Harnessing nucleic acid-based therapeutics for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: state of the art

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Genetics
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Dyslipidemia is a primary, modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD).
• Existing lipid-lowering drugs, such as statins, have limitations in fully managing the global ACVD burden.
• Novel therapeutic strategies are crucial for effective ACVD treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of nucleic acid-based technologies for ACVD treatment.
• To highlight preclinical and clinical findings of these emerging therapies.
• To explore gene-silencing approaches for managing atherogenic lipoproteins.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical and clinical studies on nucleic acid-based therapies for ACVD.
• Focus on antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), siRNAs, miRNAs, and decoys.
• Analysis of gene mRNA degradation mechanisms to reduce atherogenic lipoproteins.

Main Results:

• Nucleic acid-based technologies demonstrate potential in targeting key proteins in lipoprotein metabolism.
• Gene-silencing approaches effectively decrease atherogenic lipoprotein levels.
• Preclinical and clinical data support the development of these novel therapies.

Conclusions:

• Nucleic acid-based technologies represent a promising new frontier in ACVD therapeutics.
• Targeting gene mRNA offers a viable strategy to combat dyslipidemia and reduce ACVD risk.
• Further clinical development of these approaches is warranted for ACVD management.