzzi JL, Natarajan P, Cannon CP, Di Carli MF, Bhatt DL, Blankstein R. Study of lipoprotein(a) and its impact on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: Design and rationale of the Mass General Brigham Lp(a) Registry. Clin Cardiol 2020; 43:1209-1215. [PMID: 32893370 PMCID: PMC7661644 DOI: 10.1002/clc.23456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is independently associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and calcific aortic valve stenosis. Elevated Lp(a) affects approximately one in five individuals and meaningfully contributes to the residual cardiovascular risk in individuals with otherwise well-controlled risk factors. With targeted therapies in the therapeutic pipeline, there is a need to further characterize the clinical phenotypes and outcomes of individuals with elevated levels of this unique biomarker. The Mass General Brigham Lp(a) Registry will be built from the longitudinal electronic health record of two large academic medical centers in Boston, Massachusetts, to develop a detailed cohort of patients who have had their Lp(a) measured. In combination with structured data sources, clinical documentation will be analyzed using natural language processing techniques to accurately characterize baseline characteristics. Important outcome measures including all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and cardiovascular events will be available for analysis. Approximately 30 000 patients who have had their Lp(a) tested within the Mass General Brigham system from January 2000 to July 2019 will be included in the registry. This large Lp(a) cohort will provide meaningful observational data regarding the differential risk associated with Lp(a) values and cardiovascular disease. With a new frontier of targeted Lp(a) therapies on the horizon, the Mass General Brigham Lp(a) Registry will help provide a deeper understanding of Lp(a)'s role in long term cardiovascular outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam N. Berman
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - David W. Biery
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Curtis Ginder
- Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Olivia L. Hulme
- Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Daniel Marcusa
- Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Orly Leiva
- Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Wanda Y. Wu
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Avinainder Singh
- Department of MedicineYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Sanjay Divakaran
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jon Hainer
- Department of RadiologyBrigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Alexander Turchin
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - James L. Januzzi
- Cardiology DivisionMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Pradeep Natarajan
- Cardiology DivisionMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Christopher P. Cannon
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Marcelo F. Di Carli
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of RadiologyBrigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Deepak L. Bhatt
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Ron Blankstein
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of MedicineBrigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of RadiologyBrigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
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12
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Yahya T, Jilani MH, Khan SU, Mszar R, Hassan SZ, Blaha MJ, Blankstein R, Virani SS, Johansen MC, Vahidy F, Cainzos-Achirica M, Nasir K. Stroke in young adults: Current trends, opportunities for prevention and pathways forward. Am J Prev Cardiol 2020; 3:100085. [PMID: 34327465 PMCID: PMC8315351 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2020.100085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in the US and elsewhere, and stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Despite recent success in diminishing stroke incidence in the general US population, in parallel there is now a concerning propensity for strokes to happen at younger ages. Specifically, the incidence of stroke for US adults 20-44 years of age increased from 17 per 100,000 US adults in 1993 to 28 per 100,000 in 2015. Occurrence of strokes in young adults is particularly problematic as these patients are often affected by physical disability, depression, cognitive impairment and loss of productivity, all of which have vast personal, social and economic implications. These concerning trends among young adults are likely due to increasing trends in the prevalence of modifiable risk factors amongst this population including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity and diabetes, highlighting the importance of early detection and aggressive prevention strategies in the general population at early ages. In parallel and compounding to the issue, troublesome trends are evident regarding increasing rates of substance abuse among young adults. Higher rates of strokes have been noted particularly among young African Americans, indicating the need for tailored prevention and social efforts targeting this and other vulnerable groups, including the primordial prevention of risk factors in the first place, reducing stroke rates in the presence of prevalent risk factors such as hypertension, and improving outcomes through enhanced healthcare access. In this narrative review we aim to emphasize the importance of stroke in young adults as a growing public health issue and increase awareness among clinicians and the public health sector. For this purpose, we summarize the available data on stroke in young adults and discuss the underlying epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, prognosis and opportunities for timely prevention of stroke specifically at young ages. Furthermore, this review highlights the gaps in knowledge and proposes future directions moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamer Yahya
- Division of Cardiovascular Prevention & Wellness, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Safi U. Khan
- Department of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Reed Mszar
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Syed Zawahir Hassan
- Division of Cardiovascular Prevention & Wellness, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael J. Blaha
- Ciccarone Center of the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ron Blankstein
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Salim S. Virani
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Farhaan Vahidy
- Center for Outcomes Research, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Miguel Cainzos-Achirica
- Division of Cardiovascular Prevention & Wellness, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Outcomes Research, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Khurram Nasir
- Division of Cardiovascular Prevention & Wellness, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Outcomes Research, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, USA
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13
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What do we know about the role of lipoprotein(a) in atherogenesis 57 years after its discovery? Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2020; 63:219-227. [PMID: 32277995 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Elevated circulating concentrations of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is strongly associated with increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) and degenerative aortic stenosis. This relationship was first observed in prospective observational studies, and the causal relationship was confirmed in genetic studies. Everybody should have their Lp(a) concentration measured once in their lifetime. CVD risk is elevated when Lp(a) concentrations are high i.e. > 50 mg/dL (≥100 mmol/L). Extremely high Lp(a) levels >180 mg/dL (≥430 mmol/L) are associated with CVD risk similar to that conferred by familial hypercholesterolemia. Elevated Lp(a) level was previously treated with niacin, which exerts a potent Lp(a)-lowering effect. However, niacin is currently not recommended because, despite the improvement in lipid profile, no improvements on clinical outcomes have been observed. Furthermore, niacin use has been associated with severe adverse effects. Post hoc analyses of clinical trials with proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have shown that these drugs exert clinical benefits by lowering Lp(a), independent of their potent reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). It is not yet known whether PCSK9 inhibitors will be of clinical use in patients with elevated Lp(a). Apheresis is a very effective approach to Lp(a) reduction, which reduces CVD risk but is invasive and time-consuming and is thus reserved for patients with very high Lp(a) levels and progressive CVD. Studies are ongoing on the practical application of genetic approaches to therapy, including antisense oligonucleotides against apolipoprotein(a) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology, to reduce the synthesis of Lp(a).
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