Subjects with familial hypercholesterolemia are characterized by an inflammatory phenotype despite long-term intensive cholesterol lowering treatment.

Objective: The atherosclerotic process is driven by elevated Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol in combination with enhanced inflammatory responses. Several mediators participate in this complex inflammatory network including members of the tumour necrosis factor (receptor) superfamily. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is associated with increased risk of developing premature atherosclerosis.

Subjects with low plasma HDL cholesterol levels are characterized by an inflammatory and oxidative phenotype.

Background: Epidemiological studies have shown that low plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but the mechanisms for the possible atheroprotective effects of HDL cholesterol have still not been fully clarified, in particular in relation to clinical studies.

Objective: To examine the inflammatory, anti-oxidative and metabolic phenotype of subjects with low plasma HDL cholesterol levels.

Methods And Results: Fifteen subjects with low HDL cholesterol levels (eleven males and four females) and 19 subjects with high HDL (three males and 16 females) were recruited.

Low level of inflammatory marker in hyperhomocysteinemic patients on statin therapy.

Inflammatory processes including increased activation of chemokines play an important role in atherogenesis. Patients with hyperhomocysteinemia have increased risk for cardiovascular events that potentially involve enhanced inflammation. Statins may have anti-inflammatory actions at least partly independent on their lipid-lowering effects.

Cholesterol efflux mediators in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia patients on low-density lipoprotein apheresis.

Background: Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a rare disorder that may affect 1 person per million. Early initiation of aggressive cholesterol-lowering therapy is essential to prevent premature coronary heart disease. Selective removal of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by LDL apheresis is a reliable method of treatment.

Maternal familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) confers altered haemostatic profile in offspring with and without FH.

Introduction: Patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) are characterized by high total and LDL cholesterol. Pregnant women with FH have higher absolute levels of total and LDL cholesterol, and a more pro-coagulant pattern compared with healthy pregnant women. Maternal hypercholesterolaemia has been shown to affect early atherosclerosis formation in the offspring.