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Updated: Jan 24, 2026

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
LDL cholesterol-lowering therapies: emphasis on proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors
F Sabatel-Pérez1, A García-Ropero2, C G Santos-Gallego2
1Atherothrombosis Research Unit, Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; Cardiology Deparment, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo, Toledo, Spain.
Insights
Lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is crucial for managing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Newer therapies like PCSK9 inhibitors offer improved control, supporting the
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a primary global cause of mortality.
- Hypercholesterolemia, particularly elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), is a significant risk factor for ASCVD.
- Established clinical trials confirm a strong correlation between LDL-C levels and cardiovascular events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development and efficacy of lipid-lowering therapies for managing hypercholesterolemia.
- To highlight the role of newer agents like ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors in achieving target LDL-C levels.
- To reinforce the 'lower is better' and 'earlier is better' principles in ASCVD management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical trials and pharmacological data.
- Analysis of the cholesterol biosynthesis and metabolism pathways.
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of statins, ezetimibe, and PCSK9 inhibitors.
Main Results:
- Statins are foundational but may not achieve target LDL-C reduction alone.
- Ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors represent more potent therapeutic options.
- Recent studies support aggressive LDL-C lowering for better cardiovascular outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The 'lower the better' principle is reinforced by advanced lipid-lowering therapies.
- Early intervention in atherosclerotic pathophysiology is critical for improved prognosis.
- PCSK9 inhibitors and ezetimibe offer significant advancements in managing hypercholesterolemia and reducing cardiovascular risk.
Abstract:
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death all over the world. Its etiopathogenesis involves many correlated processes, with hypercholesterolemia being one of the main risk factors. Several large clinical trials have established the association between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and cardiovascular events. With the aim to take control over high LDL-C levels, several drugs with different targets in the cholesterol pathway have been developed. Statins are the cornerstone of pharmacological lipid-lowering treatment, although they are not always successful in attaining the recommended LDL-C levels. Therefore, newer and more potent therapies have been developed, being prominent among them ezetimibe and especially the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors. Recent trials with these new therapies have reaffirmed the theory of 'the lower, the better' when it comes to LDL-C levels, and 'the earlier, the better' when it comes to atherosclerotic physiopathology.
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