{"title":"The Atherosclerotic Plaque Microenvironment as a Therapeutic Target.","authors":"Rajan Pandit, Arif Yurdagul","doi":"10.1007/s11883-025-01294-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11883-025-01294-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Atherosclerosis is traditionally viewed as a disease triggered by lipid accumulation, but growing evidence underscores the crucial role of the plaque microenvironment in disease progression. This review explores recent advances in understanding how cellular and extracellular components of the plaque milieu drive atherosclerosis, with a focus on leveraging these microenvironmental factors for therapeutic intervention. This review highlights recent advances in cell-cell crosstalk and matrix remodeling, offering insights into innovative therapeutic strategies for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>While atherosclerosis begins with the subendothelial retention of apolipoprotein B (ApoB)-containing lipoproteins, its progression is increasingly recognized as a consequence of complex cellular and extracellular dynamics within the plaque microenvironment. Soluble factors and extracellular matrix proteins shape mechanical properties and the biochemical landscape, directly influencing cell behavior and inflammatory signaling. For instance, the deposition of transitional matrix proteins, such as fibronectin, in regions of disturbed flow primes endothelial cells for inflammation. Likewise, impaired clearance of dead cells and chronic extracellular matrix remodeling contribute to lesion expansion and instability, further exacerbating disease severity. Targeting the plaque microenvironment presents a promising avenue for stabilizing atherosclerotic lesions. Approaches that enhance beneficial cellular interactions, such as boosting macrophage efferocytosis to resolve inflammation while mitigating proatherogenic signals like integrin-mediated endothelial activation, may promote fibrous cap formation and reduce plaque vulnerability. Harnessing these mechanisms may lead to novel therapeutic approaches aimed at modifying the plaque microenvironment to combat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":10875,"journal":{"name":"Current Atherosclerosis Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"47"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11965263/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143763280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Role of Non-Statin Lipid Lowering Therapies to Reduce ASCVD Events in Primary Prevention.","authors":"Chukwuemezie Kamanu, Dean G Karalis","doi":"10.1007/s11883-025-01283-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11883-025-01283-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains a leading global health challenge, with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol a pivotal risk factor. While statins are cornerstone therapy for lowering LDL cholesterol, many high-risk primary prevention patients are unable to tolerate statin therapy and do not achieve their guideline directed LDL cholesterol goal. For these patients, non-statin therapies offer complementary and alternative approaches to LDL cholesterol reduction.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent advancements in non-statin therapies have expanded the options available to clinicians to lower LDL cholesterol in high-risk primary prevention patients. Yet these medications are often under-utilized in clinical practice. Observational studies, Mendelian randomization studies, and randomized clinical trials support the role of non-statin LDL cholesterol lowering therapies in the primary prevention of ASCVD. This review summarizes the evidence supporting their use for the primary prevention of ASCVD and offers practical suggestions as to how clinicians can integrate these medications into their clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":10875,"journal":{"name":"Current Atherosclerosis Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"46"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11965143/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143763284","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M C G J Brouwers, B Klop, J Ribalta, M Castro Cabezas
{"title":"Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia: Myth or Reality?","authors":"M C G J Brouwers, B Klop, J Ribalta, M Castro Cabezas","doi":"10.1007/s11883-025-01289-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11883-025-01289-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) was first described by Goldstein and co-workers in 1973 as a multiple-type hyperlipidemia in pedigrees with premature myocardial infarction. However, it can be questioned what actually defines FCHL.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Although initially regarded as an autosomal dominant disorder, quantitative trait linkage analyses have revealed multiple genes that are associated with the FCHL phenotype. With the advent of genome-wide association studies and next generation sequencing it has been confirmed that FCHL is a polygenic disorder and the associated gene variants, mostly with a triglyceride-raising effect, are not unique to FCHL. Furthermore, epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the multiple-type hyperlipidemia is also not specifically confined to FCHL. This review provides a historical overview of the metabolic and genetic abnormalities that characterize FCHL. Integration of these findings with recent population-based, genetic studies results in a new pathophysiological concept of FCHL. This model provides practical guidance on how to approach an individual patient with an 'FCHL phenotype'.</p>","PeriodicalId":10875,"journal":{"name":"Current Atherosclerosis Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"45"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11961474/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143751426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Takahito Doi, Anne Langsted, Børge Grønne Nordestgaard
{"title":"Remnant Cholesterol: Should it be a Target for Prevention of ASCVD?","authors":"Takahito Doi, Anne Langsted, Børge Grønne Nordestgaard","doi":"10.1007/s11883-025-01288-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11883-025-01288-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>To summarize studies analyzing whether remnant cholesterol should be a target for prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>There is a growing body of evidence from epidemiologic and Mendelian randomization studies implicating remnant cholesterol as a causal risk factor for ASCVD. However, the results of randomized controlled trials, particularly those conducted in the current high-intensity statin era, have been inconsistent. Most recently, the PROMINENT trial failed to show a beneficial effect of 0.4 mg/day of pemafibrate on the risk of ASCVD. In the Copenhagen General Population Study (CGPS), which mimics PROMINENT, the estimated hazard ratio for ASCVD was 1.05 (0.96-1.14) when absolute changes in remnant cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B were combined, whereas the hazard ratio for ASCVD in PROMINENT was 1.03 (0.91-1.15). Further trials are warranted to ascertain the efficacy of novel remnant cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering agents in the prevention of ASCVD. To reduce ASCVD, active agents need to reduce total atherogenic cholesterol (LDL and remnant cholesterol) and apolipoprotein B.</p>","PeriodicalId":10875,"journal":{"name":"Current Atherosclerosis Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"44"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143708953","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ali Aahil Noorali, Asma Altaf Hussain Merchant, Noreen Afzal, Rupshikha Sen, Vashma Junaid, Adeel Khoja, Sadeer Al-Kindi, Elizabeth M Vaughan, Unab I Khan, Nilofer F Safdar, Salim S Virani, Sana Sheikh
{"title":"Correction to: Built Environment and Cardiovascular Diseases - Insights from a Global Review.","authors":"Ali Aahil Noorali, Asma Altaf Hussain Merchant, Noreen Afzal, Rupshikha Sen, Vashma Junaid, Adeel Khoja, Sadeer Al-Kindi, Elizabeth M Vaughan, Unab I Khan, Nilofer F Safdar, Salim S Virani, Sana Sheikh","doi":"10.1007/s11883-025-01293-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11883-025-01293-z","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":10875,"journal":{"name":"Current Atherosclerosis Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"43"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143699900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Davide Ramoni, Federico Carbone, Simon Kraler, Davide Di Vece, Fabrizio Montecucco, Luca Liberale
{"title":"Inflammation-Driven Plaque Erosion in Atherosclerosis: A Focus on Complement System Pathways.","authors":"Davide Ramoni, Federico Carbone, Simon Kraler, Davide Di Vece, Fabrizio Montecucco, Luca Liberale","doi":"10.1007/s11883-025-01279-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11883-025-01279-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Complement system activation is implicated in various stages of atherogenesis, from fatty streak formation to plaque destabilization and thrombus formation, with its dreadful clinical sequelae such as myocardial infarction, stroke and premature death. In this review, we consider these issues and explore recent studies on complement activation in atherosclerotic plaque initiation and progression.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Complement pathways impact plaque stability and healing through the modulation of inflammatory processes. Recent studies indicate that complement components, notably C3 and C5b-9, accelerate atherosclerosis progression through their interactions with endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and immune cells. Nonetheless, the beneficial versus deleterious effects of complement activation at different stages of atherogenesis remains a matter of ongoing debates. Research also investigates therapies targeting the complement cascade to mitigate plaque erosion and rupture. This review explores the ongoing debates surrounding complement activation in atherogenesis. We bring forward controversial findings and therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating complement cascade activation with the ultimate goal to reduce the burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease..</p>","PeriodicalId":10875,"journal":{"name":"Current Atherosclerosis Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"42"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11928383/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143676771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Panagiotis Theofilis, Panayotis K Vlachakis, Paschalis Karakasis, Rigas G Kalaitzidis
{"title":"Managing Dyslipidemia in Chronic Kidney Disease: Implications for Cardiovascular and Renal Risk.","authors":"Panagiotis Theofilis, Panayotis K Vlachakis, Paschalis Karakasis, Rigas G Kalaitzidis","doi":"10.1007/s11883-025-01290-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11883-025-01290-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The review aims to address the complex relationship between dyslipidemia and chronic kidney disease (CKD), emphasizing its dual role in driving cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and contributing to CKD progression. It explores pathophysiological mechanisms, highlights recent biomarker discoveries, and evaluates contemporary and emerging lipid-lowering therapies tailored for CKD patients.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent studies have highlighted the inadequacy of traditional lipid markers like LDL-C in reflecting cardiovascular risk in CKD. Novel biomarkers, such as remnant cholesterol and lipoprotein(a), demonstrate stronger associations with adverse outcomes. Emerging lipid-lowering agents, including bempedoic acid, pemafibrate, and PCSK9 inhibitors, show promise for risk reduction, especially in non-dialysis-dependent CKD. However, evidence remains limited for advanced stages of CKD and dialysis patients. Furthermore, alterations in lipid metabolism, such as dysfunctional HDL and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, are now recognized as significant contributors to CVD and renal damage in CKD populations. Dyslipidemia is a pivotal modifiable risk factor in CKD, exacerbating both cardiovascular risk and disease progression. While statins remain the cornerstone of therapy in early-to-moderate CKD, their efficacy diminishes in advanced stages. The advent of novel therapeutic options and a deeper understanding of dyslipidemia's pathophysiology hold potential for improving outcomes. Future research should prioritize personalized approaches, focusing on the unique metabolic derangements of CKD and advancing treatments for high-risk and dialysis-dependent patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":10875,"journal":{"name":"Current Atherosclerosis Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"41"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143673558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hayder M Al-Kuraishy, Ghassan M Sulaiman, Hamdoon A Mohammed, Retaj A Dawood, Ali K Albuhadily, Ali I Al-Gareeb, Daniel J Klionsky, Mosleh M Abomughaid
{"title":"Insight into the Mechanistic role of Colchicine in Atherosclerosis.","authors":"Hayder M Al-Kuraishy, Ghassan M Sulaiman, Hamdoon A Mohammed, Retaj A Dawood, Ali K Albuhadily, Ali I Al-Gareeb, Daniel J Klionsky, Mosleh M Abomughaid","doi":"10.1007/s11883-025-01291-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11883-025-01291-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Globally, the prevalence of atherosclerosis (AS) is rising. Currently, there is no specific drug for AS. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the protective mechanisms of colchicine against the development and progression of atherosclerosis (AS).</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Many studies highlighted that the anti-inflammatory drug colchicine reduces the severity of AS, although the underlying mechanism for the beneficial effect of colchicine was not fully clarified. AS is a chronic progressive vascular disorder characterized by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Endothelial dysfunction is an initial stage in the pathogenesis of AS that is induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Engulfment of oxLDL by macrophages triggers the development of inflammation due to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. Inflammatory and adhesion molecules are involved in the pathogenesis of AS. Infiltration and accumulation of leukocytes provoke erosion, rupture, and thrombosis of the atherosclerotic plaque. Therefore, targeting inflammation and leukocyte infiltration by anti-inflammatory agents may reduce AS progression and complications. The anti-inflammatory drug colchicine reduces the severity of AS, although the underlying mechanism for the beneficial effect of colchicine was not fully elucidated.</p><p><strong>In conclusion: </strong>colchicine through inhibition of vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, platelet aggregation and the modulation of autophagy reduces the development and progression of AS.</p>","PeriodicalId":10875,"journal":{"name":"Current Atherosclerosis Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"40"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143669372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lucas Lage Marinho, Matheus Laterza Ribeiro, Patrick R Lawler, Iulia Iatan, Lucas Colombo Godoy, Fabiana Hanna Rached, Raul Cavalcante Maranhão
{"title":"Impact of Selective Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR)-α Modulators and Fibrates on Microvascular Disease: Is There Still Room?","authors":"Lucas Lage Marinho, Matheus Laterza Ribeiro, Patrick R Lawler, Iulia Iatan, Lucas Colombo Godoy, Fabiana Hanna Rached, Raul Cavalcante Maranhão","doi":"10.1007/s11883-025-01292-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11883-025-01292-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review examines the role of fibrates and the selective PPAR-alpha modulators (SPPARM-α), pemafibrate, in diabetic microvascular disease. It reviews their potential to mitigate residual risk in retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>These pharmacotherapies, beyond their lipid-lowering effects, may exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and endothelial-protective actions. Secondary analyses of large clinical trials supports their efficacy in slowing retinopathy progression, reducing albuminuria, and preventing minor amputations. Recent analyses suggest that pemafibrate offers an enhanced efficacy and safety profile compared to conventional fibrate and may lower the incidence of diabetic foot ulcers and gangrene. Fibrates and SPPARM-α agonists represent promising therapies to prevent diabetic microvascular complications. Their benefits in reducing microvascular damage support their broader adoption in clinical practice. However, additional dedicated randomized trials are essential to validate the efficacy of those agents in contemporary diabetes care era and to address the growing burden of diabetes-related microvascular complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":10875,"journal":{"name":"Current Atherosclerosis Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"39"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143669368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Impact of Sex Differences on Lipids and Statin Utilization.","authors":"Carla P Rodriguez, Semenawit Burka, Erin D Michos","doi":"10.1007/s11883-025-01286-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11883-025-01286-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of the review: </strong>Hypercholesterolemia is a significant and modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), with Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) being the primary target for lipid-lowering therapies in both primary and secondary prevention. This review aims to explore the efficacy of statin therapy in women, its safety and application during pregnancy, and treatment disparities that contribute to undertreatment of dyslipidemia in women.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Statins has demonstrated efficacy in reducing LDL-C and CVD risk in women. However, women are less likely to achieve LDL-C targets compared to men, largely due to undertreatment and delays in initiating therapy, often influenced by sex-specific factors. The unique considerations of lipid management during pregnancy, including suspension of statin therapy, present additional challenges in achieving optimal lipid control in high-risk women. Evidence also points to systemic disparities in healthcare delivery and treatment allocation, further exacerbating undertreatment of dyslipidemia among women. While LDL-C lowering remains a cornerstone of CVD prevention, women face distinct challenges in achieving lipid goals due to biological, clinical, and healthcare disparities. Addressing these barriers, including improving timely initiation of statins and addressing gaps in care during pregnancy, is essential to enhance the dyslipidemia management and reduce CVD risk in women.</p>","PeriodicalId":10875,"journal":{"name":"Current Atherosclerosis Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"38"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143656434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}