Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 23, 2026

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
09:15

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles

Published on: November 10, 2017

Long term statin treatment reduces lipoprotein(a) concentrations in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia

S van Wissen1, T J Smilde, M D Trip

  • 1Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands. s.vanwissen@amc.uva.nl

Heart (British Cardiac Society)
|July 16, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Long-term statin therapy significantly reduces lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels in patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH). However, these reductions did not correlate with changes in atherosclerosis progression, questioning Lp(a)

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Elevated plasma lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
  • The role of Lp(a) as an independent risk factor in familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and the long-term effects of statins on Lp(a) remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate Lp(a) concentrations in FH patients undergoing statin treatment.
  • To assess the relationship between statin therapy, Lp(a) levels, and atherosclerosis progression over two years.

Main Methods:

  • A two-year, randomized, double-blind trial (ASAP trial) involving 325 heterozygous FH patients.
  • Patients received either 80 mg atorvastatin or 40 mg simvastatin daily.
  • Changes in Lp(a) concentrations and carotid artery intima-media thickness were measured at one and two years.

Main Results:

  • Both atorvastatin and simvastatin significantly reduced Lp(a) concentrations in FH patients over two years.
  • Atorvastatin showed a greater initial reduction in Lp(a) compared to simvastatin at one year, but this difference was not sustained at two years.
  • No correlation was found between baseline Lp(a) levels and cardiovascular events, LDL cholesterol, or intima-media thickness. Changes in Lp(a) did not correlate with changes in intima-media thickness.

Conclusions:

  • Long-term statin treatment effectively lowers Lp(a) levels in FH patients.
  • The observed reduction in Lp(a) did not correlate with a decrease in intima-media thickness, suggesting Lp(a) may not be a significant driver of atherosclerosis progression in this population.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Familial Hypercholesterolemia Human Liver Chimeric Mouse Model Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Hepatocytes10:56

A Familial Hypercholesterolemia Human Liver Chimeric Mouse Model Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Hepatocytes

Published on: September 15, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets01:29

Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets

Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements01:18

Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements

Lipids are an essential component of a balanced human diet. Triglycerides, which make up the majority of dietary lipids, are found in both saturated fats—commonly present in meat, dairy products, and certain tropical plants like coconut, and hydrogenated oils such as margarine and baking shortenings (trans fats)—and unsaturated fats, which are abundant in seeds, nuts, olive oil, and most vegetable oils. The main sources of cholesterol include egg yolks, various meats and organ meats, shellfish,...
Lipid Digestion01:16

Lipid Digestion

Lipids are large molecules that are generally not water-soluble. Since most of the digestive enzymes in the human body are water-based, there are specific steps the body must take to break down lipids and make them available for use.