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Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
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Lipoproteins and the progression/regression of atherosclerosis

J D Barth1

  • 1Department of Medicine (Cardiology), University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90033, USA.

Bailliere'S Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|October 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Lowering lipids, specifically reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, significantly reduces clinical events in coronary artery disease. Lipid modulation also appears to stabilize atherosclerotic lesions and improve longevity.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Lipidology
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) progression and regression are influenced by lipoproteins.
  • Lipid-lowering therapies are crucial for managing CAD.
  • Understanding the impact of lipid modulation on atherosclerotic plaque is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review angiographically assessed regression studies, B-mode ultrasound studies, and survival studies on lipid lowering and CAD.
  • To determine the correlation between lipid levels and atherosclerosis regression.
  • To evaluate the effect of lipid modulation on clinical events and patient longevity.

Main Methods:

  • Review of numerous angiographically assessed regression studies (e.g., NHLBI, LIT, FATS, POSCH).
  • Analysis of B-mode ultrasound studies (e.g., ACAPS, PLAC II) using carotid arteries as a surrogate.
  • Examination of survival studies (e.g., SSSS, Pravastatin, Oxford) assessing morbidity and longevity.

Main Results:

  • Regression of atherosclerosis strongly correlates with reduced LDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol.
  • Lipid modulation led to modest overall improvement in disease severity but impressive reduction in clinical events.
  • Lipid lowering demonstrated a reduction in morbidity and an increase in longevity in patients with established CAD.

Conclusions:

  • Lipid lowering is effective in reducing clinical events and improving survival in coronary heart disease.
  • Lipid modulation may stabilize atherosclerotic lesions by improving cap stability and reducing plaque cholesterol content.
  • Noninvasive B-mode ultrasound studies, particularly using the carotid artery, show promise for early detection and monitoring of atherosclerosis.

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