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Updated: Feb 19, 2026
06:47
Isolation and Analysis of Plasma Lipoproteins by Ultracentrifugation
Published on: January 28, 2021
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Pleiotropic effects of regular lipoprotein-apheresis
Helmut Sinzinger1, Sabine Steiner2, Kurt Derfler3
1Institute for Diagnosis and Treatment of Lipid Disorders and Atherosclerosis (ATHOS), Vienna, Austria.
Atherosclerosis. Supplements
|November 4, 2017
Summary
Lipoprotein apheresis significantly improves endothelial function and cardiac parameters in familial hypercholesterolemia patients long-term, beyond lipid reduction. This enhances overall clinical benefit.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Nephrology
- Hematology
Background:
- Lipoprotein apheresis (LP apheresis) is a primary treatment for severe familial hypercholesterolemia.
- The mechanisms behind LP apheresis' clinical benefits are diverse and not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the non-lipid-lowering effects of LP apheresis on endothelial function and cardiac parameters.
- To compare the efficacy of direct adsorption of lipoproteins (DALI) versus dextran sulfate (DS) apheresis.
Main Methods:
- Patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia underwent 10L blood exchange via DALI or DS apheresis.
- Assessed parameters included circulating endothelial cells, progenitor cells, flow-mediated vasodilation, microalbuminuria, left ventricular ejection fraction, and homocysteine.
Main Results:
- A single apheresis session improved contractile response in statin-intolerant patients.
- Over six months, all assessed parameters, including endothelial function markers and cardiac function, showed significant improvement.
- No significant differences were observed between DALI and DS methods.
Conclusions:
- LP apheresis offers long-term improvements in endothelial function and cardiac parameters, extending beyond its lipid-lowering effects.
- These functional improvements are likely key contributors to the observed clinical benefits in familial hypercholesterolemia patients.
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