New opportunities for lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: comparative characteristics of PCSK9-targeted therapy

Lipoprotein(a)- and low-density lipoprotein-derived cholesterol in nephrotic syndrome: Impact on lipid-lowering therapy?

BACKGROUND Patients with nephrotic syndrome have the highest lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] concentrations known. Lp(a) is an low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-like particle consisting of 45% cholesterol. The usual methods to determine LDL cholesterol do not distinguish between cholesterol derived from LDL and Lp(a) and are thus the net result of cholesterol levels from both lipoproteins. High Lp(a) concen...

Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Lowering Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol With Statin Therapy

BACKGROUND Extended follow-up of statin-based low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering trials improves the understanding of statin safety and efficacy. Examining cumulative cardiovascular events (total burden of disease) gives a better appreciation of the clinical value of statins. This article evaluates the long-term impact of therapy on mortality and cumulative morbidity in a high-risk co...

The future of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering therapy: An end to statin exceptionalism?

A screen of microbial culture broths led by Akira Endo in the 1970s led to the discovery of compactin, a competitive inhibitor of the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR). Subsequent development of closely related compounds gave rise to statin medications. Numerous clinical trials of statin therapy demonstrate robust reductions in both low-density lipoprotein ...

Lowering Cholesterol with PCSK9 Inhibitors

Low-density lipoprotein lowering therapy: an analysis of the options.

The hydromethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors, “statins,” have been remarkably effective in reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration, decreasing the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, and extending survival (1–5). Statins inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol primarily in the liver. The hepatocyte, as its content of cholesterol decre...