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Kounatidis D, Tentolouris N, Vallianou NG, Mourouzis I, Karampela I, Stratigou T, Rebelos E, Kouveletsou M, Stamatopoulos V, Tsaroucha E, Dalamaga M. The Pleiotropic Effects of Lipid-Modifying Interventions: Exploring Traditional and Emerging Hypolipidemic Therapies. Metabolites 2024; 14:388. [PMID: 39057711 PMCID: PMC11278853 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14070388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease poses a significant global health issue, with dyslipidemia standing out as a major risk factor. In recent decades, lipid-lowering therapies have evolved significantly, with statins emerging as the cornerstone treatment. These interventions play a crucial role in both primary and secondary prevention by effectively reducing cardiovascular risk through lipid profile enhancements. Beyond their primary lipid-lowering effects, extensive research indicates that these therapies exhibit pleiotropic actions, offering additional health benefits. These include anti-inflammatory properties, improvements in vascular health and glucose metabolism, and potential implications in cancer management. While statins and ezetimibe have been extensively studied, newer lipid-lowering agents also demonstrate similar pleiotropic effects, even in the absence of direct cardiovascular benefits. This narrative review explores the diverse pleiotropic properties of lipid-modifying therapies, emphasizing their non-lipid effects that contribute to reducing cardiovascular burden and exploring emerging benefits for non-cardiovascular conditions. Mechanistic insights into these actions are discussed alongside their potential therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Kounatidis
- Diabetes Center, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.K.); (N.T.); (E.R.); (M.K.)
| | - Nikolaos Tentolouris
- Diabetes Center, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.K.); (N.T.); (E.R.); (M.K.)
| | - Natalia G. Vallianou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Sismanogleio General Hospital, 15126 Athens, Greece;
| | - Iordanis Mourouzis
- Department of Pharmacology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Irene Karampela
- Second Department of Critical Care, Attikon General University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Theodora Stratigou
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Evangelismos General Hospital, 10676 Athens, Greece;
| | - Eleni Rebelos
- Diabetes Center, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.K.); (N.T.); (E.R.); (M.K.)
| | - Marina Kouveletsou
- Diabetes Center, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.K.); (N.T.); (E.R.); (M.K.)
| | | | - Eleni Tsaroucha
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Sismanogleio General Hospital, 15126 Athens, Greece;
| | - Maria Dalamaga
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
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Oh EY, Haam CE, Choi S, Byeon S, Choi SK, Lee YH. Ezetimibe Induces Vasodilation in Rat Mesenteric Resistance Arteries through Inhibition of Extracellular Ca 2+ Influx. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13992. [PMID: 37762296 PMCID: PMC10531054 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ezetimibe is a lipid-lowering agent that selectively inhibits cholesterol absorption by binding to the Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) protein. Although it is well known that administration of ezetimibe in hypercholesterolemia patients reduces the risk of cardiovascular events through attenuation of atherosclerosis, studies on the direct effect of ezetimibe on vascular function are not sufficient. The aim of the present study was to investigate the vascular effects of ezetimibe in rat mesenteric arteries. In the present study, 12-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were used. After the rats were sacrificed, the second branches of the mesenteric arteries were isolated and cut into 2-3 mm segments and mounted in a multi-wire myography system to measure isometric tension. Ezetimibe reduced vasoconstriction induced by U46619 (500 nM) in endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded arteries. Ezetimibe-induced vasodilation was not affected by the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibitor Nω-Nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA, 300 μM) or the non-selective potassium channel blocker, tetraethylammonium (TEA, 10 mM). Moreover, ezetimibe also completely blocked the contraction induced by an increase in external calcium concentration. Ezetimibe significantly reduced vascular contraction induced by L-type Ca2+ channel activator (Bay K 8644, 30 nM). Treatment with ezetimibe decreased the phosphorylation level of 20 kDa myosin light chain (MLC20) in vascular smooth muscle cells. In the present study, we found that ezetimibe has a significant vasodilatory effect in rat mesenteric resistance arteries. These results suggest that ezetimibe may have beneficial cardiovascular effects beyond its cholesterol-lowering properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Soo-Kyoung Choi
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonseiro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; (E.Y.O.); (C.E.H.); (S.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Young-Ho Lee
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonseiro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; (E.Y.O.); (C.E.H.); (S.C.); (S.B.)
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Ju SH, Ku BJ. Effects of rosuvastatin/ezetimibe on senescence of CD8+ T-cell in type 2 diabetic patients with hypercholesterolemia: A study protocol. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31691. [PMID: 36451471 PMCID: PMC9704954 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A decade ago, systemic inflammation became widely recognized as an etiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and complications thereof. Senescent CD8 + T cells of T2DM patients exhibit increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhanced expression of cytotoxic molecules, contributing to systemic inflammation. Recently, many anti-inflammatory roles played by statins and ezetimibe (cholesterol-lowering drugs) have been reported. We will explore the effects of statin/ezetimibe therapy on CD8 + T cell senescence in patients with T2DM and hypercholesterolemia. METHODS This 2-group, parallel, randomized, controlled clinical trial will recruit 108 subjects with T2DM and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels ≥100 mg/dL and randomly assign them to rosuvastatin/ezetimibe and rosuvastatin groups at a 1:1 ratio. Blood samples will be drawn at baseline and after 12 weeks of medication. The primary outcomes will be the LDL-C-lowering effects after 12 weeks. The secondary outcomes will be changes in the senescent (CD28 - CD57+) CD8 + T cell proportions; the levels of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, cytotoxic molecules, interleukin-1, transforming growth factor-β, fasting glucose, and HbA1c; and biochemical indices of kidney, liver, and muscle function. Symptoms and signs of predictable adverse events (myopathy and hepatitis) will be routinely monitored. DISCUSSION We will evaluate the effects of statin/ezetimibe on CD8 + T cell senescence. Statin/ezetimibe may exert a beneficial immunomodulatory effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hyeon Ju
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Bon Jeong Ku
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- * Correspondence: Bon Jeong Ku, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, 282 Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea (e-mail: )
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Lipid lowering therapy in cardiovascular disease: From myth to molecular reality. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 213:107592. [PMID: 32492513 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Lipid-lowering therapy is one major cornerstone of medical treatment of cardiovascular disease in order to modulate atherosclerosis. Statins, ezetimibe and novel PCSK9-inhibitors are already recommended in current guidelines and were shown to improve lipid profiles and have positive effects on the rate of ischemic events and cardiovascular mortality. Recent studies suggest that the concept of "The lower the better" might be valid at least regarding low density lipoproteins. In addition, lowering lipoprotein (a) still displays a major challenge in lipid therapy. Furthermore, also lowering triglycerides seems to improve cardiovascular outcome. Regarding triglycerides, icosapent ethyl, a polyunsaturated fatty acid recently attracted attention showing cardiovascular risk reduction due to triglyceride lowering. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies and drug classes are eagerly awaited. Targeting LDL, bempedoic acid and the siRNA inclisiran provide promising results. Moreover, regarding TG a monoclonal antibody called evinacumab and an antisense-oligonucleotide against ANGPTL3 showed effective TG-lowering. At least, using antisense-oligonucleotides against ApoC-III and Lp(a) resulted in promising outcomes. In this review, current and future options for lipid management are presented depending on different drug classes.
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Zaric B, Obradovic M, Trpkovic A, Banach M, Mikhailidis DP, Isenovic ER. Endothelial Dysfunction in Dyslipidaemia: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:1021-1040. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190903112146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The endothelium consists of a monolayer of Endothelial Cells (ECs) which form
the inner cellular lining of veins, arteries, capillaries and lymphatic vessels. ECs interact with
the blood and lymph. The endothelium fulfils functions such as vasodilatation, regulation of
adhesion, infiltration of leukocytes, inhibition of platelet adhesion, vessel remodeling and
lipoprotein metabolism. ECs synthesize and release compounds such as Nitric Oxide (NO),
metabolites of arachidonic acid, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and enzymes that degrade
the extracellular matrix. Endothelial dysfunction represents a phenotype prone to atherogenesis
and may be used as a marker of atherosclerotic risk. Such dysfunction includes impaired
synthesis and availability of NO and an imbalance in the relative contribution of endothelialderived
relaxing factors and contracting factors such as endothelin-1 and angiotensin. This
dysfunction appears before the earliest anatomic evidence of atherosclerosis and could be an
important initial step in further development of atherosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction was
historically treated with vitamin C supplementation and L-arginine supplementation. Short
term improvement of the expression of adhesion molecule and endothelial function during
antioxidant therapy has been observed. Statins are used in the treatment of hyperlipidaemia, a
risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Future studies should focus on identifying the mechanisms
involved in the beneficial effects of statins on the endothelium. This may help develop
drugs specifically aimed at endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bozidarka Zaric
- Laboratory of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovica Alasa 12-14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Obradovic
- Laboratory of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovica Alasa 12-14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Andreja Trpkovic
- Laboratory of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovica Alasa 12-14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Hypertension, WAM University Hospital in Lodz, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Dimitri P. Mikhailidis
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Esma R. Isenovic
- Laboratory of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Mike Petrovica Alasa 12-14, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Nußbaumer B, Glechner A, Kaminski-Hartenthaler A, Mahlknecht P, Gartlehner G. Ezetimibe-Statin Combination Therapy. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 113:445-53. [PMID: 27412989 PMCID: PMC4946327 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2016.0445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, most clinical comparisons of ezetimibe-statin combination therapy versus statin monotherapy have relied entirely on surrogate variables. In this systematic review, we study the efficacy and safety of ezetimibe-statin combination therapy in comparison to statin monotherapy in terms of the prevention of cardiovascular events in hyperlipidemic patients with atherosclerosis and/or diabetes mellitus. METHODS This review is based on a systematic literature search (1995 to July 2015) in PubMed, the Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), the Cochrane Library, and the ClinicalTrials.gov registry. RESULTS Nine randomized, controlled trials with data from a total of 19 461 patients were included. Ezetimibe-statin combination therapy was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events than statin monotherapy: 33% of the patients treated with ezetimibe and a statin, and 35% of those treated with a statin alone, had a cardiovascular event within seven years (number needed to treat [NNT]: 50 over 7 years). Combination therapy was also significantly more effective in preventing a composite endpoint consisting of death due to cardiovascular disease, nonfatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, coronary revascularization, and nonfatal stroke (hazard ratio [HR] 0.94, 95% confidence interval [0,89; 0,99]; p = 0.016). Diabetic patients benefited from combination therapy rather than monotherapy with respect to cardiovascular morbidity (HR 0.87 [0.78; 0.94]). On the other hand, the addition of ezetimibe to statin therapy did not lessen either cardiovascular or overall mortality. Serious undesired events occurred in 38% of the patients taking ezetimibe and a statin nd in 39% of the patients taking a statin alone (relative risk 1.09 [0.77; 1.55]). CONCLUSION In high-risk patients with an acute coronary syndrome, combination therapy with ezetimibe and a statin lowered the risk of cardiovascular events in comparison to statin monotherapy. The risk of dying or suffering an adverse drug effect was similar in the two treatment groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Nußbaumer
- Danube University Krems, Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Anna Glechner
- Danube University Krems, Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Angela Kaminski-Hartenthaler
- Danube University Krems, Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Peter Mahlknecht
- Danube University Krems, Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Gerald Gartlehner
- Danube University Krems, Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, Krems an der Donau, Austria
- Research Triangle Institute International, New York, USA
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Abstract
Statins or 3-hydroxy-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors not only prevents the synthesis of cholesterol biosynthesis but also inhibits the synthesis of essential isoprenoid intermediates such as farnesyl pyrophosphate, geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, isopentanyl adenosine, dolichols and polyisoprenoid side chains of ubiquinone, heme A, and nuclear lamins. These isoprenoid intermediates are required for activation of various intracellular/signaling proteins- small guanosine triphosphate bound protein Ras and Ras-like proteins like Rho, Rab, Rac, Ral, or Rap which plays an indispensible role in multiple cellular processes. Reduction of circulating isoprenoids intermediates as a result of HMG CoA reductase inhibition by statins prevents activation of these signalling proteins. Hence, the multiple effects of statins such as antiinflammatory effects, antioxidant effects, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory effects, plaque stability, normalization of sympathetic outflow, and prevention of platelet aggregation are due to reduction of circulating isoprenoids and hence inactivation of signalling proteins. These multiple lipid-independent effects of statins termed as statin pleiotropy would potentially open floodgates for research in multiple treatment domains catching attentions of researchers and clinician across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jay Shah
- Department of Cardiology, Life Care Institute, Ahmedabad, India
| | | | - Hardik Vasnawala
- Cardiovascular Division, Medical Affairs, AstraZeneca, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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Halcox JP, Currie CJ. Lipid-lowering therapy and mortality post-MI: is it just about the LDL? BRITISH HEART JOURNAL 2014; 100:825-6. [DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2014-305556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Ijioma N, Robinson JG. Lipid-lowering effects of ezetimibe and simvastatin in combination. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2014; 9:131-45. [DOI: 10.1586/erc.10.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Kotani K, Sakane N, Taniguchi N. Effect of ezetimibe on remnant-like particle cholesterol in subjects with metabolic syndrome. Med Princ Pract 2012; 21:134-8. [PMID: 22024552 DOI: 10.1159/000332436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 06/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of ezetimibe monotherapy on remnant-like particle cholesterol (RLP-C) in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Ezetimibe (10 mg/daily) was prescribed over a 12-week period for hypercholesterolemic subjects divided into groups with MetS (n = 28; male/female = 13/15; mean age 67 years) and without MetS (n = 22; male/female = 9/13; mean age 66 years). In the pre- and post-treatment phases, BMI, blood pressure and fasting blood levels of glucose, lipid panels and RLP-C were measured. RESULTS The group with MetS showed significantly higher RLP-C levels than the group without MetS [median level: 0.18 vs. 0.12 mmol/l (7.1 vs. 4.4 mg/dl), p < 0.01] in the pre-treatment phase. In the post-treatment phase, the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly reduced in both groups to a similar level (p < 0.001 in both), while there was a significantly greater reduction in RLP-C in the group with MetS than the group without MetS [median level: 0.12 vs. 0.11 mmol/l (4.8 vs. 4.1 mg/dl), p < 0.05]. This difference in RLP-C remained significant after adjusting for confounding factors. CONCLUSION Ezetimibe monotherapy may be associated with a greater reduction in RLP-C levels in subjects with MetS than in those without MetS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Kotani
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Diabetes Education, Clinical Research Institute, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan.
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Taylor AJ. Another clinical evidence straw on the $4 billion ezetimibe camel's back. Atherosclerosis 2011; 218:23-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2011.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Ma S, Ma CCH. Recent development in pleiotropic effects of statins on cardiovascular disease through regulation of transforming growth factor-beta superfamily. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2011; 22:167-75. [PMID: 21700485 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2011.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2011] [Revised: 05/14/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, also known as statins, are a drug class that reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood. As a result, statins are used to suppress the progression of cardiovascular disease. Evidence points to another component of statins involving the non-lipid effects of the drug class in preventing cardiovascular disease. One specific mediator of this action is the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily. The TGF-β superfamily consists of proteins that include TGF-β and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). These proteins regulate cellular pathways to mediate effects including immunomodulation, cell cycling, and angiogenesis. One pathway that mediates these effects is Ras. Moreover, within this pathway, different functions are possible depending on the activation of the specific receptor subtype. This review discusses the recent development of the non-lipid effects of statins in preventing cardiovascular disease progression by regulating Ras pathway of the TGF-β superfamily, especially RhoA/ROCK pathway. METHODS A systematic PubMed database search of all English-language articles up to 2011 was conducted using the following terms: statin, TGF-β, Ras, ROCK, GGPP, inducible nitric oxide synthase, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, actin filament formation, PPARγ, MMP-2, and human trials. CONCLUSION With better understanding of the pathway, various mediators were identified; some of these mediators are important biomarkers producing more specific and accurate assessment of the pleiotropic effects of statins. The review of human trials also highlights that more specific biomarkers are employed in recent studies, and the non-lipid effects on human subjects are more accurately documented. Confirmation of the accuracy of these biomarkers by further large-scale studies and further development of new biomarkers may prove an important path leading to better patient selection for treatment, and thus better cost-effectiveness may be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Ma
- King's College London School of Medicine, London SE1 7GL, United Kingdom
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Hamilton-Craig I, Kostner K, Colquhoun D, Woodhouse S. Combination therapy of statin and ezetimibe for the treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia. Vasc Health Risk Manag 2010; 6:1023-37. [PMID: 21127699 PMCID: PMC2988620 DOI: 10.2147/vhrm.s13496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
High-dose potent statin therapy in combination with ezetimibe is now standard practice for the treatment of adult patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (heFH), as the result of numerous studies in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or heFH. These studies have shown the combination to be both effective and safe in the short to medium term. Recently, short-term ezetimibe therapy has also been shown to be effective and safe in combination with statin therapy for children and adolescents with heFH. Effective statin-ezetimibe combination therapy is capable of achieving near-normal lipid profiles in heFH patients, with expected improvement in risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and improved life expectancy resulting predominantly from reduction in levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. There are few data to support a pleiotropic action of ezetimibe with regard to CVD benefit, unlike therapy with statins. No serious and unexpected clinical adverse effects of combination statin-ezetimibe therapy have emerged till date, although data are limited in children and adolescents, for whom longer-term studies are required. Recent data suggesting possible proatherogenic effects of ezetimibe require confirmation. One large long-term randomized controlled clinical outcomes trial is in progress in non-FH patients to determine the efficacy and safety of ezetimibe therapy; it is unlikely that such a trial will ever be performed in patients with FH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Hamilton-Craig
- Griffith University School of Medicine, Southport, Queensland, Australia.
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