Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2025

Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Composition in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage-Tracing Mice
Published on: February 20, 2019
Remnant cholesterol and low-grade inflammation jointly in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: implications for
Daniel Elías-López1,2,3, Takahito Doi1,2, Børge G Nordestgaard1,2,4
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev Gentofte.
Insights
Elevated remnant cholesterol and low-grade inflammation significantly increase atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. Their combined presence poses a particularly high risk, necessitating further research into targeted therapies for ASCVD prevention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Inflammation Research
- Lipid Metabolism
Background:
- Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains a leading cause of mortality globally.
- Residual ASCVD risk is partly explained by elevated remnant cholesterol and low-grade inflammation.
- The combined effect of these factors on ASCVD risk is a growing area of concern.
Approach:
- Review of recent observational and genetic Mendelian randomization studies.
- Analysis of the independent and combined roles of remnant cholesterol and inflammation in ASCVD.
- Evaluation of current evidence on the dual threat of high remnant cholesterol and low-grade inflammation.
Key Points:
- Recent studies confirm a causal link between elevated remnant cholesterol, low-grade inflammation, and ASCVD risk.
- The coexistence of high remnant cholesterol and low-grade inflammation amplifies ASCVD risk.
- Observational data highlights this dual risk factor combination as particularly dangerous.
Conclusions:
- Elevated remnant cholesterol and low-grade inflammation are critical contributors to ASCVD risk.
- The synergistic effect of these factors warrants increased clinical attention.
- Further research is needed to explore the efficacy of combined lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory treatments for ASCVD.
Purpose Of Review:
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of death despite the development of effective treatments. Recently, elevated remnant cholesterol and low-grade inflammation have emerged as factors explaining part of the residual ASCVD risk. Interestingly, the coexistence of both high remnant cholesterol and low-grade inflammation can further increase the risk of ASCVD. The aim of this review is to describe the role of elevated remnant cholesterol and low-grade inflammation, separately and combined, in ASCVD.
Recent Findings:
Results from recently published studies, including observational and genetic Mendelian randomization studies, support a causal relationship between elevated remnant cholesterol and low-grade inflammation on risk of ASCVD in both primary and secondary prevention settings. In addition, current evidence from observational studies suggests that the coexistence of elevated remnant cholesterol and low-grade inflammation further increases the risk of ASCVD.
Summary:
Recent observational studies suggest that high remnant cholesterol combined with low-grade inflammation may confer a particular high risk for ASCVD. Attention on the dual threat from high remnant cholesterol and low-grade inflammation is necessary, and further research in this field is warranted. The effect of remnant cholesterol-lowering drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs on ASCVD risk alone and combined remains to be elucidated.
Video Abstract:
http://links.lww.com/COCN/A20.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Inflammation
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Considering cholesterol and...
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements

