Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 6, 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

Low-density lipoprotein apheresis in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease

Akira Kawashima1

  • 1Department of Blood Purification and Medicine, Kidney Center, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan. akawa@kc.twmu.ac.jp

Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis : Official Peer-Reviewed Journal of the International Society for Apheresis, the Japanese Society for Apheresis, the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy
|July 31, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis effectively treats familial hypercholesterolemia by removing LDL cholesterol. This procedure alleviates angina, improves coronary lesions, and enhances peripheral circulation in patients with arteriosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) involves LDL receptor deficiency, leading to severe hypercholesterolemia.
  • Homozygous FH patients lack LDL receptors, while heterozygous FH patients have reduced function.
  • Resistant hypercholesterolemia necessitates advanced treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis in managing severe hypercholesterolemia.
  • To assess the impact of LDL apheresis on cardiovascular symptoms and lesions.
  • To investigate the effects of LDL apheresis on peripheral blood flow and rheology.

Main Methods:

  • LDL apheresis procedure to selectively remove LDL cholesterol from the blood.
  • Assessment of anginal symptoms and coronary lesion progression.
  • Evaluation of peripheral blood flow and blood rheology parameters.

Main Results:

  • LDL apheresis significantly reduces LDL cholesterol levels.
  • The procedure alleviates anginal symptoms and can improve coronary artery lesions.
  • Improved peripheral blood flow and enhanced blood rheology were observed.

Conclusions:

  • LDL apheresis is a valuable therapeutic option for patients with severe familial hypercholesterolemia and resistant hypercholesterolemia.
  • The benefits extend to improving cardiovascular health and peripheral circulation.
  • Consideration for LDL apheresis in patients with arteriosclerotic lesions, including normocholesterolemic individuals, is warranted.

More Related Videos

Stimulation of Vascular Endothelial Cells Using Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in the Presence of Low-Density Lipoprotein07:26

Stimulation of Vascular Endothelial Cells Using Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in the Presence of Low-Density Lipoprotein

Published on: August 12, 2025

High-Density Lipoprotein-Specific Phospholipid Efflux Assay07:08

High-Density Lipoprotein-Specific Phospholipid Efflux Assay

Published on: September 30, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:27

Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management01:23

Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management

During the postoperative period, it is crucial to focus on maintaining circulation, identifying and managing potential complications, and planning for discharge.Nursing AssessmentVital signs monitoring: Regularly monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, to detect early signs of complications such as bleeding and infection.Circulation assessment: Monitor pulses, perform Doppler assessments, and check capillary refill, color, temperature, and...