Molecular aspects of hypercholesterolemia treatment: current perspectives and hopes

Najmeh Ahangari, Majid Ghayour Mobarhan, Amirhossein Sahebkar, Alireza Pasdar* (Corresponding Author)

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia is a pathological condition which has been reported in 39% of the worlds’ adult population. We aimed to review molecular aspects of current and novel therapeutic approaches based on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering strategies. Pathogenic mutations in the LDLR, ApoB, PCSK9 and LDLRAP genes cause deficient clearance of circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol particles via hepatic LDL receptor. This leads to increased plasma LDL cholesterol levels from birth, which can cause LDL depositions in the arterial walls. Ultimately, it progresses to atherosclerosis and an increased risk of premature cardiovascular diseases. Currently, statins, Ezetimibe, Bile acid sequestrants and PCSK9 inhibitors are the main therapeutic agents for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Moreover, novel RNA-based therapy had a strong impact on therapeutic strategies in recent decades. Additional development in understanding of the molecular basis of hypercholesterolemia will provide opportunities for the development of targeted therapy in the near future.Key Messages The most common genes involved in hypercholesterolemia are LDLR, PCSK9 and ApoB. Pharmacogenetic effects are typically constrained to pathways closely related to the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Change in lifestyle and diet along with treatment of the underlying disease and drug therapy are the current therapeutic strategies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)303-311
Number of pages9
JournalAnnals of Medicine
Volume50
Issue number4
Early online date10 Apr 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 May 2018

Keywords

  • Hypercholesterolemia
  • lipid-lowering drugs
  • low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
  • therapy

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