Risk of adverse cardiovascular events based on common genetic variants in 8-year follow-up of the LIPIDOGEN2015 population using the polygenic risk score (PRS): study design and methodology.

Introduction: Classical risk factors such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, pre-diabetes, diabetes and obesity can predict adverse cardiovascular events, but they are less prognostic in patients aged < 60 years. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) can be effective in predicting adverse coronary events in younger and middle-aged patients. Our main aim is to assess the utility of a new PRS created for the Polish population in predicting mortality during an 8-year follow-up in the nationwide LIPIDOGEN2015 population.

Clinical reality and challenges with familial hypercholesterolemia patients' management. 2024 results from the Regional Center for Rare Diseases (RCRD) Registry in Poland.

Background: Despite advancements in early diagnosis and effective medications in last decade, most heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (heFH) patients still fail to achieve their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals and remain at residual cardiovascular disease risk. We present recent data from the regional FH registry in Poland, highlighting the challenges and real-life clinical management of FH patients.

Methods: The registry is held at the Regional Centre for Rare Diseases, founded in 2016, at the 2nd largest, supraregional hospital in Poland, where >80 different rare diseases in patients from all over Poland are diagnosed and treated, including phenotypically or genetically diagnosed FH patients.

Lipoprotein(a) and its impact on cardiovascular disease - the Polish perspective: design and first results of the Zabrze-Lipoprotein(a) Registry.

Introduction: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Increased Lp(a) concentration > 30 mg/dl (75 nmol/l) and especially >50 mg/dl (125 nmol/l) may cause faster atherosclerosis, being an important and underdiagnosed residual cardiovascular risk factor. Thus, there is a need to characterize further the clinical phenotypes in patients at risk for ASCVD with high Lp(a) levels now and during follow-up, while also looking for the possible impact of geographical differences.

Application of proteomics for novel drug discovery and risk prediction optimisation in stroke and myocardial infarction: a review of in-human studies.

The use of proteomics in human studies investigating stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) has been increasing, prompting a review of the literature. This revealed proteinaceous biomarkers of stroke from thrombi, brain tissue, cells, and particles, some of which cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Several proteins were also implicated in coronary artery disease (CAD), which often underlies MI, cholesterol transportation, and inflammation.

Transforming hypercholesterolemia management: Spotlight on PCSK9 peptide vaccines.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a therapeutic target for dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Two recent studies published by Fang et al. and Zhang et al.

Causal associations between insulin and Lp(a) levels in Caucasian population: a Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Numerous observational studies have demonstrated that circulating lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] might be inversely related to the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, recent Mendelian randomization (MR) studies do not consistently support this association. The results of in vitro research suggest that high insulin concentrations can suppress Lp(a) levels by affecting apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] synthesis.

Ceruloplasmin and Lipofuscin Serum Concentrations Are Associated with Presence of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Oxidative stress reflects an imbalance between the systemic manifestation of reactive oxygen species and cells' ability to neutralize them by antioxidant systems. The role of oxidative stress in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is not fully understood. The aim of the study was to examine selected parameters of oxidative stress in patients with HCM compared to the control group.

Closing the gap between guidelines and clinical practice for managing dyslipidemia: where are we now?

Introduction: Despite decades of research clearly illustrating the direct link between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, LDL-C goal attainment rates are remarkably low in both the primary and secondary prevention settings.

Areas Covered: Herein we detail: (1) the low rates of LDL-C goal attainment; (2) despite guidelines clearly outlining indications of use, there is suboptimal initiation, intensification, and persistence of lipid lowering therapy, especially combination therapy; (3) key clinician-related factors contributing to this gap include inconsistent risk assessments, clinical inertia, and barriers to health access; (4) LDL-C reduction is associated with reductions in risk for cardiovascular events. Increasing LDL-C goal attainment rates should be a high public health priority.

It is time to address the contribution of cholesterol in all apoB-containing lipoproteins to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

On average, LDL particles are the most populous lipoprotein in serum under fasting conditions. For many reasons, it has been the primary target of lipid-lowering guidelines around the world. In the past 30 years, we have witnessed remarkable changes in each iteration of dyslipidaemia guidelines, with LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) targets becoming lower and lower among patients at high and very high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

The potential of using curcumin in dairy and milk-based products-A review.

This review examines the potential of curcumin as a technological and functional food additive in dairy and milk-based products. The advantages of incorporating curcumin in these products include its antimicrobial properties, support for the activity of lactic acid bacteria, improvement in sensory characteristics, and shelf-life extension. Curcumin notably enhances antioxidant activity and acts as a natural preservative in cheese, cheese-like products, and butter.

Investigative agents for atrial fibrillation: agonists and stimulants, progress and expectations.

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia. Its prevalence has increased due to worldwide populations that are aging in combination with the growing incidence of risk factors associated. Recent advances in our understanding of AF pathophysiology and the identification of nodal players involved in AF-promoting atrial remodeling highlights potential opportunities for new therapeutic approaches.

Association between Lp(a) and T2D: a Mendelian randomization study.

Introduction: Blood lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels have been observed to be inversely correlated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this Mendelian randomization (MR) study, the causal impact of genetically predicted Lp(a) on T2D was assessed.

Methods: A two-sample MR analysis was conducted.

Lipoprotein (a) and lipid-lowering treatment from the perspective of a cardiac surgeon. An impact on the prognosis in patients with aortic valve replacement and after heart transplantation.

Lipoprotein(a) is a recognized risk factor for ASCVD. There is still no targeted therapy for Lp(a), however, drugs such as pelacarsen, olpasiran, zerlasiran, lepodisiran and muvalaplin are in clinical trials and have been shown to be effective in significantly reducing Lp(a) levels. Moreover, elevated Lp(a) levels significantly affect the prognosis of patients after aortic valve replacement (AVR) and heart transplantation (HTx).