Atherosclerosis
-
Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a causal risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) events. European guidelines recommend reducing LDL-C as the primary lipid target to reduce CV risk, using lifestyle modifications and lipid-lowering therapy (LLT). Many European patients do not achieve guideline-recommended LDL-C levels. The present database analysis aimed to assess LLT treatment patterns and LDL-C threshold attainment in Germany in a large, real-world cohort of patients. ⋯ In this high/very-high CV risk population in Germany, statin utilization was low; suggesting that LLTs are not prescribed as per European guidelines. These results highlight the need to increase LLT use among high-risk patients.
-
Angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) has emerged as a key regulator of lipoprotein metabolism in humans. Homozygous loss of ANGPTL3 function causes familial combined hypolipidemia characterized by low plasma levels of triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). While known effects of ANGPTL3 in inhibiting lipoprotein lipase and endothelial lipase contribute to the low TG and HDL-C, respectively, the basis of low LDL-C remains unclear. Our aim was to explore the role of ANGPTL3 in modulating plasma LDL-C. ⋯ Reduced secretion and increased uptake of ApoB-containing lipoproteins may contribute to the low LDL-C observed in mice and humans with genetic ANGPTL3 deficiency.