{"title":"Mendelian Randomization Studies in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases.","authors":"Dai Sik Ko, Yun Hak Kim","doi":"10.12997/jla.2024.13.3.280","DOIUrl":"10.12997/jla.2024.13.3.280","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This review aimed to highlight the pivotal role of Mendelian randomization (MR) in advancing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) research-a field often hindered by the complexities and limitations of traditional studies. MR, which uses genetic variants as instrumental variables, provides a robust mechanism for inferring causality, offering insights untainted by the confounding factors and biases often prevalent in observational and randomized controlled trials. We explored the significant contributions of MR for elucidating the causal relationship between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and ASCVD, and analyzed its assumptions and methodological nuances. We discussed issues surrounding instrumental variable selection, pleiotropy, and ethical considerations, in an effort to offer a balanced and insightful analysis. We highlighted the promising integration of MR with emerging technologies and global data sharing, as well as its potential to drive personalized medicine. This review provided a concise yet comprehensive journey into MR's transformative impact on ASCVD research, offering a blend of current insights and challenges, in addition to future prospects. We aimed to serve a valuable resource for those seeking to navigate the intricate pathways of causality and intervention in ASCVD, to aid the development of enhanced understanding and targeted treatment strategies in the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":16284,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis","volume":"13 3","pages":"280-291"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11439750/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142361564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kai Wen Wai, Liang Ee Low, Bey Hing Goh, Wei Hsum Yap
{"title":"Nrf2 Connects Cellular Autophagy and Vascular Senescence in Atherosclerosis: A Mini-Review.","authors":"Kai Wen Wai, Liang Ee Low, Bey Hing Goh, Wei Hsum Yap","doi":"10.12997/jla.2024.13.3.292","DOIUrl":"10.12997/jla.2024.13.3.292","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcriptional factor that maintains intracellular redox equilibrium, modulates the expression of antioxidant genes, scavenger receptors, and cholesterol efflux transporters, all of which contribute significantly to foam cell development and plaque formation. Nrf2 has recently emerged as a key regulator that connects autophagy and vascular senescence in atherosclerosis. Autophagy, a cellular mechanism involved in the breakdown and recycling of damaged proteins and organelles, and cellular senescence, a state of irreversible growth arrest, are both processes implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The intricate interplay of these processes has received increasing attention, shedding light on their cumulative role in driving the development of atherosclerosis. Recent studies have revealed that Nrf2 plays a critical role in mediating autophagy and senescence in atherosclerosis progression. Nrf2 activation promotes autophagy, which increases lipid clearance and prevents the development of foam cells. Meanwhile, the activation of Nrf2 also inhibits cellular senescence by regulating the expression of senescence markers to preserve cellular homeostasis and function and delay the progression of atherosclerosis. This review provides an overview of the molecular mechanisms through which Nrf2 connects cellular autophagy and vascular senescence in atherosclerosis. Understanding these mechanisms can provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting Nrf2 to modulate cellular autophagy and vascular senescence, thereby preventing the progression of atherosclerosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":16284,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis","volume":"13 3","pages":"292-305"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11439754/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142361565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Targeting Mitochondrial Dysfunction for the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Disease by Bioactive Food Components.","authors":"Mi-Bo Kim, Jaeeun Lee, Ji-Young Lee","doi":"10.12997/jla.2024.13.3.306","DOIUrl":"10.12997/jla.2024.13.3.306","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dysfunctional mitochondria have been linked to the pathogenesis of obesity-associated metabolic diseases. Excessive energy intake impairs mitochondrial biogenesis and function, decreasing adenosine-5'-triphosphate production and negatively impacting metabolically active tissues such as adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and the liver. Compromised mitochondrial function disturbs lipid metabolism and increases reactive oxygen species production in these tissues, contributing to the development of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Recent studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of bioactive food components, such as resveratrol, quercetin, coenzyme Q10, curcumin, and astaxanthin, by enhancing mitochondrial function. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of how these bioactive compounds ameliorate mitochondrial dysfunction to mitigate obesity-associated metabolic diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":16284,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis","volume":"13 3","pages":"306-327"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11439752/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142361566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Triglyceride-Related Parameters and Symptomatic Atherosclerotic Lesions in Patients With Ischemic Stroke.","authors":"Ki-Woong Nam, Hyung-Min Kwon, Yong-Seok Lee","doi":"10.12997/jla.2024.13.2.155","DOIUrl":"10.12997/jla.2024.13.2.155","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Recently, evidence has suggested that the pathophysiology and risk factors of intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) differs from those of extracranial atherosclerosis (ECAS). In addition, novel parameters reflecting metabolic conditions, such as insulin resistance or atherogenic dyslipidemia, based on triglycerides (TG) and other biomarkers, have emerged. In this study, we evaluated the association between TG-related parameters and symptomatic cerebral atherosclerosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke resulting from large artery atherosclerosis (LAA).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We assessed consecutive acute LAA-stroke patients between January 2010 and December 2020. Based on the radiological findings, we classified the relevant symptomatic arteries that caused the index stroke into LAA-ICAS and LAA-ECAS. As TG-related parameters, the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and TG-glucose (TyG) index were calculated according to the following formulas: AIP = log<sub>10</sub> (TG Level/High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Level), TyG Index = Ln (TG Level × Glucose Level/2).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 519 patients with LAA-stroke were evaluated. In multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of LAA-ICAS, AIP was significantly associated with LAA-ICAS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.60-8.06). TyG index also showed a statistically significant relationship with LAA-ICAS (aOR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.11-2.32). However, TG per se did not show a statistical association with LAA-ECAS.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>TG-related parameters were more closely associated with stroke by ICAS than by ECAS. The metabolic conditions reflected by the AIP or TyG index, rather than hypertriglyceridemia itself, may play a greater role in determining the relevant vessel causally involved in a stroke.</p>","PeriodicalId":16284,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis","volume":"13 2","pages":"155-165"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11140243/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141198585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Letter by Hinpetch Daungsupawong Regarding Article, The Role of COVID-19 Vaccination for Patients With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in the Upcoming Endemic Era.","authors":"Hinpetch Daungsupawong, Viroj Wiwanitkit","doi":"10.12997/jla.2024.13.2.212","DOIUrl":"10.12997/jla.2024.13.2.212","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16284,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis","volume":"13 2","pages":"212"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11140246/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141200257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Seong Soon Kwon, Seug Yun Yoon, Kyoung-Ha Kim, Byoung-Won Park, Min-Ho Lee, Hyoungnae Kim, Duk Won Bang
{"title":"Association of Higher Hemoglobin Level With Significant Carotid Artery Plaque in the General Population.","authors":"Seong Soon Kwon, Seug Yun Yoon, Kyoung-Ha Kim, Byoung-Won Park, Min-Ho Lee, Hyoungnae Kim, Duk Won Bang","doi":"10.12997/jla.2024.13.2.184","DOIUrl":"10.12997/jla.2024.13.2.184","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Serum hemoglobin (Hb) level affects the viscosity of blood. Several studies have reported that Hb level is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcome. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the association between serum Hb level and the risk of subclinical atherosclerosis. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between Hb level and risk of carotid plaque in a health checkup cohort.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study analyzed a total of 3,805 individuals without history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) who underwent carotid ultrasonography (USG) between January 2016 and June 2018. Participants were divided into 4 groups based on Hb quartiles in each of male and female. Carotid plaque score was calculated based on USG reports. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed for each index of quartile groups regarding the risk of carotid plaque.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 3,805 individuals (mean age, 52.62±10.25 years; 2,674 [70.28%] males), mean Hb level was 15.11±0.75 g/dL in male and 13.35±0.74 g/dL in female. When the Q1 group was compared to the Q4, increasing quartile of Hb was associated with the presence of significant carotid plaque (plaque score ≥3) in male (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.538; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.182-2.001; <i>p</i>=0.001) and female (adjusted OR, 1.749; 95% CI, 1.058-2.676; <i>p</i>=0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A high Hb level is associated with an increased risk of carotid plaques in individuals without history of CVD. This finding may support the need for early screening of CVD in individuals with high Hb levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":16284,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis","volume":"13 2","pages":"184-193"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11140247/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141200200","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"BDNF Signaling in Vascular Dementia and Its Effects on Cerebrovascular Dysfunction, Synaptic Plasticity, and Cholinergic System Abnormality.","authors":"Juhyun Song","doi":"10.12997/jla.2024.13.2.122","DOIUrl":"10.12997/jla.2024.13.2.122","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common type of dementia and is characterized by memory impairment, blood-brain barrier disruption, neuronal cell loss, glia activation, impaired synaptic plasticity, and cholinergic system abnormalities. To effectively prevent and treat VaD a good understanding of the mechanisms underlying its neuropathology is needed. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important neurotrophic factor with multiple functions in the systemic circulation and the central nervous system and is known to regulate neuronal cell survival, synaptic formation, glia activation, and cognitive decline. Recent studies indicate that when compared with normal subjects, patients with VaD have low serum BDNF levels and that BDNF deficiency in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid is an important indicator of VaD. Here, we review current knowledge on the role of BDNF signaling in the pathology of VaD, such as cerebrovascular dysfunction, synaptic dysfunction, and cholinergic system impairment.</p>","PeriodicalId":16284,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis","volume":"13 2","pages":"122-138"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11140249/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141200253","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Effect of Omega-3 Supplementation on Heart Failure Outcome: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trial.","authors":"Bambang Dwiputra, Ade Meidian Ambari, Dwita Rian Desandri, Budhi Setianto Purwowiyoto, Basuni Radi, Bashar Adi Wahyu Pandhita, Serlie Fatrin, Anwar Santoso","doi":"10.12997/jla.2024.13.2.89","DOIUrl":"10.12997/jla.2024.13.2.89","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The effect of omega-3 supplementation on cardiovascular (CV) disease has been widely studied in several large clinical trials. However, the evidence of the effect of omega-3 supplementation in patients with heart failure (HF) remains controversial. This meta-analysis investigated the effects of omega-3 supplementation on patients with HF. We conducted a literature search on MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases for clinical trials and preprints of relevant articles. Following a literature search and critical appraisal, 5 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooling of the result of the studies shows that there were no significant association between omega-3 supplementation and CV mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84-1.05, <i>p</i>=0.16) nor hospitalization due to HF (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.88-1.02; <i>p</i>=0.13). Our systematic review and meta-analysis showed that omega-3 supplementation has no beneficial effect in patients with HF.</p>","PeriodicalId":16284,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis","volume":"13 2","pages":"89-96"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11140252/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141200261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Walter Masson, Pablo Corral, Juan P Nogueira, Augusto Lavalle-Cobo
{"title":"Applicability of Artificial Intelligence in the Field of Clinical Lipidology: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Walter Masson, Pablo Corral, Juan P Nogueira, Augusto Lavalle-Cobo","doi":"10.12997/jla.2024.13.2.111","DOIUrl":"10.12997/jla.2024.13.2.111","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The development of advanced technologies in artificial intelligence (AI) has expanded its applications across various fields. Machine learning (ML), a subcategory of AI, enables computers to recognize patterns within extensive datasets. Furthermore, deep learning, a specialized form of ML, processes inputs through neural network architectures inspired by biological processes. The field of clinical lipidology has experienced significant growth over the past few years, and recently, it has begun to intersect with AI. Consequently, the purpose of this narrative review is to examine the applications of AI in clinical lipidology. This review evaluates various publications concerning the diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia, estimation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, prediction of lipid goal attainment, challenges associated with statin use, and the influence of cardiometabolic and dietary factors on the discordance between apolipoprotein B and LDL-C. Given the concerns surrounding AI techniques, such as ethical dilemmas, opacity, limited reproducibility, and methodological constraints, it is prudent to establish a framework that enables the medical community to accurately interpret and utilize these emerging technological tools.</p>","PeriodicalId":16284,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis","volume":"13 2","pages":"111-121"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11140245/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141200198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Differences in Risk Factors for Coronary Atherosclerosis According to Sex.","authors":"Hack-Lyoung Kim","doi":"10.12997/jla.2024.13.2.97","DOIUrl":"10.12997/jla.2024.13.2.97","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Interest in sex differences related to coronary artery disease (CAD) has steadily increased, and the risk factors for CAD show distinct sex differences. For women, cardiovascular risk increases significantly after menopause due to a decrease in estrogen levels. In older individuals, increased arterial stiffness results in a higher pulse pressure, leading to a more common occurrence of isolated systolic hypertension; these changes are more noticeable in women. While the incidence of diabetes is similar in both sexes, women with diabetes face a 50% higher relative risk of fatal coronary heart disease compared to men. Smoking significantly increases the risk of ischemic heart disease in women, particularly those who are younger. The decrease in estrogen in women leads to a redistribution of fat, resulting in increased abdominal obesity and, consequently, an elevated cardiovascular risk. Pregnancy and reproductive factors also have a significant impact on CAD risks in women. Additionally, disparities exist in medical practice. Women are less likely to be prescribed cardioprotective drugs, referred for interventional or surgical treatments, or included in clinical research than men. By increasing awareness of these sex differences and addressing the disparities, we can progress toward more personalized treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16284,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Lipid and Atherosclerosis","volume":"13 2","pages":"97-110"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11140242/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141200254","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}