{"title":"PCSK9 Monoclonal Antibodies Have Come a Long Way.","authors":"Sandra Zendjebil, Philippe Gabriel Steg","doi":"10.1007/s11883-024-01243-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11883-024-01243-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of the review: </strong>This review examines the pivotal role of monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9 in lipid-lowering therapy, emphasizing their biological and clinical impact.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Randomized controlled trials have validated that PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) effectively reduce LDL-c levels by approximately 50%, even when added to maximal statin therapy. They moreover produce a notable 15-20% relative decrease in major cardiovascular events, with a greater reduction among high-risk patients and no evidence for serious adverse effects, assuaging previous concerns. This review highlights the benefits of PCSK9 Mabs in high cardiovascular risk patients. Despite their efficacy and safety, these therapies are hindered by limited access, and require broader integration into clinical practice to optimize therapeutic outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":10875,"journal":{"name":"Current Atherosclerosis Reports","volume":" ","pages":"721-732"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142388757","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":"Transitioning Adolescents and Young Adults with Lipid Disorders to Adult Health Care.","authors":"Christopher Schmitt, Thomas M Yohannan","doi":"10.1007/s11883-024-01244-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11883-024-01244-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Pediatric healthcare providers have increasingly become aware of the need for timely and informative transition of adolescents and young adults with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and cystic fibrosis. However, there is paucity of published data on the importance of and most effective way to transition youth with lipid disorders who are at increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Evidence shows that atherosclerosis begins at a young age. However, there are no guidelines on the transition of adolescents and young adults with dyslipidemia. In addition, there are conflicting guidelines for lipid management in children versus adults, despite advances in medical pharmacotherapies for dyslipidemia. The lack of guidelines for transition and discordant recommendations for management of this vulnerable population places young adults at-risk for worsening of their underlying disease, and premature cardiovascular events.</p>","PeriodicalId":10875,"journal":{"name":"Current Atherosclerosis Reports","volume":" ","pages":"693-700"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11530472/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142361298","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}
Malek Nayfeh, Maria Alwan, Ahmed Sayed, Mouaz H Al-Mallah
{"title":"Pericoronary Fat Attenuation: Diagnosis and Clinical Implications.","authors":"Malek Nayfeh, Maria Alwan, Ahmed Sayed, Mouaz H Al-Mallah","doi":"10.1007/s11883-024-01245-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11883-024-01245-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of the review: </strong>The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current state of knowledge regarding the technical challenges associated with the Post-Acquisition Fat Attenuation Index (PFAI). By examining the limitations and gaps in the current methodologies, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how various factors impact the accuracy and reliability of PFAI measurements.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>PFAI correlates with plaque instability, as inflammation in coronary plaque alters surrounding adipose tissue composition, increasing its water content and reducing lipid content, which is detectable via cardiac CT as increased attenuation. Recent studies have demonstrated PFA's prognostic value, with elevated levels linked to higher risks of cardiac events and plaque instability. A 2022 meta-analysis confirmed its association with major adverse cardiac events. Machine learning algorithms incorporating PFA and additional imaging features have further enhanced risk prediction beyond traditional metrics. Pericoronary fat attenuation is a promising marker for assessing coronary inflammation and could be useful in predicting plaque development, rupture, and monitoring treatment response, though further prospective studies and technical standardization are needed to fully establish its clinical benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":10875,"journal":{"name":"Current Atherosclerosis Reports","volume":" ","pages":"733-738"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142399680","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 Climate Change on Cardiovascular Health.","authors":"Ethan Katznelson, Kabir Malkani, Ruina Zhang, Sonika Patel","doi":"10.1007/s11883-024-01261-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11883-024-01261-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Climate change is profoundly impacting cardiovascular disease through rising temperatures, more extreme weather events, and worsening air pollution. This review analyzes how these factors affect cardiovascular health.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Extreme heat and cold cause physiological changes, including increasing the risk of blood clots, faster heart rates, and inflammation. Air pollution and wildfire smoke lead to oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, leading to heightened cardiovascular risk. Extreme weather disrupts healthcare access, complicating chronic condition management and negatively impacts people from lower socioeconomic communities. Climate-related stressors also affect mental health, which in turn impacts cardiovascular health. Long-term changes, such as food insecurity and migration, further strain heart health due to poor diets and psychological stress. Cardiologists must understand these risks to better support and treat patients in our changing climate.</p>","PeriodicalId":10875,"journal":{"name":"Current Atherosclerosis Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"13"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142750073","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":"IL-6 and Cardiovascular Risk: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Nehal N Mehta, Emil deGoma, Michael D Shapiro","doi":"10.1007/s11883-024-01259-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11883-024-01259-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>The objective of this narrative review is to summarize data from recently published prospective observational studies that analyze the association between circulating interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and cardiovascular clinical or imaging endpoints.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Higher levels of IL-6 are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular death, major adverse cardiovascular events, myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and heart failure. Imaging studies have also shown an association between IL-6 and carotid intima-media thickness progression, carotid plaque progression, severity, and vulnerability. These observations have been consistent across a wide range of study populations and after adjusting for traditional and emerging risk factors including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Robust epidemiologic evidence supports IL-6 as a central mediator of cardiovascular risk along with human genetic studies and mechanistic experiments. Ongoing clinical studies are testing the therapeutic hypothesis of IL-6 inhibition in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or heart failure.</p>","PeriodicalId":10875,"journal":{"name":"Current Atherosclerosis Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"12"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11599326/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142715544","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":"Statin Therapy for Primary and Secondary Prevention in Older Adults.","authors":"Alicia Bao, Dean G Karalis","doi":"10.1007/s11883-024-01257-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11883-024-01257-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Although statin therapy is well established to prevent atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASCVD) events in adults 40 to 75 years of age, it is less clear whether older adults benefit from statin therapy. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence and guidelines on statin use for primary and secondary prevention in older patients.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Moderate to high intensity statin therapy decreases cardiovascular event rates in older patients with or at risk for ASCVD. Cardiac biomarkers and coronary calcium scoring can identify older patients at higher ASCVD risk who may benefit from statin therapy. Age alone should not be a deterrent to statin therapy in older patients. The decision to initiate statin therapy should occur after a patient to clinician discussion based on the patient's overall ASCVD risk and weighed against other clinical factors that influence the patient's life expectancy and quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":10875,"journal":{"name":"Current Atherosclerosis Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"11"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11588824/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142709390","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}
Elena Olmastroni, Stefano Scotti, Federica Galimberti, Sining Xie, Manuela Casula
{"title":"Ezetimibe: Integrating Established Use with New Evidence - A Comprehensive Review.","authors":"Elena Olmastroni, Stefano Scotti, Federica Galimberti, Sining Xie, Manuela Casula","doi":"10.1007/s11883-024-01248-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11883-024-01248-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>To consolidate key information on the efficacy and safety of ezetimibe, with a focus on the latest evidence.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>While ezetimibe has long been used alongside statins to help achieve lipid goals when statins are insufficient or in statin-intolerant patients, recent studies confirm and extend its benefits. Ezetimibe, when added to statins, is now recognized as an effective option for high-risk cardiovascular patients. Additionally, for those intolerant to statins, it can be combined with bempedoic acid, offering significant LDL cholesterol reduction. Ezetimibe's favourable tolerability, with fewer side effects than statins, along with the availability of fixed-dose combinations, enhances both treatment efficacy and patient adherence. Overall, this review underscores ezetimibe's evolving role in lipid management, providing valuable guidance for optimizing cardiovascular risk reduction strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":10875,"journal":{"name":"Current Atherosclerosis Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"10"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142709382","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":"Lp(a): A Rapidly Evolving Therapeutic Landscape.","authors":"Khalil Anchouche, George Thanassoulis","doi":"10.1007/s11883-024-01252-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11883-024-01252-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) is a genetically determined cardiovascular risk factor, causally linked to both atherosclerotic coronary artery disease and aortic stenosis. Elevated Lp(a) is widely prevalent, and several cardiovascular societies now recommend performing Lp(a) screening at least once in all adults. However, there are currently no approved drugs aimed specifically at lowering Lp(a). In this review, we describe several promising Lp(a)-lowering therapies in the drug development pipeline and outline what role these may have in future clinical practice.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Pelacarsen and olpasiran are two novel RNA-based injectable therapies which are being studied in ongoing phase 3 clinical trials, with the earliest of these to be concluded in 2025. These drugs act by degrading transcribed LPA mRNA, which would normally yield the apolipoprotein(a) constituent of Lp(a). Other candidate drugs, such as Lepodisiran, Zerlasiran, and Muvalaplin, are also in early-stage development. While there are presently no Lp(a)-lowering drugs available for routine clinical use, several promising candidates are currently under investigation. If these prove to be effective in randomized clinical trials, they will expand the cardiovascular care armamentarium and will allow clinicians to treat a presently unmitigated cardiovascular risk factor.</p>","PeriodicalId":10875,"journal":{"name":"Current Atherosclerosis Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"7"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142686445","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}
Ying Cao, Yanyan Yang, Chuan Guo, Jinbao Zong, Min Li, Xiaolu Li, Tao Yu
{"title":"Role of RNA-binding Proteins in Regulating Cell Adhesion and Progression of the Atherosclerotic Plaque and Plaque Erosion.","authors":"Ying Cao, Yanyan Yang, Chuan Guo, Jinbao Zong, Min Li, Xiaolu Li, Tao Yu","doi":"10.1007/s11883-024-01250-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11883-024-01250-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have emerged as crucial regulators of post-transcriptional processes, influencing the fate of RNA. This review delves into the biological functions of RBPs and their role in alternative splicing concerning atherosclerosis (AS), highlighting their participation in essential cellular processes. Our goal is to offer new insights for cardiovascular disease research and treatment.</p><p><strong>Recent finding: </strong>Dysregulation of RBPs is associated with various human diseases, including autoimmune and neurological disorders. The role of RBPs in the pathogenesis of AS is progressively being elucidated, as they influence plaque formation and disease progression by regulating cell function and gene expression. RBPs play intricate biological roles in regulating pre-mRNA, including editing, splicing, stability and translation. Alternative splicing has been demonstrated to enhance biological complexity and diversity. Our findings indicate that alternative splicing is extensively involved in the pathogenesis of AS. The dysregulated expression of specific RBPs in AS is linked to the production of adhesion molecules and vascular endothelium damage. Further research on RBPs could pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic targets.</p>","PeriodicalId":10875,"journal":{"name":"Current Atherosclerosis Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"8"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142686446","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}
Daniel Seung Kim, Ahmed A Eltahir, Summer Ngo, Fatima Rodriguez
{"title":"Bridging the Gap: How Accounting for Social Determinants of Health Can Improve Digital Health Equity in Cardiovascular Medicine.","authors":"Daniel Seung Kim, Ahmed A Eltahir, Summer Ngo, Fatima Rodriguez","doi":"10.1007/s11883-024-01249-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11883-024-01249-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>In this review, we discuss the importance of digital health equity and how social determinants of health (and intersectionality with race, ethnicity, and gender) affect cardiovascular health-related outcomes in digital health trials. We propose strategies to improve digital health equity as we move to a digitally-connected world for healthcare applications and beyond.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Digital health has immense promise to improve population health by reaching individuals in their homes, at their preferred times. However, initial data demonstrate decreased patient engagement and worse cardiovascular outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities, leading to unequal uptake of digital health technologies. In addition, while women generally have higher uptake of technology, they are less likely to be referred by clinicians for digital health interventions. We highlight several exemplar trials and analyze their methodology for replication in future digital health research. The promise of digital health equity has not been reached due to exclusionary practices. Specific focus must be placed on societal/governmental policies that enable digital inclusion, particularly of racial and ethnic minority populations and women, to ensure that the expansion of digital health technologies does not exacerbate existing health disparities.</p>","PeriodicalId":10875,"journal":{"name":"Current Atherosclerosis Reports","volume":"27 1","pages":"9"},"PeriodicalIF":5.7,"publicationDate":"2024-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142686444","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}