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Pirillo A, Catapano AL, Norata GD. Monoclonal Antibodies in the Management of Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Focus on PCSK9 and ANGPTL3 Inhibitors. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2021; 23:79. [PMID: 34698927 PMCID: PMC8549899 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-021-00972-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a monogenic disorder characterized by high plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) since birth and a high risk of premature cardiovascular disease. The genetic defect is carried in only one allele in heterozygous FH (HeFH) or in both in the most severe homozygous FH (HoFH). Current guidelines recommend to reduce substantially LDL-C levels in these high-risk patients, with the need to use association therapy combining agents with different mechanisms of action. As most cases of FH are attributable to mutations in the gene encoding the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), statins, even in combination with ezetimibe, are less effective in reducing LDL-C plasma levels in FH patients, who require a more intensive approach with additional lipid-lowering agents. Additional targets playing key roles in regulating LDL-C levels are represented by PCSK9 and ANGPTL3. Recent Findings Two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting PCSK9, evolocumab and alirocumab, significantly reduce LDL-C levels in HeFH patients. In patients with HoFH, the efficacy of mAbs to PCSK9 is strictly related to the presence of a residual LDLR activity; thus, patients carrying null mutations do not respond to the therapy with these mAbs, whereas some effects can be appreciated in HoFH bearing defective mutations. Conversely, evinacumab, the mAb targeting ANGPTL3, is highly effective in reducing LDL-C levels even in HoFH patients carrying null LDLR mutations, thanks to its LDLR-independent mechanism of action. Summary Monoclonal antibodies inhibiting PCSK9 have shown a robust effect in FH patients presenting a residual LDLR activity, while ANGPTL3 inhibitors appear to be promising even in patients carrying null LDLR mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Pirillo
- Center for the Study of Atherosclerosis, E. Bassini Hospital, Cinisello Balsamo, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto S. Giovanni, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberico L Catapano
- IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto S. Giovanni, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe D Norata
- Center for the Study of Atherosclerosis, E. Bassini Hospital, Cinisello Balsamo, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Bonacina F, Martini E, Svecla M, Nour J, Cremonesi M, Beretta G, Moregola A, Pellegatta F, Zampoleri V, Catapano AL, Kallikourdis M, Norata GD. Adoptive transfer of CX3CR1 transduced-T regulatory cells improves homing to the atherosclerotic plaques and dampens atherosclerosis progression. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:2069-2082. [PMID: 32931583 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Loss of immunosuppressive response supports inflammation during atherosclerosis. We tested whether adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with Tregulatory cells (Tregs), engineered to selectively migrate in the atherosclerotic plaque, would dampen the immune-inflammatory response in the arterial wall in animal models of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH). METHODS AND RESULTS FH patients presented a decreased Treg suppressive function associated to an increased inflammatory burden. A similar phenotype was observed in Ldlr -/- mice accompanied by a selective increased expression of the chemokine CX3CL1 in the aorta but not in other districts (lymph nodes, spleen, and liver). Treg overexpressing CX3CR1 were thus generated (CX3CR1+-Tregs) to drive Tregs selectively to the plaque. CX3CR1+-Tregs were injected (i.v.) in Ldlr -/- fed high-cholesterol diet (western type diet, WTD) for 8 weeks. CX3CR1+-Tregs were detected in the aorta, but not in other tissues, of Ldlr -/- mice 24 h after ACT, corroborating the efficacy of this approach. After 4 additional weeks of WTD, ACT with CX3CR1+-Tregs resulted in reduced plaque progression and lipid deposition, ameliorated plaque stability by increasing collagen and smooth muscle cells content, while decreasing the number of pro-inflammatory macrophages. Shotgun proteomics of the aorta showed a metabolic rewiring in CX3CR1+-Tregs treated Ldlr -/- mice compared to controls that was associated with the improvement of inflammation-resolving pathways and disease progression. CONCLUSION ACT with vasculotropic Tregs appears as a promising strategy to selectively target immune activation in the atherosclerotic plaque.
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MESH Headings
- Adoptive Transfer
- Adult
- Animals
- Aortic Diseases/immunology
- Aortic Diseases/metabolism
- Aortic Diseases/pathology
- Aortic Diseases/prevention & control
- Atherosclerosis/immunology
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- Atherosclerosis/prevention & control
- CX3C Chemokine Receptor 1/genetics
- CX3C Chemokine Receptor 1/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disease Progression
- Female
- Genetic Therapy
- Humans
- Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II/immunology
- Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II/metabolism
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Middle Aged
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic
- Prospective Studies
- Receptors, LDL/genetics
- Receptors, LDL/metabolism
- Retrospective Studies
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/transplantation
- Transduction, Genetic
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizia Bonacina
- Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Martini
- Adaptive Immunity Lab, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Monika Svecla
- Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Jasmine Nour
- Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Cremonesi
- Adaptive Immunity Lab, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giangiacomo Beretta
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Moregola
- Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Veronica Zampoleri
- Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Centro SISA per lo Studio dell'Aterosclerosi, Ospedale Bassini, Cinisello Balsamo, Italy
| | - Alberico Luigi Catapano
- Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Multimedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Marinos Kallikourdis
- Adaptive Immunity Lab, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Danilo Norata
- Department of Excellence of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Centro SISA per lo Studio dell'Aterosclerosi, Ospedale Bassini, Cinisello Balsamo, Italy
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Sabouret P, Angoulvant D, Pathak A, Fysekidis M, Laterra G, Costa F, Montalescot G, Biondi-Zoccai G. How to fill the GAPS-I in secondary prevention: application of a strategy based on GLP1 analogues, antithrombotic agents, PCSK9 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors and immunomodulators. Panminerva Med 2021; 64:265-273. [PMID: 34060278 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.21.04284-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The continuous progress in cardiovascular (CV) risk prevention strategies has led to an impressive reduction in mortality and recurrent ischemic events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the control of several CV risk factors remains suboptimal in many CAD patients, with a high rate of recurrent events, underlying the need for more new prevention strategies. The GAPS-I (GLP1 analogues, Antithrombotic agents, PCSK9 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors and Immunomodulators) strategy offers a promising potential in patients with a high-residual CV risk, who are frequently encountered in daily practice, by offering an individualised and structured approach to addressing their individual risk factors. The current review summarises the evidence to date on each of its components, with respect to clinical outcomes and economic feasibility. The current evidence points to an efficacy of GAPS-I in reducing MACE and mortality, without a compromise on safety, albeit with the need for longer follow-up data. Key Points: - Secondary prevention remains suboptimal in many CAD patients, highlighting the need for innovative prevention strategies. - The present review discusses the current evidence on efficacy of the GAPS-I strategy in reducing MACE and mortality in patients with CAD. - The GAPS-I strategy, if widely adopted, provides a promising potential to assist cardiologists in managing patients at a heightened risk for further CV events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Sabouret
- Cardiology Institute, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital (AP-HP), INSERM UMRS 1166, ACTION Study Group, Sorbonne University, Paris, France -
| | - Denis Angoulvant
- Cardiology Department, Loire Valley Cardiovascular Collaboration & EA4245, CHRU de Tours & Tours University, Tours, France
| | - Atul Pathak
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Clinique Pasteur, INSERM 1048, Toulouse, France
| | - Marinos Fysekidis
- Department of Diabetology, Hôpital Universitaire Avicenne, Bobigny, France
| | - Giulia Laterra
- Cardiology Department, Messina University, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Gilles Montalescot
- Cardiology Institute, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital (AP-HP), INSERM UMRS 1166, ACTION Study Group, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Giuseppe Biondi-Zoccai
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy.,Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Naples, Italy
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Beyond Lipoprotein(a) plasma measurements: Lipoprotein(a) and inflammation. Pharmacol Res 2021; 169:105689. [PMID: 34033878 PMCID: PMC9247870 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Genome wide association, epidemiological, and clinical studies have established high lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] as a causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Lp(a) is an apoB100 containing lipoprotein covalently bound to apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)], a glycoprotein. Plasma Lp(a) levels are to a large extent determined by genetics. Its link to cardiovascular disease (CVD) may be driven by its pro-inflammatory effects, of which its association with oxidized phospholipids (oxPL) bound to Lp(a) is the most studied. Various inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and chronic renal failure are associated with high Lp(a) levels. In cases of RA, high Lp(a) levels are reversed by interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) blockade by tocilizumab, suggesting a potential role for IL-6 in regulating Lp(a) plasma levels. Elevated levels of IL-6 and IL-6R polymorphisms are associated with CVD. Therapies aimed at lowering apo(a) and thereby reducing plasma Lp(a) levels are in clinical trials. Their results will determine if reductions in apo(a) and Lp(a) decrease cardiovascular outcomes. As we enter this new arena of available treatments, there is a need to improve our understanding of mechanisms. This review will focus on the role of Lp(a) in inflammation and CVD.
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Familial hypercholesterolemia: Is there a role for PCSK9 and thrombin generation? Thromb Res 2021; 200:156-163. [PMID: 33626480 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2021.02.002] [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: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease. The prevalence of FH has previously been reported as 1 in 500 in the general population. This study aimed to evaluate the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) levels, lipid profile and thrombin generation in FH patients undergoing treatment or not. METHODS Eighty individuals with FH were selected and distributed in 2 groups: individuals treated with statins alone or conjugate therapy (statin + ezetimibe) (T = 53) and those non treated (NT = 27). PCSK9 levels were determined by ELISA, the lipid profile by colorimetric enzyme method and thrombin generation assay (TGA) by CAT method. RESULTS Individuals treated with conjugate therapy (statin + ezetimibe) showed a significant reduction in the levels of total cholesterol (TC) low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) and in the potential for thrombin generation (ETP with low and high concentration of tissue factor), compared to the treated individuals with monotherapy (statins). PCSK9 was positively correlated with increased levels of TC, LDLc and triglycerides, while TGA parameters were positively correlated with PCSK9 and lipid profile. CONCLUSION PCSK9 levels appear to be associated with components of the lipid and hemostatic profiles, in addition to being influenced by age. In general, our findings suggest that combined therapy for the treatment of FH is associated with a significant improvement in both lipid and hemostatic profiles assessed by TGA, suggesting a reduction in atherogenic and thrombogenic risks and, therefore, more promising compared to the use of statin monotherapy.
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Evaluation of different IRES-mediated tricistronic plasmid designs for expression of an anti-PCSK9 biosimilar monoclonal antibody in CHO cells. Biotechnol Lett 2020; 42:2511-2522. [PMID: 32676798 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-020-02952-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare different approaches for the expression of an anti-PCSK9 biosimilar monoclonal antibody (mAb) in CHO cells using IRES-mediated tricistronic plasmid vectors combining different signal peptides, IRES elements and selection markers. RESULTS Transient transfection indicated a similar level of secreted mAb 48 h post-transfection for all constructs. However, transfections carried out with circular plasmids showed a higher expression than with linearized plasmids. After two months under selection pressure, only part of the transfected pools recovered. The cultures co-transfected using two antibiotics as selection markers for double selection did not recover. Growth, metabolism and mAb production profiles of the only part of the transfected pools recovered resulting stable pools were compared and the stable pool transfected with circular L1-LC-IRES-H7-HC-IRES-NEO plasmid was chosen for further studies, due to higher cell growth and mAb production. Critical quality attributes of the protein A-purified mAb such as purity, homogeneity, binding affinity to PCSK9, and amino acid sequence were assessed confirming the success of the approach adopted in this study. CONCLUSIONS The expression platform proposed showed to be efficient to produce a high-quality anti-PCSK9 mAb in stable CHO cell pools and provides benchmarks for fast production of different mAbs for characterization, formulation studies and pre-clinical investigation.
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Sgrignani J, Fassi EMA, Lammi C, Roda G, Grazioso G. Exploring Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin 9 (PCSK9) Autoproteolysis Process by Molecular Simulations: Hints for Drug Design. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:1601-1607. [PMID: 32558225 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is a notable target for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia because it regulates the population of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) on liver cells. The PCSK9 zymogen is a serine protease that spontaneously undergoes a double self-cleavage step. Available X-ray structures depict the PCSK9 mature state, but the atomic details of the zymogen state of the enzyme are still unknown. Additionally, why the protease activity of PCSK9 is blocked after the second autoprocessing step remains unclear, as this deviates from other members of the PCSK family. By performing constant-pH molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we investigated the protonation state of the catalytic triad of PCSK9 and found that it strongly influences the catalytic properties of the enzyme. Moreover, we determined the final step of the maturation process by classical and steered MD simulations. This study could facilitate the identification of ligands capable of interfering with the PCSK9 maturation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Sgrignani
- Istituto di Ricerca in Biomedicina (IRB), Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Via V. Vela 6, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Enrico M A Fassi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Carmen Lammi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Gabriella Roda
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Grazioso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy
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Raal FJ, Hovingh GK, Catapano AL. Familial hypercholesterolemia treatments: Guidelines and new therapies. Atherosclerosis 2019; 277:483-492. [PMID: 30270089 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2018.06.859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder resulting from mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in the metabolism of low density lipoproteins (LDL) and characterized by premature cardiovascular disease due to the exposure to high levels of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) from birth. Thus, the early identification of FH subjects, followed by appropriate treatment is essential to prevent or at least delay the onset of cardiovascular events. However, FH is largely underdiagnosed; in addition, FH patients are frequently not adequately treated, despite the availability of several pharmacological therapies to significantly reduce LDL-C levels. Current guidelines recommend LDL-C targets for FH (either heterozygotes [HeFH] or homozygotes [HoFH]) <100 mg/dL (<2.6 mmol/L) for adults or <70 mg/dL (<1.8 mmol/L) for adults with CHD or diabetes, and <135 mg/dL (<3.5 mmol/L) for children. With the pharmacological options now available, which include statins as a first approach, ezetimibe, and the recently approved monoclonal antibodies targeting PCSK9, the guideline recommended LDL-C target levels can be achieved in the majority of heterozygous FH subjects, while for the most severe forms of homozygous FH, the addition of therapies such as lomitapide either with or without apheresis may be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick J Raal
- Carbohydrate & Lipid Metabolism Research Unit, Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - G Kees Hovingh
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alberico L Catapano
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Multimedica, Milan, Italy.
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Steffens D, Bramlage P, Scheeff C, Kasner M, Hassanein A, Friebel J, Rauch-Kröhnert U. PCSK9 inhibitors and cardiovascular outcomes. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2019; 20:35-47. [PMID: 31593483 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1677604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Dyslipidemia, particularly elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), is a key risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and lipid-lowering drugs are beneficial for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular (CV) disease. While statins are clear first-line drugs, new drug developments such as proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have been shown to improve cardiovascular outcomes when added to statins. Evolocumab reduced the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with ASCVD when added to maximally tolerated statin therapy (± ezetimibe), and recent data from the ODYSSEY OUTCOMES trial indicate that alirocumab added to maximally tolerated statin therapy (± other lipid-lowering drugs) reduces the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome. In this article the authors review the available data on the effect of PCSK9 inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes.Areas covered: This article reviews the available data on the effect of PCSK9 inhibitors on CV outcomes. Relevant papers were identified from a search of PubMed/Medline and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL).Expert opinion: The authors conclude that PCSK9 inhibitors provide substantial and durable reductions in LDL-C levels and improve cardiovascular outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Steffens
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Bramlage
- Institute for Pharmacology and Preventive Medicine, Cloppenburg, Germany
| | - Céline Scheeff
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mario Kasner
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Adel Hassanein
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julian Friebel
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ursula Rauch-Kröhnert
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Biological Characterization of Computationally Designed Analogs of peptide TVFTSWEEYLDWV (Pep2-8) with Increased PCSK9 Antagonistic Activity. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2343. [PMID: 30787312 PMCID: PMC6382862 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35819-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The inhibition of the PCSK9/LDLR protein-protein interaction (PPI) is a promising strategy for developing new hypocholesterolemic agents. Recently, new antibodies have been approved for therapy, but the high cost and low patients' compliance stimulate the development of alternatives. Starting from the structural information available for the complex between PCSK9 and TVFTSWEEYLDWV (Pep2-8) peptide inhibitor and using computational methods, in this work we identified two Pep2-8 analogs as potential inhibitors of the PCSK9/LDLR PPI. Their biological characterization confirmed the theoretical outcomes. Remarkably, the treatment of HepG2 cells with these peptides increased the LDLR protein level on the cellular membrane, with activities that were 100 and 50 times better than the one of Pep2-8 tested at a 50 μM concentration. Moreover, they were 50 and 5 times more active than Pep2-8 in improving the functional ability of HepG2 cells to uptake extracellular LDL.
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Sabouret P, Angoulvant D, Pathak A. FOURIER to ODYSSEY: the end of the journey for lipid-lowering therapy trials? Lessons from recent clinical trials with anti-PCSK9 antibodies. EUROINTERVENTION 2018; 14:144-146. [PMID: 29701178 DOI: 10.4244/eijy18m04_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Sabouret
- Heart Institute and Action Group, Pitié-Salpétrière, Paris, France
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12
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Baragetti A, Grejtakova D, Casula M, Olmastroni E, Jotti GS, Norata GD, Catapano AL, Bellosta S. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin-Kexin type-9 (PCSK9) and triglyceride-rich lipoprotein metabolism: Facts and gaps. Pharmacol Res 2018; 130:1-11. [PMID: 29428206 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
After more than a decade of intense investigation, Pro-protein Convertase Subtilisin-Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) remains a hot topic of research both at experimental and clinical level. Interestingly PCSK9 is expressed in different tissues suggesting the existence of additional function(s) beyond the modulation of the Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) receptor in the liver. Emerging data suggest that PCSK9 might play a role in the modulation of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TGRL) metabolism, mainly Very Low-Density Lipoproteins (VLDL) and their remnants. In vitro, PCSK9 affects TGRLs production by intestinal cells as well as the catabolism of LDL receptor homologous and non-homologous targets such as VLDL receptor, CD36 and ApoE2R. However, the in vivo relevance of these findings is still debated. This review aims at critically discussing the role of PCSK9 on TGRLs metabolism with a major focus on the impact of its genetic and pharmacological modulation on circulating lipids and lipoproteins beyond LDL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Baragetti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy; S.I.S.A. Center for the Study of Atherosclerosis - Bassini Hospital, Cinisello Balsamo, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Manuela Casula
- Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Centre (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Olmastroni
- Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Centre (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Gloria Saccani Jotti
- Department of Medicine & Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Parma, Via Volturno 39, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Danilo Norata
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy; School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Kent St., Bentley Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Alberico L Catapano
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy; IRCCS MultiMedica, via Fantoli 16, 20138, Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefano Bellosta
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy; IRCCS MultiMedica, via Fantoli 16, 20138, Milan, Italy
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