-
1.
A phase I study assessing the safety, tolerability, immunogenicity, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering activity of immunotherapeutics targeting PCSK9.
Zeitlinger, M, Bauer, M, Reindl-Schwaighofer, R, Stoekenbroek, RM, Lambert, G, Berger-Sieczkowski, E, Lagler, H, Oesterreicher, Z, Wulkersdorfer, B, Lührs, P, et al
European journal of clinical pharmacology. 2021;(10):1473-1484
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
PURPOSE AT04A and AT06A are two AFFITOPE® peptide vaccine candidates being developed for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia by inducing proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)-specific antibodies. This study aimed to investigate safety, tolerability, antibody development, and reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) following four subcutaneous immunizations. METHODS This phase I, single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted in a total of 72 healthy subjects with a mean fasting LDLc level at baseline of 117.1 mg/dL (range 77-196 mg/dL). Each cohort enrolled 24 subjects to receive three priming immunizations at weeks 0, 4, and 8 and to receive a single booster immunization at week 60 of either AT04A, AT06A, or placebo. In addition to safety (primary objective), the antigenic peptide- and PCSK9-specific antibody response and the impact on LDLc were evaluated over a period of 90 weeks. RESULTS The most common systemic treatment-related adverse events (AEs) reported were fatigue, headache, and myalgia in 75% of subjects in the AT06A group and 58% and 46% of subjects in the placebo and AT04A groups, respectively. Injection site reactions (ISR) representing 63% of all treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), were transient and mostly of mild or moderate intensity and rarely severe (3%). Both active treatments triggered a robust, long-lasting antibody response towards the antigenic peptides used for immunization that optimally cross-reacted with the target epitope on PCSK9. In the AT04A group, a reduction in serum LDLc was observed with a mean peak reduction of 11.2% and 13.3% from baseline compared to placebo at week 20 and 70 respectively, and over the whole study period, the mean LDLc reduction for the AT04A group vs. placebo was -7.2% (95% CI [-10.4 to -3.9], P < 0.0001). In this group, PCSK9 target epitope titers above 50 were associated with clinically relevant LDLc reductions with an individual maximal decrease of 39%. CONCLUSIONS Although both AT04A and AT06 were safe and immunogenic, only AT04A demonstrated significant LDLc-lowering activity, justifying further development. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT: 2015-001719-11. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02508896.
-
2.
An overview of rosuvastatin/ezetimibe association for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia.
Strilchuk, L, Tocci, G, Fogacci, F, Cicero, AFG
Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy. 2020;(5):531-539
Abstract
Introduction: Although statin therapy is a powerful lipid-lowering strategy, only one-fifth of statin users currently reach their lipid goals. In addition, statin treatment alone has relatively low efficacy in reducing other lipid fractions than low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C). In such cases, most guidelines recommend adding the cholesterol absorption inhibitor ezetimibe.Areas covered: This paper summarizes the main pharmacological characteristics of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe (mechanism of action, metabolism), their lipid-lowering and pleiotropic effects, with particular attention to the clinical effects of the combined drugs in hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia patients (such as the ones affected by diabetes mellitus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)).Expert opinion: The additive effect of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe helps to reach lipid goals in a large number of high-risk patients, while avoiding some safety issues related to high dosages of intensive statin therapy. Patients with diabetes receive additional benefits from ezetimibe as they seem to absorb cholesterol more effectively than non-diabetic ones, because of increased NPC1L1 gene expression. Ezetimibe augments rosuvastatin triglyceride-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects, as well. Taking into account its excellent safety profile and lack of clinically relevant drug-drug interactions, the rosuvastatin/ezetimibe association is a valuable alternative to statin dose uptitration.
-
3.
Comparison of diets enriched in stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids on inflammation, immune response, cardiometabolic risk factors, and fecal bile acid concentrations in mildly hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women-randomized crossover trial.
Meng, H, Matthan, NR, Wu, D, Li, L, Rodríguez-Morató, J, Cohen, R, Galluccio, JM, Dolnikowski, GG, Lichtenstein, AH
The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2019;(2):305-315
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct comparisons between SFAs varying in chain length, specifically palmitic acid (16:0) and stearic acid (18:0), relative to the latter's metabolic product, oleic acid (18:1), on cardiometabolic risk factors are limited. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the relative comparability of diets enriched in palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid on inflammation and coagulation markers, T lymphocyte proliferation/ex-vivo cytokine secretion, plasma cardiometabolic risk factors, and fecal bile acid concentrations. METHODS Hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women (n = 20, mean ± SD age 64 ± 7 y, BMI 26.4 ± 3.4 kg/m2, LDL cholesterol ≥ 2.8 mmol/L) were provided with each of 3 diets [55% energy (%E) carbohydrate, 15%E protein, 30%E fat, with ∼50% fat contributed by palmitic acid, stearic acid, or oleic acid in each diet; 5 wk/diet phase] using a randomized crossover design with 2-wk washouts between phases. Outcome measures were assessed at the end of each phase. RESULTS Fasting LDL-cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol concentrations were lower after the stearic acid and oleic acid diets than the palmitic acid diet (all P < 0.01). Fasting HDL-cholesterol concentrations were lower after the stearic acid diet than the palmitic acid and oleic acid diets (P < 0.01). The stearic acid diet resulted in lower lithocholic acid (P = 0.01) and total secondary bile acid (SBA) concentrations (P = 0.04) than the oleic acid diet. All other outcome measures were similar between diets. Lithocholic acid concentrations were positively correlated with fasting LDL-cholesterol concentrations (r = 0.33; P = 0.011). Total SBA, lithocholic acid, and deoxycholic acid concentrations were negatively correlated with fasting HDL cholesterol (r = -0.51 to -0.44; P < 0.01) concentrations and positively correlated with LDL cholesterol:HDL cholesterol (r = 0.37-0.54; P < 0.01) ratios. CONCLUSIONS Dietary stearic acid and oleic acid had similar effects on fasting LDL-cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol concentrations and more favorable ones than palmitic acid. Unlike oleic acid, the hypocholesterolemic effect of stearic acid may be mediated by inhibition of intestinal hydrophobic SBA synthesis. These findings add to the data suggesting there should be a reassessment of current SFA dietary guidance and Nutrient Facts panel labeling.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02145936.
-
4.
Vaccines Targeting PCSK9: A Promising Alternative to Passive Immunization with Monoclonal Antibodies in the Management of Hyperlipidaemia?
Weisshaar, S, Zeitlinger, M
Drugs. 2018;(8):799-808
Abstract
Hypercholesterolaemia is frequently observed in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and is associated with increased mortality. Statin treatment has been the standard of care for reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to improve cardiovascular outcomes. However, statins have limited effects in some patients and may be discontinued due to adverse effects resulting in LDL-C above target levels. The proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a pivotal regulator in the LDL-C metabolism by degrading the LDL-C receptor on hepatocytes. Inhibition of PCSK9 by monoclonal antibodies (mAb) significantly lowers LDL-C levels and is considered to reduce the likelihood of adverse cardiac events. However, such treatment regimens are not cost-effective, and require frequent administrations at high doses that may be associated with side effects and poor drug adherence. Furthermore, it has been shown that these PCSK9 medicines may trigger the formation of antidrug antibodies followed by a significant attenuation of the LDL-C-lowering effect. Active vaccination inducing high-affinity antibodies against PCSK9 with less frequent administration intervals may be a novel promising therapeutic approach to overcome the drawback of passive immunization with PCSK9 mAb. However there is a paucity of available clinical safety and efficacy data. This article discusses challenges in the development of PCSK9 vaccines and their potential therapeutic benefits by reviewing clinical studies that evaluated the safety and efficacy of PCSK9 mAb.
-
5.
An in vivo assessment of the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum ECGC 13110402 in normal to mildly hypercholesterolaemic adults.
Costabile, A, Buttarazzi, I, Kolida, S, Quercia, S, Baldini, J, Swann, JR, Brigidi, P, Gibson, GR
PloS one. 2017;(12):e0187964
Abstract
UNLABELLED Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the major causes of death and disability in industrialised countries, with elevated blood cholesterol an established risk factor. Total plasma cholesterol reduction in populations suffering from primary hypercholesterolemia may lower CHD incidence. This study investigated the cholesterol reducing capacity of Lactobacillus plantarum ECGC 13110402, a strain selected for its high bile salt hydrolase activity, in 49 normal to mildly hypercholesterolaemic adults. Primary efficacy outcomes included effect on blood lipids (total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoproteins (LDL-C), high density lipoproteins (HDL-C) and triacylgycerides (TAG), inflammatory biomarkers and occurrence/severity of gastrointestinal side effects to establish safety and tolerance of the intervention. Secondary outcomes included blood pressure, immune biomarkers, gut microbiota characterisation and metabonome changes. The study was run in a parallel, double blind, placebo controlled, randomised design in which the active group ingested 2x109 CFU encapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum ECGC 13110402 twice daily. Daily ingestion of the active treatment resulted in a statistically significant reduction in LDL-C in volunteers with baseline TC<5mM during the 0-12 week period (13.9%, P = 0.030), a significant reduction in TC in volunteers with baseline TC≥6mM in the 0-6 week period (37.6%, P = 0.045), a significant decrease in TAG (53.9% P = 0.030) and an increase in HDL-C (14.7%, P = 0.007) in the over 60 years population in the 6-12 week period. A statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure was also observed across the active study group in the 6-12-week period (6.6%, P = 0.003). No impact on gastrointestinal function and side effects was observed during the study. Similar to blood and urine metabonomic analyses, faecal metagenomics did not reveal significant changes upon active or placebo intake. The results of this study suggest that Lactobacillus plantarum ECGC 13110402 is a well-tolerated, natural probiotic, that may be used as an alternative or supplement to existing treatments to reduce cardiovascular risk. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical trials.gov NCT03263104.
-
6.
Influence of Phenol-Enriched Olive Oils on Human Intestinal Immune Function.
Martín-Peláez, S, Castañer, O, Solà, R, Motilva, MJ, Castell, M, Pérez-Cano, FJ, Fitó, M
Nutrients. 2016;(4):213
Abstract
Olive oil (OO) phenolic compounds (PC) are able to influence gut microbial populations and metabolic output. Our aim was to investigate whether these compounds and changes affect the mucosal immune system. In a randomized, controlled, double blind cross-over human trial, for three weeks, preceded by two-week washout periods, 10 hypercholesterolemic participants ingested 25 mL/day of three raw virgin OO differing in their PC concentration and origin: (1) an OO containing 80 mg PC/kg (VOO); (2) a PC-enriched OO containing 500 mg PC/kg from OO (FVOO); and (3) a PC-enriched OO containing a mixture of 500 mg PC/kg from OO and thyme (1:1, FVOOT). Intestinal immunity (fecal immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgA-coated bacteria) and inflammation markers (C-reactive protein (CRP) and fecal interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and calprotectin) was analyzed. The ingestion of high amounts of OO PC, as contained in FVOO, tended to increase the proportions of IgA-coated bacteria and increased plasma levels of CRP. However, lower amounts of OO PC (VOO) and the combination of two PC sources (FVOOT) did not show significant effects on the variables investigated. Results indicate a potential stimulation of the immune system with very high doses of OO PC, which should be further investigated.
-
7.
Two neglected biologic risk factors in bone grafting and implantology: high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low serum vitamin D.
Choukroun, J, Khoury, G, Khoury, F, Russe, P, Testori, T, Komiyama, Y, Sammartino, G, Palacci, P, Tunali, M, Choukroun, E
The Journal of oral implantology. 2014;(1):110-4
Abstract
Following a failure of a bone graft or an implant placement, the hypothesis of a biological abnormality is rarely considered as a possible cause. A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature for dyslipidemia or vitamin D deficiency may explain this lack of consideration. Excess low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (dyslipidemia) is responsible for a slower bone metabolism or lower dental implant osseointegration. In addition, vitamin D is a key factor for linking innate and adaptive immunity. Both of these factors are compromised under the conditions of vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, vitamin D deficiency slows implant osseointegration and increases the risk of graft infection. Vitamin D is also involved in immune function and therefore allergic reactions.
-
8.
Effects of simvastatin on carotenoid status in plasma.
Rydén, M, Leanderson, P, Kastbom, KO, Jonasson, L
Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD. 2012;(1):66-71
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Carotenoids are potent antioxidants mainly transported in the low density lipoprotein (LDL) fraction. They may also influence the immune response and inverse associations with inflammatory markers have been reported. We investigated whether simvastatin, by exerting both lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects, altered the carotenoid status in plasma. METHODS AND RESULTS A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study design was applied. Eighty volunteers with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia received either simvastatin 40 mg or placebo for 6 weeks. Lipids, oxidized LDL (ox-LDL), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, oxygenated carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin) and hydrocarbon carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene) were measured in plasma. Simvastatin use was associated with significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL, ox-LDL and CRP. Simvastatin therapy also resulted in reduced plasma levels of both oxygenated and hydrocarbon carotenoids. However, when adjusted for lipids, all carotenoids except β-cryptoxanthin showed significant increases after simvastatin therapy. Both crude and lipid-adjusted carotenoids were inversely correlated with CRP and IL-6 in plasma but the change in carotenoid status during simvastatin therapy was not specifically related to any changes in inflammatory markers. CONCLUSIONS To summarize, the change in carotenoid status during simvastatin therapy was mainly attributed to the lowering of cholesterol and not to the suppression of inflammatory activity. After adjustment for lipids, the levels of lutein, lycopene, α-carotene and β-carotene were significantly increased by simvastatin suggesting an increased ratio of carotenoids per particle.
-
9.
A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study to establish the effects of spirulina in elderly Koreans.
Park, HJ, Lee, YJ, Ryu, HK, Kim, MH, Chung, HW, Kim, WY
Annals of nutrition & metabolism. 2008;(4):322-8
Abstract
AIMS: This study was conducted to determine the antioxidant capacity, immunomodulatory and lipid-lowering effects of spirulina in healthy elderly subjects and to document the effectiveness of spirulina as a functional food for the elderly. METHODS A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed. The subjects were 78 individuals aged 60-87 years and were randomly assigned in a blinded fashion to receive either spirulina or placebo. The elderly were instructed to consume the spirulina or placebo at home, 8 g/day, for 16 consecutive weeks. RESULTS In male subjects, a significant plasma cholesterol-lowering effect was observed after the spirulina intervention (p < 0.05). Spirulina supplementation resulted in a significant rise in plasma interleukin (IL)-2 concentration, and a significant reduction in IL-6 concentration. A significant time-by-treatment intervention for total antioxidant status was observed between spirulina and placebo groups (p < 0.05). In female subjects, significant increases in IL-2 level and superoxide dismutase activity were observed (p < 0.05) after spirulina supplementation. There were significant reductions in total cholesterol in female subjects. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate that spirulina has favorable effects on lipid profiles, immune variables, and antioxidant capacity in healthy, elderly male and female subjects and is suitable as a functional food.
-
10.
Potential uses and benefits of phytosterols in diet: present situation and future directions.
QuIlez, J, GarcIa-Lorda, P, Salas-Salvadó, J
Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland). 2003;(4):343-51
Abstract
Over the past decade, the possibility of using phytosterols as ingredients in functional foods has led to numerous research studies in relation to their ability to reduce blood cholesterol. Many different types of carriers have been tested, with good results. The main conclusion is that the effective doses were between 1.5 and 3g/day, leading to reductions between 8% and 15% in LDL-cholesterol. The principal mechanism of action is based on interference with the solubilisation of the cholesterol in the intestinal micelles and, thus, absorption is reduced. Work has also been done on the optimal pattern of administration, and it has been found that ingesting phytosterols in a single dose per day or between meals are equally effective methods. The only side effect is that they can interfere with the absorption of carotenoids, but this can be compensated for in the diet or by adding these compounds in appropriate carriers. It has also been reported that phytosterols have anticancer properties and act as immune system modulators. There are several possible future lines of research: alternative sources with a high phytosterol content must be found, industrial processes must be implemented which minimise their loss, phytosterols must be included in food composition tables, the potential of the different types of phytosterols must be discerned, the genetic bases of their action must be elucidated, synergic effects with other compounds must be studied, side effects must be minimised, and the effects of long-term treatment must be defined precisely.