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12 pages, 1230 KB  
Article
Relative Efficacy of Alirocumab, Evolocumab, Inclisiran, and Bempedoic Acid on Lipids in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease or Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
by Sophia Khattak, Antonio Ochoa-Ferraro, Nazish Khan, Sudhakar George, Sohail Q. Khan, Jonathan N. Townend, Charlotte Dawson and Mark R. Thomas
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(22), 7946; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14227946 - 10 Nov 2025
Viewed by 2018
Abstract
Background: Lowering lipid levels after an acute coronary syndrome is critical for preventing recurrent adverse cardiovascular events. Multiple medications are now available, but there is limited evidence comparing how frequently they lead to the achievement of guideline-recommended lipid targets. Methods and Results: This [...] Read more.
Background: Lowering lipid levels after an acute coronary syndrome is critical for preventing recurrent adverse cardiovascular events. Multiple medications are now available, but there is limited evidence comparing how frequently they lead to the achievement of guideline-recommended lipid targets. Methods and Results: This observational study evaluated the impact of novel lipid-lowering therapies (alirocumab, evolocumab, inclisiran, and bempedoic acid) in patients with a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or familial hypercholesterolaemia treated with maximum-tolerated doses of high-intensity statin therapy with or without ezetimibe. Our primary assessment was the achievement of LDL-C below 1.4 mmol/L as per the European Society of Cardiology guidelines. The study comprised of 256 patients. Reduction in LDL-C was greatest with alirocumab and evolocumab, achieving a reduction of 62% (95% confidence interval [CI], 51 to 93; p < 0.001) and 58% (95% CI, 47 to 88; p < 0.001) after 12 months, respectively. This was followed by inclisiran with a reduction of 47% (95% CI, 37 to 78; p < 0.001) and bempedoic acid with a reduction of 36% (95% CI, 22 to 69; p < 0.001). Patients treated with alirocumab and evolocumab started from a higher baseline LDL-C than inclisiran, due to the higher LDL threshold required for initiation of alirocumab and evolocumab in the UK. Despite this, inclisiran, evolocumab, and alirocumab were all associated with similar proportions of patients achieving LDL targets: 35%, 42%, and 37% of patients achieved a guideline-recommended LDL-C target of <1.4 mmol/L. Patients with a baseline LDL-C > 4 mmol/L were more likely to reach the ESC target when treated with alirocumab or evolocumab compared to inclisiran, with results of 33.3% vs. 24.1% (p = 0.016) and 35.7% vs. 24.1% (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Alirocumab and evolocumab were associated with the greatest reductions in LDL-C, followed by inclisiran and bempedoic acid. Overall, alirocumab, evolocumab, and inclisiran led to approximately 40% of patients reaching ESC targets for LDL-C. In patients with a baseline LDL-C > 4 mmol/L, significantly more patients achieved LDL-C targets when treated with alirocumab or evolocumab compared to inclisiran. Strength and limitations: This was the first study to comprehensively compare the efficacy of novel lipid-lowering therapies in achieving guideline-recommended LDL targets within a high-risk cardiovascular population. The sample size was relatively small, especially for patients treated with bempedoic acid. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Vascular Medicine)
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19 pages, 2798 KB  
Article
Medical and Financial Consequences of Using PCSK9 Inhibitors for Managing Hypercholesterolemia in Saudi Arabia: A Historical Cohort Study
by Yazed AlRuthia, Khlood Khaled Almutairi, Norah Abdulaziz Aljammaz, Aseel Alsuwayegh, Miteb A. Alanazi, Rasha Fahad AlSulaiman, Tareq Majed Alfaori and Numan Alabdan
Healthcare 2025, 13(19), 2428; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13192428 - 25 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1346
Abstract
Background: Managing hypercholesterolemia is essential for reducing health risks and costs. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are recommended for patients with high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels at risk for cardiovascular disease, especially those on maximum doses of statins and ezetimibe. [...] Read more.
Background: Managing hypercholesterolemia is essential for reducing health risks and costs. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are recommended for patients with high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels at risk for cardiovascular disease, especially those on maximum doses of statins and ezetimibe. However, their cost-effectiveness is unclear, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where cardiovascular disease is prevalent. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the costs and outcomes of PCSK9 inhibitors versus statins and ezetimibe. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study reviewed charts of adults (≥18 years) with hypercholesterolemia treated with PCSK9 inhibitors (evolocumab or alirocumab) for at least 12 months. Outcomes included LDL-C reduction and cardiovascular-related hospitalizations, with direct medical costs estimated via micro-costing and adjusted for confounders. Results: The analysis included 118 patients on PCSK9 inhibitors and 304 on statins plus ezetimibe. Mean LDL-C reductions were 1.432 mmol/L [95% CI: 0.964 to 1.899] for PCSK9 inhibitors and 0.644 mmol/L [95% CI: 0.464 to 0.823] for the other group. Cardiovascular-related hospitalizations averaged 0.645 for PCSK9 inhibitors compared to 0.808 for statins plus ezetimibe. The annual cost for PCSK9 inhibitors ranged from USD 4024 [95% CI: 3786.80 to 7947.91] to USD 7559 [95% CI: 7331.35 to 11,509.66]. In 99.13% and 98.78% of bootstrap distributions, PCSK9 inhibitors led to greater LDL-C reductions and fewer hospitalizations. Conclusions: The use of PCSK9 inhibitors for managing hypercholesterolemia was associated with a greater reduction in LDL-C levels and fewer cardiovascular-related hospitalizations. However, the more modest LDL-C reduction compared to clinical trials, combined with the high acquisition cost of PCSK9 inhibitors, underscores the need to provide significant price reductions to improve patient access to these lipid-lowering agents. Full article
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15 pages, 1035 KB  
Article
The Effects of Inclisiran on the Subclinical Prothrombotic and Platelet Activation Markers in Patients at High Cardiovascular Risk
by Mateusz Maligłówka, Adrianna Dec, Łukasz Bułdak and Bogusław Okopień
J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2025, 12(9), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12090355 - 16 Sep 2025
Viewed by 893
Abstract
Atherosclerosis as a multifactorial disease remains the first cause of death worldwide. Current oral lipid-lowering drugs (especially statins) reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) levels in the blood, but their clinical efficacy seems to be partially attributed to pleiotropic effects on different pathophysiologic factors [...] Read more.
Atherosclerosis as a multifactorial disease remains the first cause of death worldwide. Current oral lipid-lowering drugs (especially statins) reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) levels in the blood, but their clinical efficacy seems to be partially attributed to pleiotropic effects on different pathophysiologic factors of atherosclerosis extending beyond lipid-lowering properties such as anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic and antioxidative features. Novel drugs that interfere with proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) axis of LDL-C receptors (LDLRs) degradation, from the group of monoclonal antibodies (e.g., alirocumab, evolocumab) or small interfering RNA (siRNA), e.g., inclisiran, are effective in reducing LDLC as well. However, data depicting their antithrombotic and antiplatelet activity are scarce, whereas prothrombotic properties of PCSK9 are widely described. Thus, we performed a study to assess the effects of inclisiran on subclinical prothrombotic [fibrinogen, coagulation factor VIII (FVIII), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)] and platelet activation markers (platelet factor-4 (PF-4), soluble p-selectin (sCD62P)). Ten patients at high cardiovascular risk with concomitant heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)—study group 1, and fourteen patients at very high cardiovascular risk without concomitant HeFH—study group 2, were recruited for the study. Lipid profile, subclinical prothrombotic and platelet activation markers were assessed at the beginning and after 3 months of therapy with inclisiran. During therapy, statistically significant reductions in both study groups were seen in total cholesterol levels (study group 1: from 287.6 ± 94.2 to 215.2 ± 89.1 (mg/dL), p = 0.022; study group 2: from 211.7 ± 52.7 to 147.6 ± 55.4 (mg/dL), p < 0.001) and LDL-c (study group 1: from 180.8 ± 73.3 to 114.7 ± 71.5 (mg/dL), p = 0.031; study group 2: from 129.6 ± 46.8 to 63.4 ± 43.6 (mg/dL), p < 0.001). Lipid profile changes were associated with significant decrease in the concentration of FVIII in both groups (study group 1: from 33.3 ± 22 to 22 ± 14.5 (ng/mL), p = 0.006; study group 2: from 37 ±16.9 to 29.3 ±16.4 (ng/mL), p = 0.002) and fibrinogen, but only in study group 2 (from 51.4 (33.2–72.7) to 42.6 (31.3–57.2) (µg/mL), p = 0.035). Among platelet activation markers, a significant decrease in PF-4 in study group 2 was noted (from 286 (272–295.5) to 272 (268–281.5) (ng/mL), p = 0.047). However, there were no statistically significant changes in PAI-1 and sCD62P throughout the study. In our study, inclisiran appeared to be an effective lipid-lowering drug in patients at high cardiovascular risk. Moreover, it was shown that beyond lipid-lowering properties, the drug may also partially affect thrombogenesis and platelet activation. Full article
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42 pages, 1287 KB  
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
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5072
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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29 pages, 1685 KB  
Review
Translating Basic Science to Clinical Applications: A Narrative Review of Repurposed Pharmacological Agents in Preclinical Models of Diabetic Neuropathy
by Corina Andrei, Oana Cristina Șeremet, Ciprian Pușcașu and Anca Zanfirescu
Biomedicines 2025, 13(7), 1709; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13071709 - 13 Jul 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1951
Abstract
Diabetic neuropathy (DN) remains a major clinical burden, characterized by progressive sensory dysfunction, pain, and impaired quality of life. Despite the available symptomatic treatments, there is a pressing need for disease-modifying therapies. In recent years, preclinical research has highlighted the potential of repurposed [...] Read more.
Diabetic neuropathy (DN) remains a major clinical burden, characterized by progressive sensory dysfunction, pain, and impaired quality of life. Despite the available symptomatic treatments, there is a pressing need for disease-modifying therapies. In recent years, preclinical research has highlighted the potential of repurposed pharmacological agents, originally developed for other indications, to target key mechanisms of DN. This narrative review examines the main pathophysiological pathways involved in DN, including metabolic imbalance, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, ion channel dysfunction, and mitochondrial impairment. A wide array of repurposed drugs—including antidiabetics (metformin, empagliflozin, gliclazide, semaglutide, and pioglitazone), antihypertensives (amlodipine, telmisartan, aliskiren, and rilmenidine), lipid-lowering agents (atorvastatin and alirocumab), anticonvulsants (topiramate and retigabine), antioxidant and neuroprotective agents (melatonin), and muscarinic receptor antagonists (pirenzepine, oxybutynin, and atropine)—have shown promising results in rodent models, reducing neuropathic pain behaviors and modulating underlying disease mechanisms. By bridging basic mechanistic insights with pharmacological interventions, this review aims to support translational progress toward mechanism-based therapies for DN. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biomarker and Treatments for Diabetic Neuropathy)
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13 pages, 674 KB  
Article
PCSK9-Targeting Drugs and Gender: Are There Any Differences?
by Viola Liberati, Giulia Guidotti, Andrea Sorrentino, Margherita Slanzi, Elena Lotti, Felice Crudele, Angela Rogolino, Francesco Alfano, Betti Giusti, Anna Maria Gori, Martina Berteotti and Rossella Marcucci
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(13), 4469; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14134469 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1774
Abstract
Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is often perceived as a male-dominant condition, yet recent European data show that more women live with and die from it. Gender disparities have been reported in the management of dyslipidemia, with women less likely to receive high-intensity [...] Read more.
Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is often perceived as a male-dominant condition, yet recent European data show that more women live with and die from it. Gender disparities have been reported in the management of dyslipidemia, with women less likely to receive high-intensity lipid-lowering therapy and to reach low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals. This study aimed to assess sex-specific differences in response to and tolerance of PCSK9-targeted therapies—monoclonal antibodies (evolocumab, alirocumab) and small interfering RNA (inclisiran)—as well as LDL-C goal attainment according to current ESC guidelines. Methods: We conducted a prospective registry of patients initiating PCSK9-targeted therapy at a specialized lipid center between April 2018 and June 2024. Baseline lipid profiles were recorded and monitored over follow-up. Results: Of the 341 patients, 122 (35.8%) were women and 219 (64.2%) were men, with a mean age of 66.4 ± 12.6 years for the women and 63.9 ± 11.8 years for the men. The women more frequently had heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) (61.5% vs. 38.4%, p < 0.001) and a lower prevalence of previous cardiovascular events compared to the men (62.3% vs. 84.5%, p < 0.001). A higher proportion of the women were classified as high cardiovascular risk compared to the men (37.7% vs. 15.5%, p < 0.001). Risk categories were assigned according to ESC guidelines, with LDL-C targets of <70 mg/dL for high-risk patients and <55 mg/dL for very high risk patients, along with a ≥50% LDL-C reduction for both categories. In the very high risk group, fewer women achieved LDL-C targets at the first two follow-up visits (first follow-up: 50.0% vs. 76.6%, p = 0.008; second follow-up: 55.3% vs. 68.1%, p = 0.049). Although treatment prescription and tolerance were similar between sexes, women showed smaller LDL-C reductions at the first follow-up (51.7 ± 23.9% vs. 57.3 ± 24.9%, p = 0.044). Conclusions: PCSK9-targeted therapies were effective in both sexes at third follow-up, although women showed a tendency toward a delayed response and lower target attainment, indicating the potential need for more personalized management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiovascular Medicine)
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17 pages, 710 KB  
Review
Serum Lipids, Inflammation, and the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation: Pathophysiological Links and Clinical Evidence
by Alfredo Mauriello, Adriana Correra, Anna Chiara Maratea, Alfredo Caturano, Biagio Liccardo, Marco Alfonso Perrone, Antonio Giordano, Gerardo Nigro, Antonello D’Andrea and Vincenzo Russo
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(5), 1652; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14051652 - 28 Feb 2025
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2973
Abstract
Dyslipidemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by quantitative and/or qualitative abnormalities in serum lipid levels. Elevated serum cholesterol levels can modify the turnover and recruitment of ionic channels in myocytes and cellular homeostasis, including those of inflammatory cells. Experimental and clinical data indicate [...] Read more.
Dyslipidemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by quantitative and/or qualitative abnormalities in serum lipid levels. Elevated serum cholesterol levels can modify the turnover and recruitment of ionic channels in myocytes and cellular homeostasis, including those of inflammatory cells. Experimental and clinical data indicate that inflammation is implicated in the pathophysiology of atrial remodeling, which is the substrate of atrial fibrillation (AF). Data about the association between increased lipid serum levels and AF are few and contrasting. Lipoprotein (a), adiposity, and inflammation seem to be the main drivers of AF; in contrast, low-density lipoproteins, high-density lipoproteins and triglycerides are not directly involved in AF onset. The present review aimed to describe the pathophysiological link between dyslipidemia and AF, the efficacy of lipid-lowering therapies in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients with and without AF, and the impact of lipid-lowering therapies on AF incidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Updates in Cardiac Electrophysiology: 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 2977 KB  
Article
PCSK9 Enhances Cardiac Fibrogenesis via the Activation of Toll-like Receptor and NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling
by Cheng-Chih Chung, Yu-Hsun Kao, Yao-Chang Chen, Yung-Kuo Lin, Satoshi Higa, Kai-Cheng Hsu and Yi-Jen Chen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 1921; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26051921 - 23 Feb 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2169
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has emerged as a novel target for reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. PCSK9 activates the atherosclerosis process through pro-inflammation signaling. Furthermore, the serum level of PCSK9 is positively correlated with mortality in patients with heart failure (HF). Cardiac [...] Read more.
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has emerged as a novel target for reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. PCSK9 activates the atherosclerosis process through pro-inflammation signaling. Furthermore, the serum level of PCSK9 is positively correlated with mortality in patients with heart failure (HF). Cardiac fibrosis plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of HF. In this study, we intended to examine whether PCSK9 can increase fibroblast activities and explore what its underlying mechanisms are. Migration, proliferation analyses, and Western blotting were used on human cardiac fibroblasts with and without PCSK9. Alirocumab (a PCSK9 inhibitor, 10 mg/kg/week intra-peritoneally for 28 consecutive days) was treated in isoproterenol (100 mg/kg, subcutaneous injection)-induced HF rats. PCSK9 (50, 100 ng/mL) increased proliferation, myofibroblast differentiation capability, and collagen type I production. Compared with control cells, PCSK9 (100 ng/mL)-treated cardiac fibroblasts showed higher nucleotide-binding domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), interleukin (IL)-1, myofibroblast differentiation, and collagen production capabilities, which were attenuated by MCC950 (an NLRP3 inhibitor, 100 μmol/L). PCSK9 upregulated Myd88 and NF-κB signaling, which were reduced by TAK242 (a toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 inhibitor, 10 μmol/L). Moreover, alirocumab significantly improved left ventricular systolic function and attenuated fibrosis in HF rats. In conclusion, PCSK9 upregulates NLRP3 signaling and the profibrotic activities of cardiac fibroblasts through the activation of TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB signaling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanism and Pathogenesis of Cardiac Disease)
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16 pages, 19577 KB  
Article
PCSK9 Expression in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: Role of Insulin Resistance and High Glucose
by Cristina Barale, Giulia Tempesta, Elena Melchionda, Alessandro Morotti, Chiara Frascaroli, Alice Costanza Danzero, Saveria Femminò, Claudia Penna and Isabella Russo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 1003; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26031003 - 24 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2140
Abstract
Beyond the regulation of cholesterol metabolism, a number of extrahepatic functions of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) have been increasingly identified. The main purpose of this study was to verify whether PCSK9 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) is influenced by [...] Read more.
Beyond the regulation of cholesterol metabolism, a number of extrahepatic functions of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) have been increasingly identified. The main purpose of this study was to verify whether PCSK9 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) is influenced by insulin resistance and high glucose (HG). In cultured rat aortic VSMC from lean insulin-sensitive Zucker rats (LZRs) and obese insulin-resistant Zucker rats (OZRs), a classical animal model of insulin resistance, we evaluated PCSK9 expression with or without the monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9 Alirocumab and Evolocumab or the synthetic PCSK9-binding peptide PEP 2-8. Effects and molecular mechanisms underlying altered PCSK9 expression were evaluated by proliferation and migration assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and involvement of PKC, NADPH-oxidase, MAPK/ERK-1/2 pathway activation. As a result, we found that, in comparison with LZR, VSMC from OZR showed basal PCSK9 overexpression mitigated by Alirocumab, Evolocumab, PEP 2-8, and the inhibitors of PKC, NADPH-oxidase, and MAPK. The finding of PCSK9 upregulation in VSMC from OZR paralleled with increased ROS production, proliferation, and migration. HG increased PCSK9 expression in VSMC from LZR, but not in OZR, via oxidative stress and with effects reduced by PCSK9 inhibitors. These findings suggest that a dysregulation of PCSK9 in VSMC could be involved in vascular damage in metabolic disorders, such as obesity and diabetes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Platelet Biology and Functions: 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 1942 KB  
Perspective
Management of Hypercholesterolemia in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Glimpse into the Future
by Alessandro Sciahbasi, Paola Russo, Michela Zuccanti, Laura Chiorazzo, Francesco Maria Castelli and Antonino Granatelli
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(23), 7420; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13237420 - 5 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2910
Abstract
Cardio-cerebral vascular diseases due to atherosclerosis are still the leading cause of death worldwide. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein B have been identified as the primary factors responsible for the atherosclerotic process, with a causal effect. Many drugs aimed at reducing LDL-C [...] Read more.
Cardio-cerebral vascular diseases due to atherosclerosis are still the leading cause of death worldwide. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein B have been identified as the primary factors responsible for the atherosclerotic process, with a causal effect. Many drugs aimed at reducing LDL-C levels are already on the market, acting in different ways in terms of mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety. Moreover, new lipid-lowering agents and new technologies in the fields of gene editing and immunotherapy are currently under investigation. A more recent biomarker associated with an increased risk of plaque generation, progression, and subsequent ASCVD is the lipoprotein (a) and, in the next few years, it will be the new target of pharmacological therapy. The aim of this review is to present the landscape of therapies already approved to reduce LDL-C levels, evaluating their efficacy, tolerability, and indications. Moreover, we take a glimpse into the future to evaluate experimental novel therapies to lower LDL-C levels that will be approved in the next few years or are under clinical evaluation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)
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17 pages, 572 KB  
Review
PCSK9 Inhibitors: Focus on Evolocumab and Its Impact on Atherosclerosis Progression
by Maram H. Abduljabbar
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(12), 1581; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17121581 - 25 Nov 2024
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 10089
Abstract
This paper investigates the therapeutic use of PCSK9 inhibitors, particularly Evolocumab, as monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of atherosclerosis based on recent literature reviews. PCSK9 is an outstanding example of a breakthrough in medical science, with advancements in understanding its biological function driving [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the therapeutic use of PCSK9 inhibitors, particularly Evolocumab, as monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of atherosclerosis based on recent literature reviews. PCSK9 is an outstanding example of a breakthrough in medical science, with advancements in understanding its biological function driving substantial progress in atherosclerosis treatment. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading global cause of mortality, imposing substantial financial burdens on healthcare systems. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), a modifiable risk factor, plays a pivotal role in the development of ASCVD. Emerging treatments such as PCSK9 inhibitors are now being introduced to combat this issue, with the goal of reducing ASCVD risk by directly targeting LDL-C levels. This discovery highlighted the potential of monoclonal antibodies to inhibit PCSK9, thereby enhancing LDL-C receptor activity. This breakthrough led to the development of Alirocumab and Evolocumab inhibitors, which typically reduce LDL-C levels by approximately 50%. This research underscores the importance of PCSK9 inhibitors in treating ASCVD, drawing on evidence from various randomized controlled trials such as FOURIER, ODYSSEY OUTCOMES, and VESALIUS-CV. These trials have also shown that PCSK9 inhibitors are effective and safe for the treatment of several cardiovascular disorders. PCSK9 inhibitors are therefore useful in patients who do not reach their target LDL-C levels when on the highest doses of statins or patients with very high cardiovascular risk who cannot tolerate statins at all. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biopharmaceuticals)
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9 pages, 861 KB  
Article
Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexin 9 Inhibitor in Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Patients in a Phase II Prospective Cohort Study—Preliminary Results
by Ziv Rosman, Yasmin Maor, Iris Zohar, Gingy Ronen Balmor, Miri Schamroth Pravda, Adam Lee Goldstein, Milena Tocut and Arie Soroksky
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2024, 16(6), 1036-1044; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr16060083 - 24 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1836
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction syndrome caused by a dysregulated host response to infection that has a high mortality rate. Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease secreted by the liver. Its binding to the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor [...] Read more.
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction syndrome caused by a dysregulated host response to infection that has a high mortality rate. Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease secreted by the liver. Its binding to the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor enhances its degradation, causing an increase in LDL levels in the blood. Objectives: Administering a PCSK9 inhibitor leading to an increase in lipid uptake by the liver may positively affect septic patients due to the increased removal of endotoxins. Methods: This preliminary study aimed to examine the safety of PCSK9 inhibitor use in septic and septic shock patients. We treated five septic patients in the intensive care unit with 300 mg of alirocumab following serious adverse events for 28 days. Results: Four of our patients did not experience any adverse events, and all of them survived. One patient died after discharge from the intensive care unit, and this death was presumably not related to the study drug. The patients rapidly recovered from the inflammatory stage of sepsis. Conclusions: Alirocumab appears safe in severe sepsis and septic shock patients. The outcome data are promising. Only a basic safety profile can be assessed based on this pilot study. Further study with a PCSK-9 inhibitor in septic or septic shock patients is required to further determine its benefit in ICU patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Bacterial Diseases)
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15 pages, 1154 KB  
Article
Safety of Inclisiran: A Disproportionality Analysis from the EudraVigilance Database
by Giuseppe Cicala, Michelangelo Rottura, Viviana Maria Gianguzzo, Federica Cristiano, Selene Francesca Anna Drago, Giovanni Pallio, Natasha Irrera, Egidio Imbalzano, Edoardo Spina and Vincenzo Arcoraci
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(10), 1365; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17101365 - 12 Oct 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3753
Abstract
Introduction: The discovery of serine protease proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has revolutionized pharmacological lipid-lowering treatments. The first PCSK9 antagonists (PCSK9-A), evolocumab and alirocumab, were approved in 2015. Targeting PCSK9 synthesis marked a major advancement in this field, leading to the development [...] Read more.
Introduction: The discovery of serine protease proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has revolutionized pharmacological lipid-lowering treatments. The first PCSK9 antagonists (PCSK9-A), evolocumab and alirocumab, were approved in 2015. Targeting PCSK9 synthesis marked a major advancement in this field, leading to the development of inclisiran, a long-acting siRNA targeting PCSK9 mRNA. However, real-world safety data on this drug are still limited. Therefore, this study aims to provide a real-world safety evaluation of inclisiran, comparing its characteristics to those of PCSK9-As. Methods: A retrospective pharmacovigilance study was conducted using EudraVigilance (EV). Inclisiran-related individual case safety reports (I-ICSRs) from 01/01/2021 to 06/30/2023 were retrieved. ICSRs for evolocumab or alirocumab from 01/01/2015 to 06/30/2023 were collected as a reference group (RG). ADRs were classified using the MedDRA dictionary. Data were evaluated using descriptive and disproportionality analyses. Crude reporting odds ratio (ROR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used as disproportionality measures. Results: Of the 15,236 ICSRs, 3.7% (n = 563) involved inclisiran, with the rest in the RG. Most I-ICSRs involved female patients (51.7%) aged 18 to 64 (52.8%). The most-reported ADRs for inclisiran were “general disorders and administration site conditions” (n = 347) and “investigations” (n = 277). Significant disproportionality was found in I-ICSRs compared to the RG for “Myalgia” (ROR: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.94–3.04), “Low-density lipoprotein increased” (ROR: 11.95; 95% CI: 9.10–15.52), and “Drug ineffective” (ROR: 6.37; 95% CI: 4.64–8.74). Conclusions: The inclisiran safety profile aligns with the existing literature and pre-commercial data. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the observed differences with PCSK9-As. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Safety and Risk Management in Clinical Practice)
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17 pages, 3074 KB  
Systematic Review
Efficacy and Safety of Evolocumab and Alirocumab as PCSK9 Inhibitors in Pediatric Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Guoguang Xiao, Shan Gao, Yongmei Xie, Zhiling Wang and Min Shu
Medicina 2024, 60(10), 1646; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60101646 - 8 Oct 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4863
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors evolocumab and alirocumab are recently developed promising drugs used for treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to thoroughly evaluate the efficacy and safety of evolocumab and [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors evolocumab and alirocumab are recently developed promising drugs used for treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to thoroughly evaluate the efficacy and safety of evolocumab and alirocumab among pediatric patients with FH. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception through July 2024 to identify primary interventional studies among pediatric patients with FH. Meta-analyses were performed if appropriate. Statistics were analyzed using Review Manager version 5.4 and Stata version 16.0. Results: Fourteen articles reporting nine unique studies were included. There were three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing evolocumab or alirocumab involving a total of 320 pediatric patients, one cross-over trial and five single-arm or observational studies. Pooled results showed significant efficacy of evolocumab/alirocumab in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (weighted mean difference [WMD]: −37.92%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −43.06% to −32.78%; I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.60), apolipoprotein B (WMD: −33.67%, 95% CI: −38.12% to −29.22%; I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.71), and also lipoprotein(a) (WMD: −16.94%, 95% CI: −26.20% to −7.69%; I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.71) among pediatric patients with FH. The efficacies of evolocumab/alirocumab on LDL-C reduction within pediatric patients with heterozygous FH (HeFH) were consistent between studies, whereas in patients with homozygous FH (HoFH), it varied dramatically. Pediatric patients with the null/null variant may respond to the treatment. PCSK9 inhibitors were generally well tolerated within most pediatric patients, in line with previous studies among adult populations. Conclusions: The PCSK9 inhibitors evolocumab/alirocumab significantly reduced LDL-C and some other lipid parameters, such as apolipoprotein B, in pediatric patients with HeFH. These drugs may be appropriate as a potential therapy for pediatric patients with HoFH who cannot achieve LDL-C targets with other treatments. Evolocumab/alirocumab was generally well tolerated in the pediatric population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)
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15 pages, 1340 KB  
Article
Gene Mutation in Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia and Response to Alirocumab Treatment—A Single-Centre Analysis
by Joanna Rogozik, Jakub Kosma Rokicki, Marcin Grabowski and Renata Główczyńska
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(18), 5615; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13185615 - 22 Sep 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2917
Abstract
Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by significantly elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which plays a major role in the progression of atherosclerosis and leads to a heightened risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Methods [...] Read more.
Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by significantly elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which plays a major role in the progression of atherosclerosis and leads to a heightened risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Methods: We have carried out an observational study on a group of 17 patients treated at the Outpatient Lipid Clinic from 2019 to 2024. Result: The most frequent mutation observed was found in the LDL receptor (LDLR) gene, which was identified in ten patients (58.8%). Five patients were identified to have a mutation in the apolipoprotein B (APOB) gene, whereas two patients had two points mutations, one in the LDLR, and the other in the APOB gene. The average age of patients with LDLR mutation was 54.8 (12.3); for APOB mutation it was 61.4 (9.3) and for patients with two points mutation it was 61.5 (14.8). The study results showed that at Week 12, individuals with LDLR-defective heterozygotes who were given alirocumab 150 mg every two weeks experienced a 63.0% reduction in LDL cholesterol levels. On the other hand, individuals with APOB heterozygotes experienced a 59% reduction in LDL cholesterol levels. However, in patients with double heterozygous for mutations in LDLR and APOB genes, there was a hyporesponsiveness to alirocumab, and the reduction in LDL-C was only by 23% in two individuals. Conclusions: In patients with a single mutation, there was a greater response to treatment with alirocumab in contrast to patients with double heterozygous mutation, who did not respond to treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of Atherosclerosis)
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