Pharmacotherapy of Dyslipidemias, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247). This special issue belongs to the section "Medicinal Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 September 2025 | Viewed by 4249

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Guest Editor
Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina 64049-550, Brazil
Interests: arterial hypertension; diabetes; effects of physical training; general and exercise physiology; health conditions of population groups; nutrition and public health; obesity; pharmacology of natural products
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Dear Colleagues,

Dyslipidemia is a clinical condition characterized by changes in plasma lipoprotein concentrations in relation to reference values considered as normal. The increase in the concentration of blood circulating lipids induces an inflammatory process that leads to endothelial damage and then the formation of atherosclerosis plaques, an important cardiovascular risk factor responsible for complications such as acute myocardial infarction and stroke. Most of these complications are a result of atherosclerotic plaque rupture or erosion, thrombin generation, platelet activation, and cloth formation. Many hypotheses about its pathogenesis and progression suggest the involvement of oxidative stress, considering that LDL oxidation is a fundamental factor in initiating the atherogenic process. In this sense, the presence of lipid peroxidation products can trigger oxidative changes in LDL particles. Such lesions can be prevented or reduced by the action of antioxidant phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables, which have been shown to be a promising alternative to the adverse effects associated with the use of classic lipid-lowering drugs, such as myalgia and the elevation of hepatic transaminases induced using statins. In this sense, this Special Issue focuses on non-clinical and clinical studies that report advances in the pharmacological therapy of dyslipidemias and associated disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases. Original and review articles as well as case reports concerning classical treatments to novel promising compounds synthetically obtained or from natural sources are welcomed.

Dr. Daniel Dias Rufino Arcanjo
Dr. Maria do Carmo de Carvalho e Martins
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • atherosclerosis
  • dyslipidemia
  • endothelial dysfunction
  • fatty acids
  • high-fat diet
  • hyperlipidemia
  • hypertriglyceridemia
  • polyunsaturated fatty acids
  • PUFA
  • statins

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 5778 KiB  
Article
Pharmacologic Potential of Statins in Cancer Prevention: Colo-Rectal Cancer Risk in Dyslipidemic Patients from a Korean Nationwide Cohort
by Ho Suk Kang, Joo-Hee Kim, Heejin Kim, Joong Seob Lee, Hyo Geun Choi, Dae Myoung Yoo, Kyeong Min Han, Nan Young Kim, Kyueng-Whan Min and Mi Jung Kwon
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(8), 1236; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18081236 - 21 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a growing public health concern in South Korea, with incidence rising alongside dyslipidemia. Statins, widely prescribed for lipid control, have been proposed to reduce CRC risk, but evidence remains inconsistent, particularly in Asian populations. Methods: Using [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a growing public health concern in South Korea, with incidence rising alongside dyslipidemia. Statins, widely prescribed for lipid control, have been proposed to reduce CRC risk, but evidence remains inconsistent, particularly in Asian populations. Methods: Using Korean National Health Insurance Service data (2002–2019), we conducted a nested case–control study of 9920 CRC patients and 39,680 matched controls. To reduce confounding, we applied a matching process with a propensity score and overlap weighting based on demographic and clinical variables. Statin use within two years before CRC diagnosis was categorized by type (lipophilic vs. hydrophilic) and duration. Lifestyle data such as smoking and diet were not available. Results: Short-term statin use was associated with a 17% reduced CRC risk, particularly in younger, metabolically healthier Korean males. Lipophilic statins were consistently associated with lower CRC risk and mortality. However, hydrophilic statins showed mixed results: while short-term use lowered CRC risk, long-term use was linked to increased all-cause mortality. These associations varied by patient subgroup. Conclusion: Among Korean adults, short-term statin use—especially lipophilic agents—was associated with favorable CRC outcomes. However, the observational design, the absence of lifestyle data, and increased mortality linked to long-term hydrophilic statin use limit causal interpretation. Further research using clinically enriched or prospective datasets is warranted to validate these findings and guide personalized preventive strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacotherapy of Dyslipidemias, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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42 pages, 1287 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review of the Latest Approaches to Managing Hypercholesterolemia: A Comparative Analysis of Conventional and Novel Treatments: Part II
by Narcisa Jianu, Ema-Teodora Nițu, Cristina Merlan, Adina Nour, Simona Buda, Maria Suciu, Silvia Ana Luca, Laura Sbârcea, Minodora Andor and Valentina Buda
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(8), 1150; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18081150 - 1 Aug 2025
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Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with hypercholesterolemia identified as a major, but modifiable risk factor. This review serves as the second part of a comprehensive analysis of dyslipidemia management. The first installment laid the groundwork by detailing the [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with hypercholesterolemia identified as a major, but modifiable risk factor. This review serves as the second part of a comprehensive analysis of dyslipidemia management. The first installment laid the groundwork by detailing the key pathophysiological mechanisms of lipid metabolism, the development of atherosclerosis, major complications of hyperlipidemia, and the importance of cardiovascular risk assessment in therapeutic decision-making. It also examined non-pharmacological interventions and conventional therapies, with a detailed focus on statins and ezetimibe. Building upon that foundation, the present article focuses exclusively on emerging pharmacological therapies designed to overcome limitations of standard treatment. It explores the mechanisms, clinical applications, safety profiles, and pharmacogenetic aspects of novel agents such as proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors (alirocumab, evolocumab), small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy (inclisiran), adenosine triphosphate–citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitor (bempedoic acid), microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) inhibitor (lomitapide), and angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) inhibitor (evinacumab). These agents offer targeted strategies for patients with high residual cardiovascular risk, familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), or statin intolerance. By integrating the latest advances in precision medicine, this review underscores the expanding therapeutic landscape in dyslipidemia management and the evolving potential for individualized care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacotherapy of Dyslipidemias, 2nd Edition)
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Other

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32 pages, 1564 KiB  
Systematic Review
Assessing Omega-3 Therapy and Its Cardiovascular Benefits: What About Icosapent Ethyl? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Nathália Mendes Machado, Maria Vitória Barroso Oliveira, Karina Quesada, Jesselina Francisco dos Santos Haber, Ricardo José Tofano, Claudio José Rubira, Tereza Lais Menegucci Zutin, Rosa Direito, Eliana de Souza Bastos Mazuqueli Pereira, Camila Marcondes de Oliveira, Ricardo de Alvares Goulart, Vitor Engrácia Valenti, Kátia Portero Sloan, Lance Alan Sloan, Lucas Fornari Laurindo and Sandra Maria Barbalho
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(4), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18040601 - 20 Apr 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3070
Abstract
Background: Lipid-lowering therapies are an option for stabilizing lipid levels. Icosapent ethyl (IPE) is a highly purified formulation of eicosapentaenoic acid, which can reduce lipid action, improve plaque stabilization, reduce platelet aggregation, lower TG, and prevent cardiovascular events. IPE is frequently used with [...] Read more.
Background: Lipid-lowering therapies are an option for stabilizing lipid levels. Icosapent ethyl (IPE) is a highly purified formulation of eicosapentaenoic acid, which can reduce lipid action, improve plaque stabilization, reduce platelet aggregation, lower TG, and prevent cardiovascular events. IPE is frequently used with statins to manage elevated TG levels. However, the evidence on IPE as a lipid-lowering agent is limited, and no updated systematic review and meta-analysis have been published considering the recent advancements in the field and newly published studies. Therefore, we aim to fill this gap. Methods: We used the PRISMA guidelines and the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome) framework to conduct this review, aiming to answer the question, “Can IPE benefit patients at cardiovascular risk?” GRADE was used to evaluate evidence levels to adhere to the highest criteria. Results: Predominantly, the evaluated population presented TG levels between ≥135 mg/dL and 500 mg/dL and LDL-C levels between >40 mg/dL and ≤100 mg/dL. The included studies showed a reduction in TG and LDL-C and a decrease in cardiovascular events. It means that, according to our systematic review evidence analysis, IPE has been effective in lowering blood lipid levels, including TG, and reducing cardiovascular death and events, such as non-fatal stroke or hospitalization for unstable angina. However, it is worth noting that these results were primarily from patients undergoing statin therapy. According to our meta-analysis, IPE may not be considered a lipid-lowering drug, as limited action associated with its use was evident in the quantitative results. However, caution is necessary, as only two studies were suitable for inclusion due to the differing outcomes in the analyzed samples. Conclusions: Despite the quantitative synthesis, IPE possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and anti-atherogenic properties, highly related to cardiovascular protection. Based on our included studies, IPE was considered a promising therapy for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in conjunction with other lipid-lowering therapies, particularly statins, for patients with extremely high TG levels. The limitations of the reviewed studies may include small sample sizes, varying outcomes, and a small duration of interventions. Future clinical trials with similar outcomes, sample sizes, and intervention durations must be designed, and updated meta-analyses must be published in the following years to fully assess the effects of IPE as a lipid-lowering and cardiovascular protector drug. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pharmacotherapy of Dyslipidemias, 2nd Edition)
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