Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (hoFH) is caused by mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene and is characterized by severe hypercholesterolemia from birth and onset of ...premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) during childhood. The onset and progression of CVD using currently available testing methods in children with hoFH have not been fully characterized. A large cohort of patients with hoFH referred to our subspecialty clinic was studied. Thirty-nine patients (22 aged ≤16 years) underwent extensive cardiovascular, lipid, and genetic evaluation. Sixteen children ≤16 years without known CVD when first evaluated were followed up longitudinally for up to 8 years. CVD was clinically evident in 88% of subjects aged >16 years and 9% of those ≤16 years. Markers of atherosclerosis correlated significantly with age at which lipid-lowering treatment was initiated (abnormal coronary angiogram, abnormal aortic valve using echocardiography, and high calcium score using electron beam computed tomography; all p <0.01; abnormal carotid Doppler result; p = 0.03). Twenty of 22 children had no clinical evidence of coronary artery disease, yet 7 of these children had angiographically confirmed mild coronary artery disease (<50%) and 8 had mild to moderate aortic regurgitation using echocardiography. Of noninvasive tests, only evaluation of aortic valve regurgitation using echocardiography predicted the presence of angiographic coronary stenosis (p <0.001). During follow-up, 7 children developed progression of coronary and/or aortic valvular disease during their teenage years and 4 required surgical interventions. In conclusion, in these patients aggressive lipid-lowering treatment initiated in early childhood is warranted. Careful coronary and valvular surveillance strategies and coronary revascularization when appropriate are also warranted in this high-risk population.
Summary Background Patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia respond inadequately to existing drugs. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the microsomal triglyceride transfer ...protein inhibitor lomitapide in adults with this disease. Methods We did a single-arm, open-label, phase 3 study of lomitapide for treatment of patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Current lipid lowering therapy was maintained from 6 weeks before baseline through to at least week 26. Lomitapide dose was escalated on the basis of safety and tolerability from 5 mg to a maximum of 60 mg a day. The primary endpoint was mean percent change in levels of LDL cholesterol from baseline to week 26, after which patients remained on lomitapide through to week 78 for safety assessment. Percent change from baseline to week 26 was assessed with a mixed linear model. Findings 29 men and women with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, aged 18 years or older, were recruited from 11 centres in four countries (USA, Canada, South Africa, and Italy). 23 of 29 enrolled patients completed both the efficacy phase (26 weeks) and the full study (78 weeks). The median dose of lomitapide was 40 mg a day. LDL cholesterol was reduced by 50% (95% CI −62 to −39) from baseline (mean 8·7 mmol/L SD 2·9) to week 26 (4·3 mmol/L 2·5; p<0·0001). Levels of LDL cholesterol were lower than 2·6 mmol/L in eight patients at 26 weeks. Concentrations of LDL cholesterol remained reduced by 44% (95% CI −57 to −31; p<0·0001) at week 56 and 38% (–52 to −24; p<0·0001) at week 78. Gastrointestinal symptoms were the most common adverse event. Four patients had aminotransaminase levels of more than five times the upper limit of normal, which resolved after dose reduction or temporary interruption of lomitapide. No patient permanently discontinued treatment because of liver abnormalities. Interpretation Our study suggests that treatment with lomitapide could be a valuable drug in the management of homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia. Funding FDA Office of the Orphan Product Development, Aegerion Pharmaceuticals.
Abstract Abdominal obesity contributes to insulin resistance, a metabolic abnormality linked to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Insulin resistance ...generally precedes the development of type 2 diabetes. Currently, an estimated 10 million US adults have diabetes and another 25 million have impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), an intermediate step between insulin resistance and diabetes. The pathophysiologic mechanisms known to increase CVD risk in individuals with insulin resistance include formation of advanced glycation end products, hypertension, proinflammatory and prothrombotic states, and dyslipidemia (i.e., low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, increased levels of triglycerides, small, dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol particles, apoplipoprotein B, and inflammation). The increased flux of free fatty acids from adipose tissue to the liver promotes dyslipidemia. Insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance are associated with increased CVD risk. Individuals with coexisting metabolic syndrome and diabetes have the highest prevalence rates of CVD. The Nurses’ Health Study showed that CVD risk was elevated even before the development of diabetes compared with women who never developed diabetes. Lifestyle modification is recommended as the first-line treatment for obesity and its metabolic sequelae. Pharmacotherapy may be useful in patients for whom nonpharmacologic approaches alone are ineffective or insufficient. Primary care physicians play a critical role in the early identification and treatment of patients at increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes and CVD because of their obesity and associated complications.
Background Potent pharmacologic inhibition of cholesteryl ester transferase protein by the investigational agent evacetrapib increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 54% to 129%, reduces ...low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 14% to 36%, and enhances cellular cholesterol efflux capacity. The ACCELERATE trial examines whether the addition of evacetrapib to standard medical therapy reduces the risk of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality in patients with high-risk vascular disease. Study Design ACCELERATE is a phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients qualified for enrollment if they have experienced an acute coronary syndrome within the prior 30 to 365 days, cerebrovascular accident, or transient ischemic attack; if they have peripheral vascular disease; or they have diabetes with coronary artery disease. A total of 12,092 patients were randomized to evacetrapib 130 mg or placebo daily in addition to standard medical therapy. The primary efficacy end point is time to first event of CV death, myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for unstable angina, or coronary revascularization. Treatment will continue until 1,670 patients reached the primary end point; at least 700 patients reach the key secondary efficacy end point of CV death, myocardial infarction, and stroke, and the last patient randomized has been followed up for at least 1.5 years. Conclusions ACCELERATE will establish whether the cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibition by evacetrapib improves CV outcomes in patients with high-risk vascular disease.
Abstract For >4 decades it has been recognized that elevated serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its ...sequelae. Many prospective observational studies performed around the world have confirmed an inverse relationship between HDL-C and cardiovascular risk in people irrespective of sex, race, or ethnicity. Consequently, it was assumed that, by extension, raising HDL-C through lifestyle modification and pharmacologic intervention would reduce risk of CVD. Animal studies are consistent with this assumption. Lipid treatment guidelines around the world promoted the recognition of HDL-C as a therapeutic target, especially in high-risk patients. Some post hoc analyses from randomized controlled trials also suggest that raising HDL-C beneficially affects the risk of CVD. However, a number of recent randomized studies putatively designed to test the “HDL hypothesis” have failed to show benefit. The results of these trials have caused many clinicians to question whether HDL-C is a legitimate therapeutic target. In response to the many questions and uncertainties raised by the results of these trials, the National Lipid Association convened an expert panel to evaluate the current status of HDL-C as a therapeutic target; to review the current state of knowledge of HDL particle structure, composition, and function; and to identify the salient questions yet to be answered about the role of HDL in either preventing or contributing to atherosclerotic disease. The expert panel's conclusions and clinical recommendations are summarized herein. The panel concludes that, although low HDL-C identifies patients at elevated risk, and much investigation suggests that HDL may play a variety of antiatherogenic roles, HDL-C is not a therapeutic target at the present time. Risk stratified atherogenic lipoprotein burden (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and non–HDL-C) should remain the primary and secondary targets of therapy in patients at risk, as described by established guidelines. The National Lipid Association emphasizes that rigorous research into the biology and clinical significance of low HDL-C should continue. The development of novel drugs designed to modulate the serum levels and functionality of HDL particles should also continue. On the basis of an enormous amount of basic scientific and clinical investigation, a considerable number of reasons support the need to continue to investigate the therapeutic effect of modulating HDL structure and function.
Background Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is associated with increased mortality risk in the general population. Although individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at markedly increased ...mortality risk, the incidence, prevalence, and prognosis of CAC in CKD are not well understood. Study Design Cross-sectional observational study. Setting & Participants Analysis of 1,908 participants who underwent coronary calcium scanning as part of the multiethnic CRIC (Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort) Study. Predictor Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) computed using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study equation, stratified by race, sex, and diabetic status. eGFR was treated as a continuous and a categorical variable compared with the reference value of >60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Measurements CAC detected using computed tomography (CT) using either an Imatron C-300 electron beam computed tomography (CT) scanner or multidetector CT scanner. CAC was computed using Agatston score as a categorical variable. Analyses were performed using ordinal logistic regression. Results We found a strong and graded relationship between lower eGFR and increasing CAC. In unadjusted models, ORs increased from 1.68 (95% CI, 1.23-2.31) for eGFR of 50-59 mL/min/1.73 m2 to 2.82 (95% CI, 2.06-3.85) for eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 . Multivariable adjustment only partially attenuated the results (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.07-2.20) for eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Limitations Use of eGFR rather than measured GFR. Conclusions We showed a graded relationship between severity of CKD and CAC independent of traditional risk factors. These findings support recent guidelines that state that if vascular calcification is present, it should be considered as a complementary component to be included in the decision making required for individualizing CKD treatment.
Abstract Background Potent cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors have been shown to substantially increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A-I levels as ...monotherapy and combined with statins. However, data on the effects of this class of drugs on macrophage cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), a functional assay that characterizes a key step in the process of reverse cholesterol transport, are limited. Objectives This study assessed the impact of evacetrapib, statins, or combination therapy on CEC. Methods We analyzed samples from 377 subjects with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) or low HDL-C levels who were enrolled in a phase 2 trial of evacetrapib. Percent changes from baseline in CEC (total, non–ABCA1-, and ABCA1-specific) and HDL subpopulations were evaluated after 12 weeks of treatment with placebo, statin monotherapy, evacetrapib monotherapy, or evacetrapib combined with statins. Pre–beta-1 HDL levels were quantified by immunofixation and nondenaturing 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DGE). Results Relative to placebo, evacetrapib monotherapy increased dose-dependent total and non–ABCA1-specific CEC up to 34% and 47%, respectively. Evacetrapib monotherapy also increased ABCA1-specific CEC up to 26%. Relative to statin monotherapy, evacetrapib with statins also increased total, non–ABCA1-, and ABCA1-specific CEC by 21%, 27%, and 15%, respectively. In contrast, rosuvastatin and simvastatin significantly reduced total and ABCA1-specific CEC, whereas atorvastatin had no significant effect. Consistent with ABCA1-specific CEC, evacetrapib monotherapy and evacetrapib combined with statins significantly increased pre–beta-1 HDL levels as measured by either method. Conclusions Evacetrapib, as monotherapy and combined with statins, not only increased total CEC, but also increased ABCA1-specific CEC and pre–beta-1 HDL. The mechanisms by which potent CETP inhibition increases ABCA1-specific CEC and pre–beta-1 HDL require further study. (A Study of LY2484595 in Patients With High LDL-C or Low HDL-C; NCT01105975 )
Abstract Most guidelines suggest a baseline risk assessment to guide atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) prevention strategies. The American Heart Association/American College of ...Cardiology Pooled Cohort Equations (PCEs) is one tool to assess baseline risk; however, the accuracy of this tool has been called in to question. We aimed to examine the calibration and discrimination of the PCEs in the BioImage study, a contemporary multi-ethnic cohort of asymptomatic adults enrolled from 2008 to 2009 in the Humana Health System in Chicago, Illinois and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Our primary endpoint was hard ASCVD, defined as cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke. 3,635 adults who were not on lipid-lowering therapy at baseline were followed for a maximum of 4.6 years. The mean age was 68.6, 2000 (55%) participants were women and 935 individuals reported being of non-White race (26%). Whereas 74 ASCVD events were observed over a median follow-up of 2.7 years, 198 events were predicted by the PCEs. The observed event rate was 7.9 per 1000 participant-years (95% CI 6.1, 9.8) whereas the predicted rate by the PCEs was 21 per 1000 participant-years (95% CI 20.7, 21.8). This represents an overestimation of 167% (Hosmer-Lemshow Chi-square=173; p < 0.001). With regard to discrimination, the C-statistic of the PCEs was 0.65 (CI 0.58, 0.71). In an analysis restricted to 3,080 participants without diabetes mellitus and with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol between 70 and 189 mg/dl, the Pooled Cohort Equations similarly overestimated risk by 181% (152 predicted events versus 54 observed events; p<0.001). The PCEs substantially overestimate ASCVD risk in this middle-aged adult insured population. Refinement of existing risk prediction functions may be warranted.
Background Patients with psoriasis are known to have an increased number of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and be at increased risk for CV events. Objectives We sought to describe and characterize ...the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of CV risk factors in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Methods Medical histories including diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were obtained from 2899 patients in 3 phase III ustekinumab trials, a therapeutic anti-interleukin (IL)-12/IL-23p40 monoclonal antibody. Reported history was compared with measured fasting glucose, fasting lipids, and blood pressure. Ten-year Framingham risk scores and the proportion of patients achieving glycemic, lipid, and blood pressure targets were evaluated. Results Significant risk factors existed in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis (58.6% and 28.8% of patients had ≥2 and ≥3 established CV risk factors, respectively). Based on Framingham risk score, 18.6% of patients were at high risk and 12.3% were at intermediate risk for CV events. At baseline, a small proportion of patients with diabetes (2.3%), hypertension (9.1%), or hyperlipidemia (4.9%) were previously without a diagnosis. However, 19.1%, 21.8%, and 38.6% of patients with diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia, respectively, were untreated at baseline, and the proportion at treatment goal was not ideal (hypertension 59.6% and hyperlipidemia 69.7%), especially for diabetes (36.7%). Limitations Results are based on a clinical trial population and findings may not be generalizable to the general psoriasis population. Conclusions In this moderate to severe psoriasis population, a high prevalence of undiagnosed and undertreated CV risk factors existed, emphasizing the importance of screening patients with psoriasis for CV risk factors.
Objectives This study examined an anti-inflammatory property of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in subjects with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and stable coronary artery disease (CAD) compared with ...control subjects. Background HDL has anti-inflammatory properties in vitro, but its relationship to coronary disease in humans is unclear. The high-density lipoprotein inflammatory index (HII) measures the ability of HDL to mitigate oxidation of low-density lipoprotein; this function may be impaired in ACS and/or CAD. Methods We measured HII in 193 patients undergoing angiography for symptoms of CAD. Control subjects (n = 99) had no angiographic CAD, chronic CAD subjects (n = 51) had ≥70% vessel stenosis, and ACS subjects (n = 43) had ≥20% vessel stenosis and ischemia or infarction. We also examined HII in a cohort of healthy subjects randomly assigned to a statin or placebo. Results Subjects who had ACS had higher HII (less antioxidative capacity) compared with controls (1.57 vs. 1.17, p = 0.005) or those with chronic CAD (1.57 vs. 1.11, p = 0.006). HII was not different in subjects with stable CAD compared with controls. Furthermore, those subjects with higher HII were more likely to have ACS than no CAD (quartile 4 vs. 1, odds ratio OR: 1.74, p = 0.008). In a multivariate logistic regression model, HII was associated with ACS after adjusting for traditional cardiac risk factors (OR: 3.8, p = 0.003). There was a small improvement in HII after statin therapy compared with placebo (−14%, p = 0.03). Conclusions HDL has less anti-inflammatory capacity as assessed by HII in the setting of ACS compared with controls or subjects with chronic CAD.
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