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Obicetrapib, a novel, selective cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor, reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), LDL particles, apolipoprotein (Apo) B, and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) when added to statins with or without ezetimibe. By substantially reducing LDL-C, obicetrapib has the potential to lower atherogenic lipoproteins in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) whose LDL-C levels remain high despite treatment with available maximally tolerated lipid-modifying therapies, addressing an unmet medical need in a patient population at high risk for cardiovascular events. BROADWAY (NCT05142722) and BROOKLYN (NCT05425745) are ongoing placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized Phase III trials designed to examine the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of obicetrapib as an adjunct to dietary intervention and maximally tolerated lipid-modifying therapies in participants with a history of ASCVD and/or underlying HeFH whose LDL-C is not adequately controlled. The primary efficacy endpoint was the percent change in LDL-C from baseline to day 84. Other endpoints included changes in Apo B, non-HDL-C, HDL-C, Apo A1, Lp(a), and triglycerides in addition to parameters evaluating safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics. BROADWAY also included an adjudicated assessment of major adverse cardiovascular events, measurements of glucose homeostasis, and an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring substudy. A total of 2,532 participants were randomized in BROADWAY and 354 in BROOKLYN to receive obicetrapib 10 mg or placebo (2:1) for 365 days with follow-up through 35 days after the last dose. Results from both trials are anticipated in 2024. These trials will provide safety and efficacy data to support the potential use of obicetrapib among patients with ASCVD or HeFH with elevated LDL-C for whom existing therapies are not sufficiently effective or well-tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 88 children without FH were followed-up for 20 years. • Lp(a) and cIMT were measured at baseline and after 10- and 20 years. • At baseline, Lp(a) was elevated in 11.1% of the children. • Lp(a) did not contribute significantly to arterial wall thickening (measured by cIMT). Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is independently associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). In a recent long-term follow-up study involving children with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), Lp(a) levels contributed significantly to early atherosclerosis, as measured by carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). To determine if this holds true for children without FH, we conducted a 20-year follow-up study, examining 88 unaffected siblings (mean age: 12.9 years) of children with FH. No significant association was found between Lp(a) and cIMT during follow-up (ß-adjusted [95% confidence interval] = 0.0001 [-0.008 to 0.008] mm per 50 nmol/L increase Lp(a), p = 0.97). In conclusion, our findings suggest that elevated levels of Lp(a) do not play a significant role in arterial wall thickening among children without FH during the 20-year follow-up period. This leads us to consider the possibility that cIMT may not be a suitable marker for detecting potential subtle changes in the arterial wall mediated by Lp(a) in the young, general population. However, it could also be that elevated Lp(a) is only a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis in the presence of other risk factors such as FH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Non-adherence to statin therapy is associated with increased risk for CAD. • This dynamic prediction model identifies patients at risk for non-adherence. • Time since diagnosis, CVD, prescription duration positively predicted adherence. • Pre-treatment LDL-C levels and statin intensity negatively predicted adherence. • Dynamically including past prescription adherence increased precision of the model. Statins are the primary therapy in patient with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). Non-adherence to statin therapy is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. We constructed a dynamic prediction model to predict statin adherence for an individual HeFH patient for each upcoming statin prescription. All patients with HeFH, identified by the Dutch Familial Hypercholesterolemia screening program between 1994 and 2014, were eligible. National pharmacy records dated between 1995 and 2015 were linked. We developed a dynamic prediction model that estimates the probability of statin adherence (defined as proportion of days covered >80%) for an upcoming prescription using a mixed effect logistic regression model. Static and dynamic patient-specific predictors, as well as data on a patient's adherence to past prescriptions were included. The model with the lowest AIC (Akaike Information Criterion) value was selected. We included 1094 patients for whom 21,171 times a statin was prescribed. Based on the model with the lowest AIC, age at HeFH diagnosis, history of cardiovascular event, time since HeFH diagnosis and duration of the next statin prescription contributed to an increased adherence, while adherence decreased with higher untreated LDL-C levels and higher intensity of statin therapy. The dynamic prediction model showed an area under the curve of 0.63 at HeFH diagnosis, which increased to 0.85 after six years of treatment. This dynamic prediction model enables clinicians to identify HeFH patients at risk for non-adherence during statin treatment. These patients can be offered timely interventions to improve adherence and further reduce cardiovascular risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Evolocumab did not impair cognitive function in pediatric FH after 24 weeks. • Abnormal cognitive decline was less frequent with evolocumab than with placebo. • Small improvements observed with evolocumab in psychomotor function and attention. Evolocumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody inhibitor of PCSK9 approved for lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in adults and pediatric patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). The cognitive safety of evolocumab has been established in adults but has not yet been described in pediatric patients. To determine the effects of evolocumab on cognitive function in pediatric heterozygous FH. Cognitive function was assessed during a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (HAUSER-RCT) evaluating the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of 24 weeks of monthly subcutaneous injections of evolocumab in pediatric patients with FH. Cognitive safety endpoints included changes from baseline to week 24 in test scores in domains of psychomotor function, attention, visual learning, and executive function. Between-group differences in age-standardized mean test score changes were analyzed using analysis of covariance models and point estimates with 95% confidence interval (CI). Magnitudes of difference between treatment groups (Cohen's d) and reliable change indices were calculated for each cognitive function test. At week 24, changes from baseline in age-standardized cognitive test scores were similar between the treatment groups. Differences (95% CI) between the evolocumab and placebo groups in mean test score changes for the Groton Maze Learning, One-Card Learning, Identification, and Detection tests were 0.1 (–0.2, 0.4), –0.1 (–0.5, 0.4), 0.3 (0.0, 0.7), 0.3 (–0.1, 0.8), respectively. For all tests, abnormal and clinically important cognitive decline occurred with lesser frequency in the evolocumab group. In pediatric patients with FH, 24-week treatment with evolocumab did not negatively influence cognition. This study was funded and designed by Amgen. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ahj.2005.02.013 Byline: Joris W.J. Vriend (a), Eric de Groot (b), Tim T. de Waal (b), Frank M. Zijta (b), John J.P. Kastelein (b), Barbara J.M. Mulder (a) Abstract: In patients, after repair of aortic coarctation, abnormal function of the proximal precoarctation arterial conduits has been demonstrated, but data on arterial wall structure of proximal and distal arteries in patients are scarce. The aim of our study is to compare intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid and femoral arteries in controls and patients after coarctation repair and to identify independent predictors of carotid and femoral IMT. Author Affiliation: (a) Department of Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (b) Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Article History: Received 10 September 2004; Accepted 14 February 2005

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) patients remain at high risk for recurrent events. Cholesterol efflux, mediated by apolipoprotein A-I, removes excess cholesterol from atherosclerotic plaque and transports it to the liver for excretion. Impaired cholesterol efflux is associated with higher cardiovascular (CV) event rates among both patients with stable coronary artery disease and recent MI. CSL112, a novel intravenous formulation of apolipoprotein A-I (human) derived from human plasma, increases cholesterol efflux capacity. AEGIS-II is a phase 3, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial investigating the efficacy and safety of CSL112 compared to placebo among high-risk acute MI participants. Eligibility criteria include age ≥ 18 years with type 1 (spontaneous) MI, evidence of multivessel stable coronary artery disease, and presence of diabetes requiring pharmacotherapy, or ≥2 of the following: age ≥ 65 years, prior MI, or peripheral artery disease. A target sample of 17,400 participants will be randomized 1:1 to receive 4 weekly infusions of CSL112 6 g or placebo, initiated prior to or on the day of discharge and within 5 days of first medical contact. The primary outcome is the time to first occurrence of the composite of CV death, MI, or stroke through 90 days. Key secondary outcomes include the total number of hospitalizations for coronary, cerebral, or peripheral ischemia through 90 days and time to first occurrence of the composite primary outcome through 180 and 365 days. AEGIS-II will be the first trial to formally test whether enhancing cholesterol efflux can reduce the rate of recurrent major adverse CV events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ODYSSEY CHOICE I study (NCT01926782) evaluated alirocumab 300 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) in patients with hypercholesterolemia receiving maximally tolerated statin or no statin. The objective of the study was to assess the relationship between alirocumab, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations with the CHOICE I alirocumab dosing regimen. This analysis included 803 patients (547 statin-treated, 256 without statin) who were randomized to alirocumab 300 mg Q4W, alirocumab 75 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W), or placebo. 300 mg Q4W and 75 mg Q2W doses were adjusted to 150 mg Q2W at Week 12 if Week 8 LDL-C was >70 or >100 mg/dL, depending on cardiovascular risk, or if LDL-C reduction was <30% from baseline. Most patients remained on 300 mg Q4W without dose adjustment as they achieved study-defined LDL-C goals at Week 8 (statin-treated: 80.7%; no statin: 85.3%). LDL-C was reduced by 60.5%–71.9% over Weeks 20–24 in patients on 300 mg Q4W and 57.2%–63.0% in patients with dose adjustment from 300 mg Q4W to 150 mg Q2W. Statin-treated patients had higher cardiovascular risk as well as higher free PCSK9 and lower alirocumab concentrations (vs no statin), suggesting increased target-mediated clearance. Regardless of statin status, the most common adverse events in alirocumab-treated patients were injection-site reaction and headache. Data provide further insight on alirocumab's mode of action in terms of relationship between alirocumab, PCSK9, and LDL-C, and disease severity, and support the use of alirocumab 300 mg Q4W as an efficacious dosing regimen for clinically meaningful LDL-C reductions. • Alirocumab, PCSK9, and LDL-C relationships were assessed with alirocumab 300 mg Q4W. • >80% of patients (including those on statins) achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals with 300 mg Q4W. • Greater target-mediated clearance of alirocumab suggested in statin-treated patients. • Change to 150 mg Q2W more likely in statin-treated or higher baseline LDL-C patients. • Results provide further insight on alirocumab's mode of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: CSL112 (apolipoprotein A-I [human]) is a plasma-derived apolipoprotein A-I developed for early reduction of cardiovascular risk following an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The safety of CSL112 among AMI subjects with moderate, stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unknown.Methods: CSL112_2001, a multicenter, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, double-blind, randomized phase 2 trial, enrolled patients with moderate CKD within 7 days following AMI. Enrollment was stratified on the basis of estimated glomerular filtration rate and presence of diabetes requiring treatment. Patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive 4 weekly infusions of CSL112 6 g or placebo. The co-primary safety end points were renal serious adverse events (SAEs) and acute kidney injury, defined as an increase ≥26.5 μmol/L in baseline serum creatinine for more than 24 hours, during the treatment period.Results: A total of 83 patients were randomized (55 CSL112 vs 28 placebo). No increase in renal SAEs was observed in the CSL112 group compared with placebo (CSL112 = 1 [1.9%], placebo = 4 [14.3%]). Similarly, no increase in acute kidney injury events was observed (CSL112 = 2 [4.0%], placebo = 4 [14.3%]). Rates of other SAEs were similar between groups. CSL112 administration resulted in increases in ApoA-I and cholesterol efflux similar to those observed in patients with AMI and normal renal function or stage 2 CKD enrolled in the ApoA-I Event Reducing in Ischemic Syndromes I trial.Conclusions: These results demonstrate the acceptable safety of the 6-g dose of CSL112 among AMI subjects with moderate stage 3 CKD and support inclusion of these patients in a phase 3 cardiovascular outcomes trial powered to assess efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a dominant genetic disorder associated with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and premature atherosclerotic events. Although therapeutic monoclonal antibodies that inhibit proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) are indicated for LDL-C reduction among adult patients with FH, placebo-controlled outcome data among FH patients are scant. Objective Directly compare the efficacy of PCSK9 inhibition as compared to placebo on hard cardiovascular outcomes in FH patients enrolled in the Studies of PCSK9 Inhibition and the Reduction of vascular Events (SPIRE) program. Methods We estimated the efficacy of PCSK9 inhibition with bococizumab on future cardiovascular event rates among 1578 FH patients and 15,959 patients without FH who were selected for comparable lipid levels (on-statin levels of LDL-C >100 mg/dL or non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol > 130 mg/dL). All patients were randomized by computer generated codes to bococizumab 150 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks or to matching placebo in the SPIRE clinical trials program and were followed over a median period of 11.2 months for major adverse cardiovascular events (nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or cardiovascular death). Analysis is by intention to treat. The SPIRE trials are closed and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT01968954 , NCT01968967 , NCT02100514 , NCT01968980 , NCT01975376 , and NCT01975389 . Results Compared to non-FH patients, FH patients enrolled in the SPIRE trials were on average younger (58 vs 63 years), more likely to be women (42 vs 35%), more likely to be primary prevention patients (42 vs 23%), had higher mean baseline LDL-C levels (151 vs 127 mg/dL), and lower rates of diabetes (25 vs 52%) and hypertension (59 vs 82%). FH and non-FH patients both had 55% reductions in LDL-C with bococizumab. Among FH patients, major adverse cardiovascular events occurred among 18 of 781 allocated to bococizumab and 22 of 797 allocated to placebo (hazard ratio 0.83; 95% confidence interval 0.44–1.54, P = .55). This best estimate of effect was similar in magnitude to that observed in the much larger group of patients without FH (hazard ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.64–0.97, P = .023) with no statistically significant evidence of heterogeneity between groups ( P = .87). Incidence rate ratios comparing bococizumab to placebo for adverse events were similar among those with and without FH. The proportion of patients developing antidrug antibodies was higher among those with FH compared to those without FH (43% vs 36%, P < .001). Conclusions In these randomized placebo-controlled data, the subgroup of statin-treated FH patients had a similar magnitude of risk reduction for hard cardiovascular events with the PCSK9 inhibitor bococizumab as did patients without FH, with no evidence of statistical heterogeneity between groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Proprotein subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels are causative risk factors for coronary heart disease. Objectives The objective of the study was to determine the impact of lipid-lowering treatments on circulating PCSK9 and Lp(a). Methods We measured PCSK9 and Lp(a) levels in plasma samples from Investigation of Lipid Level Management to Understand its Impact in Atherosclerotic Events trial patients with coronary heart disease and/or type II diabetes (T2D) mellitus. Patients received atorvastatin, which was titrated (10, 20, 40, or 80 mg/d) to achieve low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels <100 mg/dL (baseline) and were subsequently randomized either to atorvastatin + torcetrapib, a cholesterol ester transfer protein inhibitor, or to atorvastatin + placebo. Results At baseline, both plasma PCSK9 and Lp(a) were dose-dependently increased with increasing atorvastatin doses. Compared with patients without T2D, those with T2D had higher PCSK9 (357 ± 123 vs 338 ± 115 ng/mL, P = .0012) and lower Lp(a) levels (28 ± 32 vs 32 ± 33 mg/dL, P = .0005). Plasma PCSK9 levels significantly increased in patients treated with torcetrapib (+13.1 ± 125.3 ng/mL [+3.7%], P = .005), but not in patients treated with placebo (+2.6 ± 127.9 ng/mL [+0.7%], P = .39). Plasma Lp(a) levels significantly decreased in patients treated with torcetrapib (−3.4 ± 10.7 mg/dL [−11.1%], P < .0001), but not in patients treated with placebo (+0.3 ± 9.4 mg/dL [+0.1%], P = .92). Conclusion In patients at high cardiovascular disease risk, PCSK9 and Lp(a) are positively and dose-dependently correlated with atorvastatin dosage, whereas the presence of T2D is associated with higher PCSK9 but lower Lp(a) levels. Cholesterol ester transfer protein inhibition with torcetrapib slightly increases PCSK9 levels and decreases Lp(a) levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Patients with autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia (ADH), caused by mutations in either low-density lipoprotein receptor ( LDLR ), apolipoprotein B ( APOB ), or proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 ( PCSK9 ) are characterized by high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and in some studies also high lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels were observed. The question remains whether this effect on Lp(a) levels is gene-dose–dependent in individuals with either 0, 1, or 2 LDLR or APOB mutations. Objective We set out to study whether Lp(a) levels differ among bi-allelic ADH mutation carriers, and their relatives, in the Netherlands. Methods Bi-allelic ADH mutation carriers were identified in the database of the national referral laboratory for DNA diagnostics of inherited dyslipidemias. Family members were invited by the index cases to participate. Clinical parameters and Lp(a) levels were measured in bi-allelic ADH mutation carriers and their heterozygous and unaffected relatives. Results We included a total of 119 individuals; 34 bi-allelic ADH mutation carriers (20 homozygous/compound heterozygous LDLR mutation carriers (HoFH), 2 homozygous APOB mutation carriers (HoFDB), and 12 double heterozygotes for an LDLR and APOB mutation), 63 mono-allelic ADH mutation carriers (50 heterozygous LDLR [HeFH], 13 heterozygous APOB [HeFDB] mutation carriers), and 22 unaffected family members. Median Lp(a) levels in unaffected relatives, HeFH, and HoFH patients were 19.9 (11.1–41.5), 24.4 (5.9–70.6), and 47.3 (14.9–111.7) mg/dL, respectively ( P = .150 for gene-dose dependency). Median Lp(a) levels in HeFDB and HoFDB patients were 50.3 (18.7–120.9) and 205.5 (no interquartile range calculated), respectively ( P = .012 for gene-dose-dependency). Double heterozygous carriers of LDLR and APOB mutations had median Lp(a) levels of 27.0 (23.5–45.0), which did not significantly differ from HoFH and HoFDB patients ( P = .730 and .340, respectively). Conclusion A (trend toward) increased plasma Lp(a) levels in homozygous ADH patients compared with both heterozygous ADH and unaffected relatives was observed. Whether increased Lp(a) levels in homozygous ADH patients add to the increased cardiovascular disease risk and whether this risk can be reduced by therapies that lower both low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and Lp(a) levels remains to be elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite aggressive pharmacotherapy and stenting, there is a residual risk of major adverse cardiovascular events among patients with acute coronary syndrome. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has been a major target for secondary acute coronary syndrome prevention; however, a better understanding of the physiologic function of HDL has demonstrated that a high cholesterol efflux capacity, rather than high HDL concentrations alone, may be critical to improving outcomes. CSL112, a reconstituted, infusible human apolipoprotein A-I, has been demonstrated to increase cholesterol efflux capacity and to have a protective effect in experimental models of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.Design: The AEGIS-I trial (ClinicalTrials.govNCT02108262) is a phase 2b, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging clinical trial to evaluate the hepatic and renal safety of multiple administrations of 2 doses of CSL112 among subjects with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Approximately 1,200 subjects (400 per treatment group) with either normal renal function or mild renal impairment will be enrolled up to 7 days after an AMI and will be stratified by renal function and randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to either 1 of 2 doses of CSL112 (either 2 g or 6 g) or placebo as a weekly 2-hour infusion over the course of 4 consecutive weeks. The coprimary safety endpoints will be the incidence of hepatic and renal toxicity, defined as either confirmed ALT >3 × ULN, total bilirubin >2 × ULN, serum creatinine ≥1.5×baseline value, or a new requirement for renal replacement therapy through the end of the active treatment period.Summary: The AEGIS-I trial will characterize the safety profile of CSL112, a reconstituted formulation of apolipoprotein A-I, and will assess if administration to patients with a recent AMI is associated with a clinically significant alteration in either liver or kidney function when compared with placebo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although statins significantly reduce vascular event rates, residual cholesterol risk remains high in many patient groups, including those with known vascular disease as well as in the setting of high-risk primary prevention. Bococizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9), prolongs the half-life of hepatic low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors, and reduces circulating atherogenic cholesterol levels.Design: The SPIRE program comprises 6 lipid-lowering studies and 2 cardiovascular outcomes trials, each comparing bococizumab (150 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks) to matching placebo. The 6 SPIRE lipid-lowering studies include 3 parallel 12-month assessments of bococizumab on atherogenic lipids among statin-treated individuals at high residual risk (SPIRE-HR, SPIRE-LDL, SPIRE-LL), one 12-month study of bococizumab among individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia (SPIRE-FH), one 6-month study of bococizumab among those with statin intolerance (SPIRE-SI), and one 3-month study of bococizumab delivery using an auto-injector device (SPIRE-AI). The SPIRE-1 and SPIRE-2 event-driven cardiovascular outcome trials will assess the efficacy and safety of bococizumab in the prevention of incident vascular events in high-risk populations with and without clinically evident cardiovascular disease who have directly measured entry LDL cholesterol levels ≥70 mg/dL (SPIRE-1, n = 17,000) or ≥100 mg/dL (SPIRE-2, n = 11,000).Summary: The SPIRE trials, inclusive of more than 30,000 participants worldwide, will ascertain the magnitude of reduction in atherogenic lipids that accrue with bococizumab and determine whether the addition of this PCSK9 inhibitor to standard treatment significantly reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in high-risk patients, including those without a history of clinical cardiovascular events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is characterized by severely elevated LDL-cholesterol and up to a 20-fold increase in premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). Objective Mipomersen has been shown to lower the levels of these atherogenic lipoproteins, but whether it lowers major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) has not been addressed. Methods This post hoc analysis of prospectively collected data of three randomized trials and an open-label extension phase included patients that were exposed to ≥12 months of mipomersen. MACE rates that occurred during 24 months before randomization in the mipomersen group were compared to MACE rates after initiation of mipomersen. Data from the trials included in this report are registered in Clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT00607373 , NCT00706849 , NCT00794664 , NCT00694109 ). The occurrence of MACE events, defined as cardiovascular death, nonfatal acute myocardial infarction, hospitalization for unstable angina, coronary revascularization and nonfatal ischemic stroke, was obtained from medical history data pre-treatment and adjudicated by an independent adjudication committee for events occurring post-treatment with mipomersen. Results MACEs were identified in 61.5% of patients (64 patients with 146 events [39 myocardial infarctions, 99 coronary revascularizations, 5 unstable angina episodes, 3 ischemic strokes]) during 24 months before mipomersen treatment, and in 9.6% of patients (10 patients with 13 events [1 cardiovascular death, 2 myocardial infarctions, 6 coronary interventions, 4 unstable angina episodes]) during a mean of 24.4 months after initiation of mipomersen (MACE rate 25.7 of 1000 patient-months vs 3.9 of 1000 patient-months, OR = 0.053 [95% CI, 0.016–0.168], P < .0001 by the exact McNemar test). The reduction in MACE coincided with a mean absolute reduction in LDL-C of 70 mg/dL (−28%) and of non-HDL cholesterol of 74 mg/dL (−26%) as well as reduction in Lp(a) of 11 mg/dL (−17%). Conclusion Long-term mipomersen treatment not only lowers levels of atherogenic lipoproteins but may also lead to a reduction in cardiovascular events in FH patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is caused by mutations in LDLR , APOB , or PCSK9 , and in a previous study, we identified a causative mutation in these FH genes in 95% (255 of 269) of children with the FH phenotype. It has been hypothesized that a polygenic form of hypercholesterolemia is present in FH patients in whom no mutation is identified in the 3 FH genes. Objective To address whether a polygenic form of hypercholesterolemia, defined as high-weighted effect of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) raising SNPs expressed as the genetic risk score (GRS), is present in the remaining 14 children. Methods and results On reassessment of the molecular diagnosis and clinical phenotype, 8 FH kindreds met the criteria for hypercholesterolemia of unknown cause and were included in this study. We calculated a weighted GRS comprising 10 established LDL-C–associated SNPs and the APOE genotype in these index cases and evaluated whether the index cases were characterized by an increased GRS compared to 26 first-degree relatives. Phenotypically affected and unaffected individuals could not be distinguished based on any of the risk scores. Conclusions In this and our previous study, we show that a causal mutation in LDLR , APOB , and PCSK9 can be identified in almost all children with a definite clinical diagnosis of FH. In the small group of patients without a mutation, we did not observe a higher GRS compared with unaffected relatives, which suggests that the FH phenotype is not caused by the aggregate of LDL-C increasing SNPs. Our data imply that application of the GRS is not instrumental as a diagnostic tool to individually define clinically diagnosed FH patients with polygenic hypercholesterolemia in our study population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Statin-mediated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering fails to prevent more than half of cardiovascular events in clinical trials. Serial plaque imaging studies have highlighted the benefits of aggressive LDL-C lowering, with plaque regression evident in up to two-thirds of patients with achieved LDL-C levels <70 mg/dL. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors permit LDL-C-lowering by a further 54% to 75% in statin-treated patients. The impact of achieving very low LDL-C levels with PCSK9 inhibitors on coronary atherosclerosis has not been investigated.Aims: To test the hypothesis that incremental LDL-C lowering with the PCSK9 inhibitor, evolocumab, will result in a significantly greater change from baseline in coronary atheroma volume than placebo in subjects receiving maximally tolerated statin therapy.Methods: A phase 3, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the impact of evolocumab on coronary atheroma volume as assessed by serial coronary intravascular ultrasound at baseline in patients undergoing a clinically indicated coronary angiogram with angiographic evidence of coronary atheroma, and after 78 weeks of treatment. Subjects (n = 968) were randomized 1:1 into 2 groups to receive monthly either evolocumab 420 mg or placebo subcutaneous injections.Conclusions: The GLAGOV trial will explore whether greater degrees of plaque regression are achievable with ultrahigh-intensity LDL-C lowering after combination statin-PCSK9 inhibitor therapy. GLAGOV will provide important mechanistic, safety, and efficacy data prior to the eagerly anticipated clinical outcomes trials testing the PCSK9 inhibitor hypothesis (www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01813422). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Lomitapide is an orally active selective inhibitor of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein approved as adjunctive therapy for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). The Lomitapide Observational Worldwide Evaluation Registry (LOWER) is a global, long-term, prospective, observational treatment registry established as a regulatory requirement. Objectives LOWER will evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of lomitapide in clinical practice. The objectives include evaluation of the occurrence of events of special interest and assessment of the long-term effectiveness of lomitapide in maintaining reduced serum lipid levels. Methods LOWER is a noninterventional study open to eligible lomitapide-treated patients. At least 300 patients will be enrolled and followed for at least 10 years. Data will be collected in conjunction with usual care visits and analyzed annually. LOWER includes a cardiovascular imaging substudy; an independent pregnancy exposure registry is also open. Results Events of special interest include hepatic abnormalities, gastrointestinal events, certain gastrointestinal tumors, major adverse cardiovascular events, and events associated with coagulopathy. Data will be collected on demographics, diagnosis, patient history, lomitapide dosing, concomitant treatment, lipid profile, and other laboratory results. Conclusion LOWER will assess the long-term safety, efficacy, and patterns of use of lomitapide, increase understanding of the benefit-to-risk profile, and add to knowledge of HoFH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) is an autosomal dominant disorder leading to premature atherosclerosis. Guidelines recommend initiating statins early to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Studies have evaluated rosuvastatin in children aged ≥10 years, but its efficacy and safety in younger children is unknown. Methods Children with HeFH and fasting LDL-C >4.92 mmol/L (190 mg/dL) or >4.10 mmol/L (>158 mg/dL) with other cardiovascular risk factors received rosuvastatin 5 mg daily. Based on LDL-C targets (<2.85 mmol/L [<110 mg/dL]), rosuvastatin could be uptitrated to 10 mg (aged 6–9 years) or 20 mg (aged 10–17 years). Treatment lasted 2 years. Changes in lipid values, growth, sexual maturation, and adverse events (AEs) were assessed. Results The intention-to-treat analysis included 197 patients. At 24 months, LDL-C was reduced by 43, 45, and 35% vs baseline in patients aged 6–9, 10–13, and 14–17 years, respectively ( P < .001 for all groups). Most AEs were mild. Intermittent myalgia was reported in 11 (6%) patients and did not lead to discontinuation of rosuvastatin treatment. Serious AEs were reported by 9 (5%) patients, all considered unrelated to treatment by the investigators. No clinically important changes in hepatic biochemistry were reported. Rosuvastatin treatment did not appear to adversely affect height, weight, or sexual maturation. Conclusions In HeFH patients aged 6–17 years, rosuvastatin 5–20 mg over 2 years significantly reduced LDL-C compared with baseline. Treatment was well tolerated, with no adverse effects on growth or sexual maturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Omega-3 fatty acids in free fatty acid form have enhanced bioavailability, and plasma levels are less influenced by food than for ethyl ester forms. Objective: The aim was to evaluate the safety and lipid-altering efficacy in subjects with severe hypertriglyceridemia of an investigational pharmaceutical omega-3 free fatty acid (OM3-FFA) containing eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Methods: This was a multinational, double-blind, randomized, out-patient study. Men and women with triglycerides (TGs) ≥500 mg/dL, but <2000 mg/dL, took control (olive oil [OO] 4 g/d; n = 99), OM3-FFA 2 g/d (plus OO 2 g/d; n = 100), OM3-FFA 3 g/d (plus OO 1 g/d; n = 101), or OM3-FFA 4 g/d (n = 99) capsules for 12 weeks in combination with the National Cholesterol Education Program Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes diet. Results: Fasting serum TGs changed from baseline by −25.9% (P < .01 vs OO), −25.5% (P < .01 vs OO), and −30.9% (P < .001 vs OO) with 2, 3, and 4 g/d OM3-FFA, respectively, compared with −4.3% with OO. Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), total cholesterol-to-HDL-C ratio, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, remnant-like particle cholesterol, apolipoprotein CIII, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, and arachidonic acid were significantly lowered (P < .05 at each OM3-FFA dosage vs OO); and plasma eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were significantly elevated (P < .001 at each OM3-FFA dosage vs OO). With OM3-FFA 2 and 4 g/d (but not 3 g/d), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly increased compared with OO (P < .05 vs OO). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein responses with OM3-FFA did not differ significantly from the OO response at any dosage. Fewer subjects reported any adverse event with OO vs OM3-FFA, but frequencies across dosage groups were similar. Discontinuation due to adverse event, primarily gastrointestinal, ranged from 5% to 7% across OM3-FFA dosage groups vs 0% for OO. Conclusions: OM3-FFA achieved the primary end point for TG lowering and secondary end point of non-HDL-C lowering at 2, 3, and 4 g/d in persons with severe hypertriglyceridemia. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01242527. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: This study hypothesized that 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) can identify carotid plaque cholesteryl ester in vivo in humans. Background: Liquid phase cholesteryl ester comprises a major fraction of atherosclerotic plaque, and its abundance is associated with plaque rupture and atherothrombosis. A noninvasive imaging technique to detect liquid cholesteryl ester that has been applied ex vivo is now demonstrated in vivo. Methods: 1H-MRS scans were obtained of carotid plaques of 35 subjects at 3.0 T. Turbo spin echo, black blood, T1-weighted images were acquired for localization. Spectra were acquired using a 2-dimensional point resolved spectroscopy sequence: repetition time/echo time = 1,100/30 ms, 5-mm slice thickness, 8 × 8-cm field of view, 16 × 16 matrix size, and 13-min acquisition time. Saturation bands were placed around the artery. Resonance of methylene protons and allylic methylene protons were assigned to 1.2 ppm and 2.0 ppm. The 2.0:1.2 ppm ratio was calculated to reflect the ratio of the fatty acid composition of plaque cholesteryl ester to that of triglycerides of perivascular tissue. We obtained spectra of lipid standards as a reference. Results: Our 1H-MRS data showed typical spectra of cholesteryl ester mixed with triglycerides, with intense resonance from methylene (1.2 ppm) and allylic methylene (2.0 ppm) protons. The average 2.0:1.2 ppm ratio was 0.10 ± 0.03. The 2.0:1.2 ppm ratio correlated with the plaque tissue volume to perivascular tissue volume ratio (Spearman rho = 0.55, p = 0.02), suggesting that more 1H-MRS signal was obtained from cholesteryl ester when the 1H-MRS voxel comprised more plaque tissue. Repeat 1H-MRS scans in 4 subjects showed an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.92 (95% prediction intervals: 0.40 to 0.99), indicating good reproducibility. Seventeen of the 35 1H-MRS spectra were of adequate quality for analysis. Conclusions: In vivo image-guided 1H-MRS for detection of liquid phase cholesteryl ester in carotid atherosclerotic plaques in humans is feasible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To assess the follow-up of children diagnosed as having familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in the nationwide DNA-based cascade screening program (the Netherlands). Study design: Questionnaires covering topics such as demographics, family history, physician consultation, and treatment were sent to parents of patients with FH (age 0-18 years), 18 months after diagnosis. Results: We retrieved 207 questionnaires of patients aged 10.9 ± 4.2 years (mean ± SD) at diagnosis; 48% were boys, and the mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level at diagnosis was 167 ± 51 mg/dL. Of these patients, 164 (79%) consulted a physician: a general practitioner (35%), lipid-clinic specialist (27%), pediatrician (21%), internist (11%), or another physician (6%). LDL-C level at diagnosis and a positive family history for cardiovascular disease were independent predictors for physician consultation. Of the patients who visited a physician, 62% reported to have received lifestyle advice, and 43 (26%) were prescribed statin treatment. Independent predictors for medication use were age, LDL-C level, and educational level of parents. Conclusion: The follow-up of children with FH after diagnosis established through cascade screening is inadequate. Better education of patients, parents, and physicians, with a structured follow-up after screening, should improve control of LDL-C levels and hence cardiovascular risk in children with FH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The goal of this study was to evaluate whether individuals with a positive family history for premature coronary artery disease (CAD) and coronary calcium scoring (CCS) above the 80th percentile might benefit from preventive treatment. Background: First-degree relatives of patients with premature CAD have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), whereas events are poorly predicted in these individuals. Surrogate markers, such as CCS, might refine risk scoring. Nevertheless, the outcome of the St. Francis Heart trial, which investigated the effect of atorvastatin 20 mg/day in asymptomatic individuals with CCS above the 80th percentile, did not reach statistical significance. Methods: We performed a post hoc analysis on the database of the St. Francis trial to assess efficacy of treatment with atorvastatin 20 mg/day in those with CCS above the 80th percentile and presence (n = 543) or absence (n = 462) of a positive family history for premature CAD. All participants received aspirin 81 mg/day. Primary outcome included coronary death, myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, stroke, and arterial surgery. Results: A total of 1,005 individuals, with a mean age of 59.0 ± 5.9 years and a median absolute CCS of 370 Agatston units (interquartile range: 183 to 662) participated in the trial. After a follow-up of 4.3 (interquartile range: 3.5 to 4.5) years, 7.2% of the treated individuals with a positive family history had a cardiovascular event versus 12.5% of the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.55; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.31 to 0.97; p = 0.040). This is comparable with a number needed to treat of 18.9. In individuals without a family history, events were minimally reduced: 6.6% in the treated versus 6.8% in the placebo group (HR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.51 to 2.13; p = 0.912). Conclusions: The combination of a positive family history and CCS above the 80th percentile identifies a subgroup within the primary prevention population that receives greater benefit from statin treatment than the population at large. These results have important implications for future guidelines concerning individuals with a positive family history for premature CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Genome-wide association studies have identified GALNT2 as a candidate gene in lipid metabolism, but it is not known how the encoded enzyme ppGalNAc-T2, which contributes to the initiation of mucin-type O-linked glycosylation, mediates this effect. In two probands with elevated plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and reduced triglycerides, we identified a mutation in GALNT2. It is shown that carriers have improved postprandial triglyceride clearance, which is likely attributable to attenuated glycosylation of apolipoprotein (apo) C-III, as observed in their plasma. This protein inhibits lipoprotein lipase (LPL), which hydrolyses plasma triglycerides. We show that an apoC-III-based peptide is a substrate for ppGalNAc-T2 while its glycosylation by the mutant enzyme is impaired. In addition, neuraminidase treatment of apoC-III which removes the sialic acids from its glycan chain decreases its potential to inhibit LPL. Combined, these data suggest that ppGalNAc-T2 can affect lipid metabolism through apoC-III glycosylation, thereby establishing GALNT2 as a lipid-modifying gene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease and a target of treatment. Lp-PLA2 levels in children have not been previously reported. The effect of statin therapy on Lp-PLA2 mass and activity in children with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is also not known. Methods: Lp-PLA2 mass and activity levels were measured at baseline and after 2 years in 178 children with FH randomized to pravastatin or placebo and in 78 unaffected and untreated siblings. At the end of the randomized period, all FH children were then placed on pravastatin for an additional 2 years, and Lp-PLA2 mass and activity levels were correlated with changes in carotid intima-media thickness during 4 years of follow-up. Results: Baseline levels of Lp-PLA2 mass and activity were significantly greater in children with FH compared with unaffected siblings (mass: 240.3 ± 41.6 vs 222.1 ± 36.5 ng/mL, P = .002; activity: 205.7 ± 41.6 vs 124.3±23.0 nmol/min/mL, P < .0001). In the randomized FH cohort, after 2 years treatment, Lp-PLA2 mass (217.8 ± 35.0 vs 231.5 ± 34.8 ng/mL, P = .001) and activity (178.8 ± 37.3 vs 206.2 ± 33.5 nmol/min/mL, P < .0001) were significantly reduced by pravastatin compared with placebo. Change in Lp-PLA2 activity was related to change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (pravastatin: r = 0.53, P < .0001, placebo: r = 0.23, P < .001) but change in Lp-PLA2 mass was not related to change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Baseline levels of Lp-PLA2 mass and activity were not significantly associated with carotid intima-media thickness at baseline or at 4 years. Conclusion: Lp-PLA2 mass and activity are significantly elevated in children with heterozygous FH compared with unaffected siblings and are significantly reduced by pravastatin therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Although peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare disease, it has very serious consequences for both mother and child. No single cause has been held responsible for the pathogenesis. Recent studies have indicated that increased proteolytic cathepsin D activity in cardiomyocytes results in16kDa prolactin fragments with anti-angiogenic and apoptotic properties, which may contribute to the development of PPCM. In support of these findings, lowering full-length prolactin production by bromocriptine therapy has been reported to prevent impairment of cardiac function. PPCM is associated with an increased co-existence of pre-eclampsia, however, a causal relationship has been disputed. We hypothesize that the pathophysiology of PPCM and pre-eclampsia share the same molecular pathway: increased activity of trophoblastic matrix metalloproteinases at the feto-maternal interface may aggravate proteolysis of full-length prolactin, and subsequently the formed 16kDa prolactin fragments may contribute to deterioration of PPCM and pre-eclampsia. Therefore, we argue that it may be worthwhile to explore wether prolactin inhibition is not only beneficial for PPCM patients, but also for the much more prevalent pre-eclamptic women. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: We compared in vivo 3.0-T magnetic resonance (MR) images of the carotid artery wall in piglets to intima-media thickness measurements of similar carotid segments by B-mode ultrasound (US) and histology to define the corresponding anatomical tissue characteristics and accuracy of carotid MR images. Background: Carotid MR is increasingly used for the assessment of cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular drug efficacy. Therefore, determining the anatomical correlate and accuracy of this modality is of major importance. Methods: In vivo 3.0-T MR and B-mode US scans of the left and right common carotid arteries were performed in 5 piglets (75 to 80 kg). The T1-weighted MR images were acquired with a noninterpolated pixel size of 0.25 × 0.25 mm for mean wall area (MWA) and mean wall thickness measurements. The B-mode US measured common carotid intima-media thickness and common carotid diameter. We calculated US MWA using common carotid intima-media thickness and carotid diameter. In histology, the intima and media tissue area was defined as histology MWA. Results: Histology MWA was 4.69 (standard deviation [SD]: 0.95) mm2, MR MWA was 4.57 (SD: 0.41) mm2, and US MWA was 4.90 (SD: 0.50) mm2. The mean difference was 0.12 (SD: 1.11) mm2 for MR and –0.21 (SD: 1.01) mm2 for US when compared with histology. Bland-Altman analysis showed no systematic biases between MR, US, or histology. Conclusions: Absolute values for carotid artery histology, MR, and US measurements are in good agreement, indicating that both 3.0-T MR and B-mode US measurements can visualize the intima and media. Accuracy of 3.0-T MR is comparable to B-mode US. The present findings imply that carotid MR might be a novel asset in cardiovascular disease risk stratification and a valuable surrogate marker in cardiovascular prevention trials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To determine lipoprotein particle concentrations and size in children with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and investigate the effect of pravastatin therapy on these measures. Study design: Lipoprotein particle concentrations and sizes were examined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in 144 children with FH and 45 unaffected siblings. The effect of pravastatin therapy (20 to 40 mg) on lipoprotein particle concentration and size were compared with placebo after 1 year of treatment, using analysis of covariance. Results: Compared with the unaffected siblings, the children with FH had significantly higher concentrations of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles (115.6 nmol/L vs 51.2 nmol/L; P < .001) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles (1726.8 nmol/L vs 955.3 nmol/L; P < .001), and lower concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles (23.2 μmol/L vs 26.9 μmol/L; P < .001). Compared with placebo, pravastatin therapy decreased the concentration of VLDL particles by 35.9 nmol/L (P < .001), of total LDL particles by 342.7 nmol/L (P < .001), of large LDL particles by 189.5 nmol/L (P < .001), and of small LDL particles by 156.2 nmol/L (P = .152), but increased the concentration of total HDL particles by 2.2 μmol/L (P < .001), of large HDL particles by 1.0 μmol/L (P = .006), and of medium HDL particles by 1.1 μmol/L (P = .003). VLDL particle size increased by 1.0 nm (P = .032). Conclusions: Compared with their healthy siblings, children with FH have an atherogenic lipoprotein profile based on their lipoprotein distribution and lipoprotein particle diameter. Pravastatin therapy can improve, but not fully restore, these lipoprotein abnormalities toward normal levels in these children. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: This subanalysis of the TNT (Treating to New Targets) study investigates the effects of intensive lipid lowering with atorvastatin in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) with and without pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Background: Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with CKD. Methods: A total of 10,001 patients with CHD were randomized to double-blind therapy with atorvastatin 80 mg/day or 10 mg/day. Patients with CKD were identified at baseline on the basis of an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. The primary efficacy outcome was time to first major cardiovascular event. Results: Of 9,656 patients with complete renal data, 3,107 had CKD at baseline and demonstrated greater cardiovascular comorbidity than those with normal eGFR (n = 6,549). After a median follow-up of 5.0 years, 351 patients with CKD (11.3%) experienced a major cardiovascular event, compared with 561 patients with normal eGFR (8.6%) (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18 to 1.54; p < 0.0001). Compared with atorvastatin 10 mg, atorvastatin 80 mg reduced the relative risk of major cardiovascular events by 32% in patients with CKD (HR = 0.68; 95% CI 0.55 to 0.84; p = 0.0003) and 15% in patients with normal eGFR (HR = 0.85; 95% CI 0.72 to 1.00; p = 0.049). Both doses of atorvastatin were well tolerated in patients with CKD. Conclusions: Aggressive lipid lowering with atorvastatin 80 mg was both safe and effective in reducing the excess of cardiovascular events in a high-risk population with CKD and CHD. (Treating to New Targets Study; NCT00327691) [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recently, we reported that C-reactive protein (CRP) elicits inflammatory and procoagulant responses in humans. In addition, CRP has been associated with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. To further explore interactions between CRP and glucose handling, we evaluated the effects of CRP infusion on glucose metabolism in humans. Seven healthy white male volunteers (age, 39.3 ± 16.9 years) received a single bolus infusion of 1.25 mg/kg purified recombinant human (rh) CRP or CRP-free diluent in a crossover design. C-reactive protein infusion induced an inflammatory response, which was followed by increased plasma concentrations of norepinephrine (3 hours) and cortisol (4 hours). Concomitantly, plasma concentrations of insulin and C-peptide decreased transiently. These metabolic changes increased plasma glucose concentrations from 8 hours after CRP infusion, which was preceded by an increased rate of glucose appearance that was a direct consequence of increased gluconeogenesis. In conclusion, CRP infusion induces an inflammatory response followed by increased norepinephrine and cortisol levels, which results in increased gluconeogenesis. This finding implies that elevated levels of CRP in humans may in fact contribute to altered glucose metabolism and thereby may contribute to the induction of type 2 diabetes mellitus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To examine the effect of plant stanols on lipids and endothelial function in pre-pubertal children with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Study design: Children with FH (n = 42), aged 7-12 years, were enrolled in a double-blind crossover trial, in which they consumed 500 mL of a low-fat yogurt enriched with 2.0 g of plant stanols and 500 mL of a low-fat placebo yogurt for 4 weeks, separated by a 6-week washout period. Lipid profiles and endothelial function were assessed after both consumption periods. Endothelial function was measured as flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. Results: This daily intake of 2.0 g of stanols significantly decreased the levels of total cholesterol (TC) by 7.5% and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 9.2% as compared with placebo. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels remained unaltered. The reduction of LDL-C levels did not improve FMD, which was 10.5% ± 5.1% after plant stanol consumption and 10.6% ± 5.0% after placebo consumption, respectively (P = .852). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that plant stanols reduce LDL-C levels in children with FH without improving endothelial function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Epidemiologic studies have shown that the concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is a strong, independent, inverse predictor of coronary heart disease risk. This identifies HDL-C as a potential therapeutic target. Compared with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)-lowering agents, however, currently available HDL-raising drugs are relatively ineffective. Consequently, recent years have seen considerable efforts expended on identifying new drugs that can raise HDL-C. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays an important role in cholesterol metabolism, being responsible for the transfer of cholesteryl esters from HDL to very low-density lipoproteins and LDLs. The observation that Japanese populations with CETP deficiency exhibited high levels of HDL-C has led to the concept that drugs targeting CETP activity may elevate HDL-C levels and potentially decrease cardiovascular risk. Support of this proposition has been obtained in rabbits where inhibition of CETP activity is markedly antiatherogenic. Two CETP inhibitors—torcetrapib and JTT-705—are currently in the preliminary stages of clinical development. Initial studies with these drugs in humans show that they substantially increase HDL-C levels and modestly decrease LDL-C levels. Larger, long-term, randomized, clinical end point trials are required to determine whether the beneficial effects of CETP inhibitors on lipoprotein metabolism can translate into reductions in cardiovascular events. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]