Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
08:24
Preparation and Characterization of Novel HDL-mimicking Nanoparticles for Nerve Growth Factor Encapsulation
Published on: May 22, 2017
7.8K
Lipoprotein(a) as a Pharmacological Target: Premises, Promises, and Prospects
Antonio Greco1, Simone Finocchiaro1, Marco Spagnolo1
1Division of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco," University of Catania, Italy.
Circulation
|February 10, 2025
Summary
Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is a potent, genetically determined risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Identifying individuals with high Lp(a) levels can guide preventive strategies and reduce cardiovascular events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) poses a significant global health challenge.
- Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is recognized as an independent ASCVD risk factor, exceeding LDL cholesterol in atherogenicity.
- Lp(a) contributes to ASCVD through pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic mechanisms, including oxidized phospholipid accumulation and interference with fibrinolysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of Lp(a) as a cardiovascular risk factor.
- To discuss the mechanisms underlying Lp(a)-driven atherothrombosis.
- To review current and emerging therapeutic strategies for Lp(a) reduction.
Main Methods:
- Review of genetic studies (Mendelian randomization) and clinical trial analyses.
- Examination of Lp(a) atherogenic pathways (e.g., vessel wall entry, receptor interactions).
- Overview of ongoing clinical investigations into novel Lp(a)-lowering therapies.
Main Results:
- Genetic studies confirm a causal relationship between elevated Lp(a) and cardiovascular outcomes.
- Lp(a) exhibits significantly higher atherogenicity than LDL on an equimolar basis.
- Multiple drug classes targeting Lp(a) are in clinical development, showing therapeutic promise.
Conclusions:
- A one-time Lp(a) measurement can identify at-risk individuals due to its genetic basis.
- Therapeutic reduction of Lp(a) is anticipated to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
- Increased Lp(a) testing and targeted treatments offer a promising population-level strategy for cardiovascular event prevention.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
517
Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
517
01:23Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
145
Prostacyclin receptor agonists are a class of therapeutic agents integral to managing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). These drugs operate by mimicking the action of prostaglandin I2, or PGI2, a naturally occurring compound in the body.
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
145
01:18Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Drug-Related Factors
71
Drug binding to proteins is a complex phenomenon influenced by various drug-related factors, each playing a significant role in the interaction between drugs and proteins within the body.
One crucial factor in drug-protein binding is the drug's lipophilicity or its affinity for fat. More lipophilic drugs tend to have higher binding extents. For example, highly lipophilic drugs like cloxacillin exhibit substantial protein binding, with as much as 95% of the drug binding to proteins. In...
One crucial factor in drug-protein binding is the drug's lipophilicity or its affinity for fat. More lipophilic drugs tend to have higher binding extents. For example, highly lipophilic drugs like cloxacillin exhibit substantial protein binding, with as much as 95% of the drug binding to proteins. In...
71
01:20Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Protein-Related Factors
112
Drug binding to proteins is a key aspect of pharmacokinetics and can influence a drug's distribution, absorption, and elimination in the body. Several factors, including the drug's physiochemical properties, protein concentration, disease states, and the number of binding sites on the protein, influence this process.
The physicochemical properties of a drug play a significant role in its ability to bind to proteins. Lipophilic drugs, which dissolve in fats, oils, and lipids, can be...
The physicochemical properties of a drug play a significant role in its ability to bind to proteins. Lipophilic drugs, which dissolve in fats, oils, and lipids, can be...
112
01:07Physiological Pharmacokinetic Models: Incorporating Hepatic Transporter-Mediated Clearance
26
Drug transporters are critical in drug absorption, distribution, and excretion processes. They should be included in physiological-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models, which help predict human drug disposition. However, predicting this is challenging during drug development, especially when liver transport is involved. However, with a realistic representation of body transport processes, an accurate model may be possible.
A recent model describes pravastatin's hepatobiliary excretion,...
A recent model describes pravastatin's hepatobiliary excretion,...
26
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
118
Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
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...
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...
118