Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026

A Familial Hypercholesterolemia Human Liver Chimeric Mouse Model Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Hepatocytes
Published on: September 15, 2018
Familial hypercholesterolemia
1Department of Family Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA.
Insights
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder causing high cholesterol. Early diagnosis and treatment, including lifestyle changes and statins, can prevent heart disease in FH patients.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Cardiology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited disorder causing high cholesterol levels.
- It is characterized by elevated total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, potentially leading to premature coronary heart disease (CHD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the disease of Familial hypercholesterolemia.
- To discuss the effects of drug treatments and lifestyle modifications for FH management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on Familial hypercholesterolemia.
- Analysis of treatment effects, including pharmacotherapy and lifestyle interventions.
Main Results:
- Routine lipid testing can identify most FH cases.
- Cascade genetic testing is recommended for family members of identified FH patients.
- Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment with lifestyle changes and statins can prevent premature CHD and other atherosclerotic complications.
Conclusions:
- Emerging therapies like LDL apheresis and novel agents may benefit patients with homozygous or treatment-resistant FH.
- Liver transplantation remains the definitive treatment for severe homozygous FH cases.
Background:
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant-inherited genetic disorder that leads to elevated blood cholesterol levels. FH may present as severely elevated total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels or as premature coronary heart disease (CHD).
Methods:
This review presents information on the disease and on the effects of drug treatment and lifestyle changes.
Results:
Routine lipid testing should identify most patients with FH. Once an index case is identified, testing should be offered to family members. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment with therapeutic lifestyle changes and statins can prevent premature CHD and other atherosclerotic sequelae in patients with FH.
Conclusion:
Emerging therapies such as LDL apheresis and novel therapeutic agents may be useful in patients with homozygous FH or treatment-resistant FH. Liver transplantation is the only effective therapy for severe cases of homozygous FH.
Related Concept Videos
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Considering cholesterol and...
Lipid Catabolism
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Huntington Disease l: Introduction

