Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Andrey V. Susekov, Ludmila A. Korol, Gerald F. Watts
Summary: Elevated plasma LDL-C is a risk factor for ACSVD. Statins and new non-statin agents like bempedoic acid have shown efficacy in lowering cholesterol, but some high-risk patients still face cardiovascular risk. Bempedoic acid has demonstrated moderate cholesterol-lowering efficacy and good safety profile.
CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS AND THERAPY
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Akshyaya Pradhan, Monika Bhandari, Pravesh Vishwakarma, Abhishek Singh, Marco Alfonso Perrone, Rishi Sethi
Summary: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is spreading globally and particularly prevalent in developing countries like India. Statins, the first line therapy for LDL-C lowering, have shown benefits but have limitations in terms of side effects and efficacy. Bempedoic acid, a novel lipid-lowering agent, has been shown to effectively reduce LDL-C in combination with ezetimibe and has recently demonstrated a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events.
JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR DEVELOPMENT AND DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Maurizio Averna, Claudio Bilato, Giorgio Sesti
Summary: Bempedoic acid (BA) is a novel oral lipid-lowering therapy approved in Europe and the US. Italian experts gathered to discuss and answer questions on BA characteristics and practical clinical issues.
NUTRITION METABOLISM AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Stephen J. Nicholls, A. Michael Lincoff, Harold E. Bays, Leslie Cho, Diederick E. Grobbee, John J. P. Kastelein, Peter Libby, Patrick M. Moriarty, Jorge Plutzky, Kausik K. Ray, Paul D. Thompson, William Sasiela, Denise Mason, Jaclyn McCluskey, Deborah Davey, Kathy Wolski, Steven E. Nissen
Summary: Bempedoic acid, as a new drug, effectively lowers atherogenic lipoproteins in patients with statin-associated muscle symptoms. The CLEAR Outcomes study will evaluate the impact of Bempedoic acid on the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in high vascular risk patients.
AMERICAN HEART JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Surasak Wichaiyo, Wasu Supharattanasitthi
Summary: Bempedoic acid is a novel lipid-lowering drug that can effectively lower LDL-C levels by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis pathway and has anti-inflammatory activity. While well tolerated by most patients, monitoring of common adverse reactions and awareness of potential risks are necessary.
CLINICAL DRUG INVESTIGATION
(2021)
Review
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Johnathon Seth Parham, Anne Carol Goldberg
Summary: This article reviews treatment concepts for two of the newest lipid-lowering medications, including bempedoic acid and inclisiran, which represent new avenues for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, addressing challenges with medication adherence more comprehensively.
CURRENT ATHEROSCLEROSIS REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Claudio Bilato, Giorgio Sesti, Maurizio Averna
Summary: Due to drug intolerance, poor adherence to therapy, and the inapplicability of current guidelines' stepwise strategy in lipid lowering therapy, a small proportion of high-risk patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease fail to achieve the optimal target of LDL-cholesterol. Bempedoic acid, a new oral agent, inhibits an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis and up-regulates LDL receptors, leading to significant reduction in LDL-cholesterol and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia. Bempedoic acid is well tolerated and provides an effective add-on therapy for patients unable to reach the target with maximally tolerated lipid lowering therapy.
REVIEWS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula, Nadya Obaid Al Matrooshi, Cain C. T. Clark, Jamal Rahmani
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of fixed-dose bempedoic acid and ezetimibe combination therapy for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia through a meta-analysis of existing trials. The results showed that the combination therapy significantly reduced lipid parameters, attenuated hsCRP levels, and had an acceptable safety profile.
CLINICAL DRUG INVESTIGATION
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ju Zhang, Xiangfeng Guan, Baixue Zhang, Jia Wang, Xiaodong Jin, Yunhe Zhao, Bo Li
Summary: Bempedoic acid has shown significant progress in the prevention and management of ASCVD. However, there is a lack of high-quality evidence regarding its risk reduction on clinical events. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the impact of bempedoic acid on the incidence of cardiovascular events.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sheila A. Doggrell
Summary: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, with LDL cholesterol as a key risk factor. Statins are the most common medications for lowering LDL cholesterol, but some patients are unable to tolerate them and remain at high risk. Bempedoic acid, an ACL inhibitor, has shown promising results as a monotherapy in preventing cardiovascular events in statin-intolerant patients with a good safety profile.
EXPERT OPINION ON PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Satyawan B. Jadhav, Ryan L. Crass, Sunny Chapel, Michael Kerschnitzki, William J. Sasiela, Maurice G. Emery, Benny M. Amore, P. Hugh R. Barrett, Gerald F. Watts, Alberico L. Catapano
Summary: Combining bempedoic acid with lower doses of statins achieves similar LDL-C lowering compared to statin monotherapy at higher doses, potentially sparing patients from adverse events associated with high statin doses.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL-CARDIOVASCULAR PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Dimittri Delevry, Eric K. Gupta
Summary: Bempedoic acid, a first-in-class oral medication, is considered an effective alternative for lowering LDL-C in high-risk patients. Compared to other nonstatin treatments, bempedoic acid has shown significant effects in reducing LDL-C and cardiovascular risk markers. It can serve as an alternative treatment option for patients who do not attain sufficient LDL-C lowering with statin therapy or who are statin-intolerant.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH-SYSTEM PHARMACY
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Alberto Corsini, Pietro Scicchitano
Summary: Bempedoic acid is an oral medication that works by inhibiting ACL enzyme to lower cholesterol levels, while reducing the risk of myalgia and myopathy.
GIORNALE ITALIANO DI CARDIOLOGIA
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Christie M. Ballantyne, Harold Bays, Alberico L. Catapano, Anne Goldberg, Kausik K. Ray, Joseph J. Saseen
Summary: Bempedoic acid is a new drug that effectively reduces LDL-C levels by inhibiting certain enzymes. Clinical trials have shown that bempedoic acid, in combination with statins and/or ezetimibe, significantly reduces LDL-C in patients with or at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or familial hypercholesterolemia.
CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS AND THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ilaria Jacomelli, Luca Monzo, Germana Panattoni, Chiara Lanzillo, Marco Rebecchi, Leonardo Calo
Summary: Despite the use of statins, ezetimibe and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, there is still a need to lower LDL cholesterol. Patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and/or familial hypercholesterolaemia are treated with statins at maximum tolerated dose, sometimes with additional lipid-lowering drugs, but often fail to reach the goal. However, bempedoic acid treatment shows a significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, with a favorable safety profile, in different patient groups.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL SUPPLEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alice Ossoli, Eleonora Giorgio, Federica Cetti, Massimiliano Ruscica, Claudio Rabacchi, Patrizia Tarugi, Paolo Parini, Matteo Pedrelli, Monica Gomaraschi
Summary: High-density lipoproteins (HDL) have the ability to inhibit prostate cancer cell proliferation by modulating cholesterol content and metabolism, which is associated with the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and cholesterol removal.
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Massimiliano Ruscica, Nicola Ferri, Maciej Banach, Cesare R. Sirtori, Alberto Corsini
Summary: Treatment with statins has proven effective in preventing cardiovascular events, but discontinuation due to intolerance and non-adherence remains a major issue. Muscle side effects, such as myalgia, are the most commonly reported, but whether they are a result of the drug's effect is still debated.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Massimiliano Ruscica, Alessandra S. Rizzuto, Alberto Corsini
Summary: Lipoprotein(a) is a key risk factor in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, contributing to plaque formation and disease progression. Despite the lack of pharmacological approaches to lower lipoprotein(a) levels, increasing awareness among individuals, patients, and healthcare providers is crucial.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL SUPPLEMENTS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Erika Paolini, Miriam Longo, Alberto Corsini, Paola Dongiovanni
Summary: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease worldwide. Currently, there are no approved therapeutic strategies for NAFLD, and hepatic biopsy is still the gold standard for diagnosis. NAFLD is a multifactorial disease with a spectrum of conditions ranging from simple steatosis to more severe stages. Studies have highlighted the need for an NAFLD risk prediction model based on genetics, biomarkers, and metabolic disorders. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in the progression of NAFLD. Alterations in the displacement loop (D-loop) region and cell-free circulating mitochondrial DNA (mt-ccf) have been proposed as potential non-invasive biomarkers for NAFLD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Roberta Gualtierotti, Massimiliano Ruscica
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Franziska Grundler, Magalie Viallon, Robin Mesnage, Massimiliano Ruscica, Clemens von Schacky, Frank Madeo, Sebastian J. J. Hofer, Sarah J. J. Mitchell, Pierre Croisille, Francoise Wilhelmi de Toledo
Summary: Fasting-induced changes in metabolic and signaling pathways have been found to contribute to longer and healthier lifespans in animal models. However, the role of different tissues and organs in fueling fasting metabolism is not fully understood, and the changes in organ volume and composition during fasting and food reintroduction remain relatively unexplored. This study aims to investigate the effects of long-term fasting and food reintroduction in humans through a multi-systemic approach, focusing on changes in body composition, organ and tissue volume, lipid transport and storage, protein utilization, blood metabolites, and gut microbiome profiles. State-of-the-art techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy, will be used to examine the quantitative changes in organ volume and function. The results of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, international conferences, and social media.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Chiara Macchi, Cesare R. Sirtori, Alberto Corsini, Pier Mannuccio Mannucci, Massimiliano Ruscica
Summary: According to the WHO, the entire global population is exposed to air pollution levels higher than recommended for health preservation. Air pollution, a complex mixture of particles and gases, poses a major global threat to public health. Particulate matter PM2.5 has been identified as a causal factor for cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, arrhythmias, and cardiovascular mortality. This review explores the proatherogenic effects of PM2.5, including endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial dysfunction, and arterial plaque instability.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Nicola Ferri, Alberto Corsini, Massimiliano Ruscica
Summary: The knowledge that a significant proportion of ACS survivors are at risk of recurrent ischemic cardiovascular events highlights the importance of lipid-lowering strategies in secondary prevention. Statin treatment has been shown to improve clinical outcomes. This review critically discusses the use of statin and non-statin lipid-lowering approaches, including PCSK9 inhibitors, in early management of ACS patients. Cost is a major barrier to the widespread prescription of non-statin agents in this field.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL SUPPLEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Manfredi Rizzo, Alessandro Colletti, Peter E. Penson, Niki Katsiki, Dimitri P. Mikhailidis, Peter P. Toth, Ioanna Gouni-Berthold, John Mancini, David Marais, Patrick Moriarty, Massimiliano Ruscica, Amirhossein Sahebkar, Dragos Vinereanu, Arrigo Francesco Giuseppe Cicero, Maciej Banach
Summary: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a common condition with a high prevalence in adults, children, and individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and cardiovascular mortality. The use of nutraceuticals in managing NAFLD has been suggested, but there is currently insufficient evidence to support their routine use. Further rigorous trials are needed to evaluate their efficacy and safety.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Erica Gianazza, Chiara Macchi, Cristina Banfi, Massimiliano Ruscica
Summary: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), as a key regulator of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), can directly contribute to atheroma development. Recent studies have revealed non-cholesterol-related processes mediated by PCSK9, and advancements in proteomics and lipidomics have helped identify novel lipids and proteins associated with PCSK9. These findings have the potential to develop new statistical models for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction. Furthermore, PCSK9 has been found to impact extracellular vesicles (EVs) composition, which could contribute to a prothrombotic state in CVD patients and may be targeted to counteract atherosclerosis progression.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Laura Manna, Eleonora Rizzi, Eleonora Bafile, Andrea Cappelleri, Massimiliano Ruscica, Chiara Macchi, Michele Podaliri Vulpiani, Romolo Salini, Emanuela Rossi, Concetta Panebianco, Francesco Perri, Valerio Pazienza, Federica Federici
Summary: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory conditions that have a significant impact on patients' quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral administration of Lentilactobacillus kefiri SGL 13 and Andrographis paniculata on DSS-treated mice.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Chiara Macchi, Annalisa Moregola, Giuseppe Danilo Norata, Massimiliano Ruscica
Summary: The infiltration of activated T cells, such as CD8(+) effector, in metabolic tissues plays a crucial role in obesity-induced inflammation. The lactate transporter MCT1 is important for immune cell activation. This study provides a protocol for isolating and activating CD8(+) T lymphocytes lacking MCT1 and includes steps for adipocyte differentiation, CD8(+) T cell isolation and activation, and adipocyte-CD8(+) T cell co-culture. qPCR analysis on differentiated adipocytes is also detailed. For more information, refer to Macchi et al.(1).
Article
Cell Biology
Silvia Pelucchi, Chiara Macchi, Laura D'Andrea, Paolo Dionigi Rossi, Michela Carola Speciani, Ramona Stringhi, Massimiliano Ruscica, Beatrice Arosio, Monica Di Luca, Matteo Cesari, Valeria Edefonti, Elena Marcello
Summary: Frailty is a geriatric syndrome resulting from age-associated accumulation of deficits. The study found a significant inverse association between circulating CAP2 concentration and frailty index in older adults. This suggests that CAP2 may serve as a biomarker for age-related deficits, highlighting its potential for personalized care.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Luca Mircoli, Niccolo Baca, Barbara Antonelli, Lucio Caccamo, Emanuele Cattaneo, Federico Colombo, Clara Dibenedetto, Livia Diehl, Maria Francesca Donato, Andrea Faggiano, Massimo Alberto Iavarone, Pietro Lampertico, Cristina Marenghi, Federico Polli, Edoardo Quarenghi, Fabiola B. Sozzi, Cristina Spaziani, Giulia Tosetti, Carlo Valsecchi, Pierluigi Vicardi, Marco Vicenzi, Arianna Zefelippo, Massimiliano Ruscica, Stefano Carugo
Summary: Stress echocardiography and coronary computed tomography angiography can detect coronary artery disease in end-stage liver disease patients without previous evidence of heart disease. The prevalence of CAD is low in high-risk end-stage liver disease patients, and screening helps reduce the incidence of post-liver transplantation acute coronary events without impacting mid-term survival.
ANNALS OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Giuseppe Locatelli, Luca Donisi, Luca Mircoli, Federico Colombo, Lucia Barbieri, Gabriele Tumminello, Stefano Carugo, Massimiliano Ruscica, Marco Vicenzi
Summary: Antecubital access for right heart catheterization (RHC) has advantages over proximal vein access, including shorter fluoroscopy time, reduced radiation dose, and fewer guidewires used. A retrospective study of patients who underwent RHC showed that antecubital access resulted in lower fluoroscopy time (6 vs. 3 min) and radiation exposure (61 vs. 30 cGy/m(2)). The number of patients requiring guidewires was also lower in the antecubital access group (55% vs. 43%).
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
