1
|
Agouridis AP, Filippatos TD, Kostapanos M, Kostara C, Tsimihodimos V. The effect of rosuvastatin alone or in combination with fenofibrate or omega-3 fatty acids on lipoprotein(a) levels in patients with mixed hyperlipidemia. Arch Med Sci Atheroscler Dis 2024; 9:e26-e32. [PMID: 38434941 PMCID: PMC10905261 DOI: 10.5114/amsad/178441] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a strong, genetically determined, pathogenetic factor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The aim of this post-hoc analysis was to compare the effect of hypolipidemic treatment on Lp(a) levels of patients with mixed hyperlipidemia. Material and methods We previously randomized patients with mixed hyperlipidemia (low-density lipoprotein [LDL-C] > 160 mg/dl and triglycerides > 200 mg/dl) to rosuvastatin monotherapy 40 mg/day (R group, n = 30) or rosuvastatin 10 mg/day combined with fenofibrate 200 mg/day (RF group, n = 30) or omega-3 fatty acids 2 g/day (RΩ group, n = 30). In the present post-hoc analysis, we included only the patients whose Lp(a) levels were assessed (16, 16 and 15 in the R, RF and RΩ groups, respectively). Lipid profile and Lp(a) were measured at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. Results Significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL-C, non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and triglyceride levels were observed in all groups. A significant increase in Lp(a) levels was noted in the R (p = 0.017) and RF (p = 0.029) groups, while no significant difference was seen in the RΩ group (p = NS). Regarding Lp(a) elevations, no differences were found between groups. In the R group, a strong negative correlation between the changes in Lp(a) and LDL-C (r = -0.500, p = 0.049) was observed, while a significant negative correlation between the changes in Lp(a) and triglycerides (r = -0.531, p = 0.034) was noted in the RF group. Conclusions Rosuvastatin and/or fenofibrate treatment increases Lp(a) levels in patients with mixed hyperlipidemia. Novel therapies should target Lp(a) level reduction to decrease the residual ASCVD risk in patients with mixed hyperlipidemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aris P Agouridis
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Internal Medicine, German Oncology Center, Limassol, Cyprus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Theodosios D Filippatos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Michael Kostapanos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Lipid Clinic, Department of General Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Kostara
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Vasilis Tsimihodimos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Novel Therapeutical Approaches to Managing Atherosclerotic Risk. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094633. [PMID: 33924893 PMCID: PMC8125277 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial vascular disease that leads to inflammation and stiffening of the arteries and decreases their elasticity due to the accumulation of calcium, small dense Low Density Lipoproteins (sdLDL), inflammatory cells, and fibrotic material. A review of studies pertaining to cardiometabolic risk factors, lipids alterations, hypolipidemic agents, nutraceuticals, hypoglycaemic drugs, atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation was performed. There are several therapeutic strategies including Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, inclisiran, bempedoic acid, Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), and nutraceuticals that promise improvement in the atheromatous plaque from a molecular point of view, because have actions on the exposure of the LDL-Receptor (LDL-R), on endothelial dysfunction, activation of macrophages, on lipid oxidation, formations on foam cells, and deposition extracellular lipids. Atheroma plaque reduction both as a result of LDL-Cholesterol (LDL-C) intensive lowering and reducing inflammation and other residual risk factors is an integral part of the management of atherosclerotic disease, and the use of valid therapeutic alternatives appear to be appealing avenues to solving the problem.
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) contribute to the risk of early and severe cardiovascular disease (CVD) and Lp(a) is acknowledged as a risk factor to be included in risk assessment. The established lipid-modifying medical therapies do not lower Lp(a) except niacin but no data of endpoint trials are available. Of the new lipid-modifying drugs a few have some impact on Lp(a). Whether the Lp(a) lowering effect contributes to the reduction of CVD events would have to be shown in Lp(a) dedicated trials. None of the available agents is indicated to lower Lp(a). Lipoprotein apheresis lowers levels of Lp(a) significantly by >60% per treatment. Trial data and data of the German Lipoprotein Apheresis Registry show that regular apheresis reduces cardiovascular events. The Apo(a) antisense oligonucleotide is the only approach to specifically lower Lp(a). The IONIS-APO(a)Rx phase 1 and 2 trials showed very substantial decreases of Lp(a) and good tolerability. The hepatospecific variant IONIS-APO(a)-LRx is 30 times more potent. The results of the IONIS-APO(a)-LRx phase 2 trial were presented recently. The highest dosages reduced Lp(a) by 72 and 80%; in about 81 and 98% Lp(a) levels <50 mg/dl were achieved. Tolerability and safety were confirmed, whereby injection site reactions were the most common side effects. This raises hope that the planned phase 3 trial will reproduce these findings and show a reduction of cardiovascular events.
Collapse
|
4
|
Ruscica M, Ferri N, Macchi C, Corsini A, Sirtori CR. Lipid lowering drugs and inflammatory changes: an impact on cardiovascular outcomes? Ann Med 2018; 50:461-484. [PMID: 29976096 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2018.1498118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory changes are responsible for maintenance of the atherosclerotic process and may underlie some of the most feared vascular complications. Among the multiple mechanisms of inflammation, the arterial deposition of lipids and particularly of cholesterol crystals is the one responsible for the activation of inflammasome NLRP3, followed by the rise of circulating markers, mainly C-reactive protein (CRP). Elevation of lipoproteins, LDL but also VLDL and remnants, associates with increased inflammatory changes and coronary risk. Lipid lowering medications can reduce cholesterolemia and CRP: patients with elevations of both are at greatest cardiovascular (CV) risk and receive maximum benefit from therapy. Evaluation of the major drug series indicates that statins exert the largest LDL and CRP reduction, accompanied by reduced CV events. Other drugs, mainly active on the triglyceride/HDL axis, for example, PPAR agonists, may improve CRP and the lipid pattern, especially in patients with metabolic syndrome. PCSK9 antagonists, the newest most potent medications, do not induce significant changes in inflammatory markers, but patients with the highest baseline CRP levels show the best CV risk reduction. Parallel evaluation of lipids and inflammatory changes clearly indicates a significant link, both guiding to patients at highest risk, and to the best pharmacological approach. Key messages Lipid lowering agents with "pleiotropic" effects provide a more effective approach to CV prevention In CANTOS study, patients achieving on-treatment hsCRP concentrations ≤2 mg/L had a higher benefit in terms of reduction in major CV events The anti-inflammatory activity of PCSK9 antagonists appears to be of a minimal extent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Ruscica
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari , Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy
| | - N Ferri
- b Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco , Università degli Studi di Padova , Padova , Italy
| | - C Macchi
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari , Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy
| | - A Corsini
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari , Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy
| | - C R Sirtori
- c Centro Dislipidemie , A.S.S.T. Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda , Milan , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) contribute to the risk of early and severe cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recently <50 mg/dl was recommended as the desirable level for clinical use and decision making. All established medical therapies to lower cholesterol levels have no impact on lowering Lp(a) except niacin which is all too often poorly tolerated and not obtainable everywhere. Lipoprotein apheresis is an extracorporeal treatment to lower levels of Lp(a) significantly by > 60%. In some countries it is recommended in very high risk patients with early or progressive CVD. Retrospective data indicate that regular apheresis reduces cardiovascular events, which was substantiated by a recent prospective observational trial. Apheresis is very well tolerated with very few side effects, but it is expensive, time consuming, and offered by specialised centres only. To improve the overall treatment new drug therapies are required. Some of the recently approved lipid modifying drugs lower Lp(a) in addition to LDL-cholesterol: Mipomersen ∼ 25%, CETP-inhibitors ∼ 50%, PCSK9-inhibitors ∼ 30%. If the Lp(a) lowering effect contributes to the expected reduction of CVD events has to be shown in the future. The apo(a) antisense oligonucleotide is the only approach to specifically lower Lp(a). A phase 1 trial showed a decrease in a dose dependant manner (up to 88.8%) in healthy volunteers. Despite the lack of prospective randomised trials apheresis these days remains the standard of care in patients with elevated Lp(a) and severe CVD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Vogt
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ziemssenstrasse 1, 80336 Muenchen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
A high level of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is recognized as an independent and additional cardiovascular risk factor contributing to the risk of early onset and progressive course of cardiovascular disease (CVD). All lipid lowering medications in use mainly lower low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) with no or limited effect on levels of Lp(a). Niacin, the only component lowering Lp(a), is firstly often poorly tolerated and secondly not available anymore in many countries. A level of <50 mg/dl was recommended recently as the cut off level for clinical use and decision making. Since lipoprotein apheresis (LA) lowers not only LDL-c but also Lp(a) significantly, its use is recommended in some countries in very high-risk patients with early or progressive CVD. Retrospective analyses show that regular LA improves the course of CVD. This is supported by a recent prospective observational trial and data of the German Lipoprotein Apheresis Registry. Despite many treatment options, all too often it is not possible to reduce LDL-c levels to target and to reduce Lp(a) levels sustainably at all. Therefore, new drug therapies are awaited. Some of the lipid modifying drugs in development lower Lp(a) to some extent in addition to LDL-c; the only specific approach is the apoprotein(a) antisense oligonucleotide. Currently LA is the standard of care as a last resort treatment in high-risk patients with elevated Lp(a) and severe CVD despite optimal control of all other cardiovascular risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Vogt
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ziemssenstrasse 1, 80336, München, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Anagnostis P, Karras S, Lambrinoudaki I, Stevenson JC, Goulis DG. Lipoprotein(a) in postmenopausal women: assessment of cardiovascular risk and therapeutic options. Int J Clin Pract 2016; 70:967-977. [PMID: 28032426 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.12903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-like particle, has been independently associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in various populations, such as postmenopausal women. The purpose of this narrative review is to present current data on the role of Lp(a) in augmenting CVD risk in postmenopausal women and focus on the available therapeutic strategies. METHODS PubMed was searched for English language publications until November 2015 under the following terms: "therapy" OR "treatment" AND ["lipoprotein (a)" OR "Lp(a)"] AND ("postmenopausal women" OR "menopausal women" OR "menopause"). RESULTS Only hormone replacement therapy (mainly oral estrogens) and tibolone have been specifically studied in postmenopausal women and can reduce Lp(a) concentrations by up to 44%, although evidence indicating a concomitant reduction in CVD risk associated with Lp(a) is lacking. As alternative treatments for women who cannot, or will not, take hormonal therapies, niacin and the upcoming proprotein convertase subtilisin / kexin type 9 (PCSK-9) inhibitors are effective in reducing Lp(a) concentrations by up to 30%. Statins have minimal or no effect on Lp(a). However, data for these and other promising Lp(a)-lowering therapies including mipomersen, lomitapide, cholesterol-ester-transfer protein inhibitors and eprotirome are derived from studies in the general, mainly high CVD risk, population, and include only subpopulations of postmenopausal women. CONCLUSIONS Past, present and emerging therapies can reduce Lp(a) concentrations to a varying extent. Overall, it remains to be proven whether the aforementioned reductions in Lp(a) by these therapeutic options are translated into CVD risk reduction in postmenopausal women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Anagnostis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Spyridon Karras
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Irene Lambrinoudaki
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National and Capodestrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - John C Stevenson
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Dimitrios G Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Franchini M, Capuzzo E, Liumbruno GM. Lipoprotein apheresis for the treatment of elevated circulating levels of lipoprotein(a): a critical literature review. BLOOD TRANSFUSION = TRASFUSIONE DEL SANGUE 2016; 14:413-8. [PMID: 26710351 PMCID: PMC5016300 DOI: 10.2450/2015.0163-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Lipoprotein(a), which consists of a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle linked to an apolipoprotein(a) moiety, is currently considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease due to its atherogenic (LDL-like) and prothrombotic (plasminogen-like) properties. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current and newer therapies for lowering increased lipoprotein(a) levels, focusing on lipoprotein apheresis. After a systematic literature search, we identified ten studies which, overall, documented that lipoprotein apheresis is effective in reducing increased lipoprotein(a) levels and cardiovascular events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Franchini
- Department of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, “Carlo Poma” Hospital, Mantua, Italy
| | - Enrico Capuzzo
- Department of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, “Carlo Poma” Hospital, Mantua, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of treatment options for Lp(a) lowering. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies confirmed that lifestyle intervention and statins do not affect Lp(a) levels, whereas Lp(a) is lowered by oestrogens, niacin, and lipoprotein apheresis. Cholesterol ester transfer protein inhibitors and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 antibodies, currently studied in phase 3 trials, also lower Lp(a) concentrations by 30-50%. However, all of these compounds have modifying effects on multiple lipoprotein classes. An antisense oligonucleotide directed to apolipoprotein (a) has recently been developed to specifically lower circulating Lp(a) levels. This compound lowers Lp(a) mRNA up to 90%, and Lp(a) levels up to 82% in human volunteers independent of Lp(a) levels at baseline. SUMMARY Multiple agents, including the next generation RNA-based antisense therapeutics have Lp(a) lowering properties. However, it remains to be established whether lowering Lp(a) reduces cardiovascular disease events with specific Lp(a) lowering therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sven Bos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kei A, Tellis C, Liberopoulos E, Tselepis A, Elisaf M. Effect of Switch to the Highest Dose of Rosuvastatin Versus Add-on-Statin Fenofibrate Versus Add-on-Statin Nicotinic Acid/Laropiprant on Oxidative Stress Markers in Patients with Mixed Dyslipidemia. Cardiovasc Ther 2014; 32:139-46. [DOI: 10.1111/1755-5922.12072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anastazia Kei
- Department of Internal Medicine; University of Ioannina Medical School; Ioannina Greece
| | - Constantinos Tellis
- Department of Biochemistry - Clinical Chemistry; University of Ioannina Chemistry School; Ioannina Greece
| | | | - Alexandros Tselepis
- Department of Biochemistry - Clinical Chemistry; University of Ioannina Chemistry School; Ioannina Greece
| | - Moses Elisaf
- Department of Internal Medicine; University of Ioannina Medical School; Ioannina Greece
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Diabetic Dyslipidemia: From Evolving Pathophysiological Insight to Emerging Therapeutic Targets. Can J Diabetes 2013; 37:319-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2013.07.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2013] [Revised: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
12
|
Kei A, Liberopoulos E, Tellis C, Elisaf M, Tselepis A. Lipid-Modulating Treatments for Mixed Dyslipidemia Increase HDL-Associated Phospholipase A2 Activity with Differential Effects on HDL Subfractions. Lipids 2013; 48:957-65. [DOI: 10.1007/s11745-013-3826-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
|