Mechanisms Behind NAFLD: a System Genetics Perspective
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo summarize the key factors contributing to the onset and progress of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and put them in a system genetics context. We particularly focus on how genetic regulation of hepatic lipids contributes to NAFLD.Recent FindingsNAFLD is characterized by excessive accumulation of fat in the liver. This can progress to steatohepatitis (inflammation and hepatocyte injury) and eventually, cirrhosis. The severity of NAFLD is determined by a combination of factors including obesity, insulin resistance, and lipotoxic lipids, along with genetic susceptibility. Numerous studies ...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - October 9, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Statin Use and Coronary Artery Calcification: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies and Randomized Controlled Trials
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review aimed to determine the association between statin use and coronary artery calcification (CAC), as detected by computed tomography in the general population, in previously published observational studies (OSs) and randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Recent FindingsA systematic search until February 2022 identified 41 relevant studies, comprising 29 OSs and 12 RCTs. We employed six meta-analysis models, stratifying studies based on design and effect metrics. For cohort studies, the pooled β of the association with CAC quantified by the Agatston score was 0.11 (95%CI = 0.05; 0.16), wi...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - October 5, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Updates in Small Interfering RNA for the Treatment of Dyslipidemias
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAtherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is still the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite excellent pharmacological approaches, clinical registries consistently show that many people with dyslipidemia do not achieve optimal management, and many of them are treated with low-intensity lipid-lowering therapies. Beyond the well-known association between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and cardiovascular prevention, the atherogenicity of lipoprotein(a) and the impact of triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins cannot be overlooked. Within this landscape, the use of RNA-based therapies...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - October 4, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease: Knowledge Gained from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos
This article summarizes the knowledge gained thus far on major CVD risk factors from this landmark study.Recent FindingsHCHS/SOL demonstrated the sizeable burdens of CVD risk in all major Hispanic/Latino groups in the US, as well as the marked variations in prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, obesity, and smoking by sex and background. It also identified sociodemographic, lifestyle, and sociocultural characteristics associated with risk factors.SummaryHCHS/SOL has yielded an expanding body of literature on characteristics associated with adverse CVD risk factors in this population. Long-term follow-...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - September 29, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Atherosclerosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to the general population, despite most patients being young females, who are not classically considered to be at high risk for cardiovascular disease using traditional risk assessment tools. The purpose of this review is to discuss the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis in SLE and raise awareness of the relationship between SLE and CVD.Recent FindingsThe increased risk of CVD in SLE patients is multifactorial, due to proatherogenic lipid profiles, immune dysregulation and inflammation, si...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - September 28, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Do Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins Equal Low-Density Lipoproteins in Risk of ASCVD?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewRecent large clinical trials have failed to show that triglyceride-rich lipoprotein-lowering therapies decrease the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In this review, we reconcile these findings with evidence showing that elevated levels of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and the cholesterol they contain, remnant cholesterol, cause ASCVD alongside low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.Recent FindingsResults from observational epidemiology, genetic epidemiology, and randomized controlled trials indicate that lowering of remnant cholesterol and LDL cholesterol decrease ASCVD r...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - September 28, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Impacts of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease on Acute Coronary Syndrome: Evidence and Controversies
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAcute coronary syndrome (ACS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are two clinically common disease entities that share numerous risk factors. This review aimed to discuss the impacts of NAFLD on ACS.Recent FindingsIn an era of improved control of traditional risk factors, the substantial burden of cardiometabolic abnormalities has caused widespread concern. NAFLD is considered the hepatic component of metabolic syndrome, which can exert an impact on human health beyond the liver. Accumulating studies have demonstrated that NAFLD is closely related to cardiovascular disease, especially co...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - September 28, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
The TICE Pathway: Mechanisms and Potential Clinical Applications
This article focuses on the research progress of the TICE pathway in the last few years, including the discovery process of the TICE pathway, its molecular mechanism, and potential clinical applications.Recent FindingsCholesterol homeostasis is vital for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases. Beyond the cholesterol excretion via hepatobiliary pathway, TICE contributes significantly to reverse cholesterol transport ex vivo and in vivo. Nuclear receptors are ligand-activated transcription factors that regulate cholesterol metabolism. The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and liver X receptor (LXR) activate...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - September 22, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Fixed Combination for the Treatment of Dyslipidaemia
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIt is clear from epidemiological studies that patients at high and very-high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) risk do not reach lipid guideline –recommended targets. Thus, fixed-dose combinations of statins/ezetimibe, bempedoic acid/ezetimibe and statins/fibrates may represent a further armamentarium in the field of lipid-lowering approaches in these individuals.Recent FindingsThe combination therapy of moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe is not inferior to high-intensity statin monotherapy in reducing cardiovascular outcomes. Drug discontinuation or dose reduction is ...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - September 16, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Precision Nutrition and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction: the Promise of High-Density Lipoproteins
AbstractPurpose of ReviewEmerging evidence supports the promise of precision nutritional approaches for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. Here, we discuss current findings from precision nutrition trials and studies reporting substantial inter-individual variability in responses to diets and dietary components relevant to CVD outcomes. We highlight examples where early precision nutrition research already points to actionable intervention targets tailored to an individual ’s biology and lifestyle. Finally, we make the case for high-density lipoproteins (HDL) as a compelling next generation target for precision nut...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - September 13, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Promoting Cardiovascular Health in the Community: Training the Next Generation of Scientists in the Jackson Heart Study
AbstractPurposeThe aim of this article is to show the impact of the use of National Institutes of Health (NIH) research supplements in the training of African American students affiliated with the Jackson Heart Study (JHS).Recent FindingsThe JHS Undergraduate Training and Education Center (UTEC) at Tougaloo College has had 19 students to be awarded research supplements.SummaryThe awardees gained invaluable skills while working on the research supplements. Additionally, research supplement awards inspired these students to not only consider working in health-related fields, but to continue to engage in research activities a...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - September 12, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Invasive Coronary Assessment in Myocardial Ischemia with No Obstructive Coronary Arteries
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is threefold: (i) to give an overview of well-established invasive methods for assessing patients with ischemia with no obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) in the cardiac catheterization laboratory; (ii) to describe the prognostic and treatment implications based on these findings, and (iii) to discuss current knowledge gaps and future perspectives.Recent FindingsRecent studies have demonstrated that invasive coronary function testing not only allows for risk stratification of patients with INOCA but also guides medical therapy with improvement in symptoms and quality o...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - September 8, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
Treatment of Lp(a): Is It the Future or Are We Ready Today?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal of this review is to present the pharmacodynamic effectiveness as well as the clinical efficacy and safety of investigational antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interference RNAs (siRNAs) drugs that specifically target lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)). The review will discuss whether the existing lipid-lowering therapies are adequate to treat high Lp(a) levels or whether it is necessary to use the emerging new therapeutic approaches which are based on the current RNA technologies.Recent FindingsLipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - September 5, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
The Greatly Under-Represented Role of Smooth Muscle Cells in Atherosclerosis
This article summarizes previous and recent research on the fundamental role of arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) as drivers of initial and, along with macrophages, later stages of human atherosclerosis.Recent FindingsStudies using human tissues and SMC lineage-tracing mice have reinforced earlier observations that SMCs drive initial atherogenesis in humans and contribute a multitude of phenotypes including foam cell formation hitherto attributed primarily to macrophages in atherosclerosis.SummaryArterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are the primary cell type in human pre-atherosclerotic intima and are responsible for the ...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - September 4, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
The Intersection Between COVID-19, Cardiovascular Disease, and Diet: a Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the top comorbidities associated with COVID-19 —both pre- and post-infection. This review examines the relationships between COVID-19 infection and cardiovascular health, with a specific focus on diet as an important modifiable risk factor.Recent FindingsPandemic era studies of individuals battling and recovering from COVID-19 infection suggest a strong link between metabolic diseases, such as CVD, and SARS-CoV-2 infection susceptibility and severity. Other studies also demonstrate how COVID-19 lockdown policies and quarantine recommendations led to drastic ...
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - August 30, 2023 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research
