Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
06:59
Quantification of Atherosclerosis in Mice
Published on: June 12, 2019
Pleiotropic effects of LDL apheresis
Alfonso Ramunni1, Maria Burzo, Lucia Vernò
1Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal and Public Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. a.ramunni@nephro.uniba.it
Atherosclerosis. Supplements
|February 5, 2010
Summary
LDL apheresis (LA) protects vessel walls by reducing harmful lipoproteins and inflammation. This therapy improves blood flow and vascular function, though the primary protective mechanism requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Medical Technology
Background:
- LDL apheresis (LA) is a therapeutic procedure designed to eliminate atherogenic lipoproteins from the bloodstream.
- Vascular protection is a known benefit of LA, mediated by various mechanisms.
- Endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and coagulation are key factors in vascular damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the pleiotropic mechanisms by which LDL apheresis (LA) exerts its protective effects on vessel walls.
- To investigate the impact of LA on endothelial function, hemorheological parameters, and vascular morphology.
- To identify the principal mechanism underlying LA's vessel protective action.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on LDL apheresis (LA) and its effects on vascular health.
- Analysis of studies examining LA's impact on lipoprotein concentrations, inflammatory markers, and coagulation factors.
- Evaluation of research assessing changes in blood viscosity, vasodilation, and microcirculation perfusion.
Main Results:
- LA reduces pro-inflammatory and pro-coagulation markers, mitigating endothelial dysfunction.
- The procedure improves whole blood viscosity, enhances endothelium-mediated vasodilation, and positively affects hemorheology.
- LA improves microcirculation perfusion and has demonstrated both short-term functional and long-term morphological benefits on vascular damage.
Conclusions:
- LDL apheresis (LA) offers significant protection to vessel walls through multiple mechanisms.
- LA impacts vascular health by reducing atherogenic lipoproteins, inflammation, and improving hemorheological properties.
- The exact primary mechanism responsible for LA's vessel protective effects remains undetermined and warrants further research.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
01:20Lipid-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...
01:29Pharmacogenomics: 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...
01:26Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow
Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug binding...
01:30Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
02:41Lethal Alleles
Agouti: A Lethal Allele
Lucien Cuénot discovered lethal alleles in 1905 while studying the inheritance of coat color in mice. The agouti gene is responsible for the color of the coat in mice. This gene codes for an agouti-signaling protein, which is responsible for melanin distribution in mammals. The wild-type allele gives rise to gray-brown coat color in mice, while the mutant allele gives rise to yellow coat color. In addition to coat color, the agouti gene is associated with the yellow...
Lucien Cuénot discovered lethal alleles in 1905 while studying the inheritance of coat color in mice. The agouti gene is responsible for the color of the coat in mice. This gene codes for an agouti-signaling protein, which is responsible for melanin distribution in mammals. The wild-type allele gives rise to gray-brown coat color in mice, while the mutant allele gives rise to yellow coat color. In addition to coat color, the agouti gene is associated with the yellow...