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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

Pharmacogenomics of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol-raising therapies

Stella Aslibekyan1, Robert J Straka, Marguerite R Irvin

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, Ryals School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. saslibek@uab.edu

Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy
|March 9, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Raising HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) aims to reduce cardiovascular disease. Genetic factors influence drug response, but validation is needed for personalized medicine in HDL-C therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacogenomics
  • Cardiovascular Disease Research
  • Lipid Metabolism

Background:

  • High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are inversely correlated with cardiovascular disease risk.
  • Pharmaceutical agents like niacin and fibrates are used to increase HDL-C, but patient response varies significantly.
  • This variability suggests a genetic basis for differential HDL-C drug response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of pharmacogenomic determinants in predicting HDL-C response to lipid-lowering therapies.
  • To identify genetic polymorphisms associated with variable HDL-C drug responses.
  • To assess the potential for personalized medicine approaches in managing HDL-C levels.

Main Methods:

  • Review of genetic polymorphisms in genes related to lipoproteins, cholesteryl ester transfer protein, transporters, and CYP450 proteins.
  • Analysis of in vitro and epidemiological studies investigating associations with HDL-C drug response.
  • Evaluation of the independent validation status of identified pharmacogenomic findings.

Main Results:

  • Multiple genetic polymorphisms have been linked to HDL-C drug response in preliminary studies.
  • These polymorphisms are primarily located in genes involved in lipid metabolism and drug metabolism (e.g., CYP450).
  • A significant lack of independent validation for most pharmacogenomic findings was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Pharmacogenomic factors play a role in the variable response to HDL-C raising therapies.
  • Independent validation of genetic associations is crucial for clinical application.
  • The development of personalized medicine strategies for HDL-C management remains a future goal.

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