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

Published on: November 10, 2017

New therapeutic principles in dyslipidaemia: focus on LDL and Lp(a) lowering drugs

Giuseppe Danilo Norata1, Christie M Ballantyne, Alberico Luigi Catapano

  • 1Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy. danilo.norata@unimi.it

European Heart Journal
|March 20, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Many patients struggle to reach cholesterol goals with statins alone. New therapies targeting atherogenic lipoproteins offer improved cardiovascular risk reduction for high-risk individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Dyslipidemias are significant contributors to cardiovascular risk.
  • Statins are effective but many patients do not achieve target lipid levels (LDL-C, non-HDL-C, apoB) even at maximal doses.
  • Novel therapeutic targets and agents are needed to address unmet needs in lipid management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current therapeutic strategies for dyslipidemias.
  • To discuss emerging pharmacological targets and agents for lowering atherogenic lipoproteins.
  • To emphasize the importance of further low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction in high-risk patients.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on dyslipidemia management.
  • Analysis of novel drug development targeting lipoprotein metabolism.
  • Discussion of genetic insights into lipid regulation.

Main Results:

  • Statins are a cornerstone therapy, but add-on treatments are often necessary.
  • Emerging therapies include proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9) inhibitors and modulators of apoB-containing lipoprotein production.
  • Lipoprotein(a) is an emerging target requiring further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Achieving recommended lipid goals remains a challenge for many patients.
  • Advancements in understanding lipid metabolism have led to novel therapeutic agents.
  • Continued LDL-C lowering is crucial for managing cardiovascular risk in high-risk populations.

Keywords:
Apolipoprotein BDyslipidaemiaPCSK9Pharmacology

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