Overweight, obesity, and cardiovascular disease in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia: the EAS FH Studies Collaboration registry.

Background And Aims: Overweight and obesity are modifiable risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the general population, but their prevalence in individuals with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HeFH) and whether they confer additional risk of ASCVD independent of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) remains unclear.

Methods: Cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 35 540 patients with HeFH across 50 countries, in the EAS FH Studies Collaboration registry. Prevalence of World Health Organization-defined body mass index categories was investigated in adults (n = 29 265) and children/adolescents (n = 6275); and their association with prevalent ASCVD.

Coronary risk factor profiles according to different age categories in premature coronary artery disease patients who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention.

Many studies have investigated the coronary risk factors (CRFs) among premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) patients. However, reports on the proportion and CRFs of PCAD according to different age cut-offs for PCAD is globally under-reported. This study aimed to determine the proportion of PCAD patients and analyse the significant CRFs according to different age cut-offs among percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-treated patients.

A case report of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia with gene mutation complicated by premature coronary artery disease detected in primary care.

Background: Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant genetic condition predominantly caused by the low-density lipoprotein receptor () gene mutation.

Case Summary: This is the case of a 54-year-old Malay woman with genetically confirmed FH complicated by premature coronary artery disease (PCAD). She was clinically diagnosed in primary care at 52 years old, fulfilling the Simon Broome Criteria (possible FH), Dutch Lipid Clinic Criteria (score of 8: probable FH), and Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Case Ascertainment Tool (relative risk score of 9.

Use of thermal drone in detection and assessment of larval mass temperature in decomposed rabbit carcasses.

Manual ground searches and cadaver dogs are traditional methods for locating remains, but they can be time- and resource-intensive, resulting in the decomposition of bodies and delay in victim identification. Therefore, thermal imaging has been proposed as a potentially useful tool for detecting remains based on their temperature. This study investigated the potential of a novel search technique of thermal drones to detect surface remains through the detection of maggot mass temperatures.

The effect of post-mortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA) on biomarkers of coronary artery disease.

Coronary atherosclerosis is due to build-up of plaque within the coronary arteries. Post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) allows non or minimally invasive visualization of abnormalities prior to an autopsy, however PMCT-angiography (PMCTA) greatly enhances relevant findings, especially in viewing the cardiovascular system which is important in the diagnosis of coronary atherosclerosis. Contrast media used in PMCTA however has been reported to cause distortion of tissue which may interfere with post-mortem investigation outcomes.

Correction: Safety evaluation of saffron extracts in early and established atherosclerotic New Zealand white rabbits.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

Safety evaluation of saffron extracts in early and established atherosclerotic New Zealand white rabbits.

Previous research has shown that natural medications pose health risks, especially in subjects with comorbidities. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of saffron ethanolic extract (SEE) administration in early and established atherosclerotic rabbits. Rabbits were given a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for 4 and 8 weeks to induce early and established atherosclerosis respectively, and then they were treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg/day SEE.

Design, development, utility and usability testing of the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-Management Mobile App among primary care physicians and patients with metabolic syndrome.

Objective: This study aimed to design, develop, assess and refine the EMPOWER-SUSTAIN Self-Management Mobile App among primary care physicians (PCP) and patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in primary care.

Methodology: Using the software-development-life-cycle (SDLC) iterative model, storyboard and wireframe were drafted; and a mock prototype was designed to illustrate the content and function graphically. Subsequently, a working prototype was developed.

In vitro study of Nigella sativa and thymoquinone activity on endothelial activation and monocyte adhesion.

Introduction: Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the bioactive compounds in Nigella sativa (NS). Also known as black seeds/cumin, it has been postulated to possess anti-atherogenic properties. However, research on the effects of NS oil (NSO) and TQ on atherogenesis remain scarce.

Case Series of Genetically Confirmed Index Cases of Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Primary Care.

BACKGROUND In Malaysia, the prevalence of genetically confirmed heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) was reported as 1 in 427. Despite this, FH remains largely underdiagnosed and undertreated in primary care. CASE REPORT In this case series, we report 3 FH cases detected in primary care due to mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein-B (APOB), and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) genes.

Reducing Premature Coronary Artery Disease in Malaysia by Early Identification of Familial Hypercholesterolemia Using the Familial Hypercholesterolemia Case Ascertainment Tool (FAMCAT): Protocol for a Mixed Methods Evaluation Study.

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is predominantly caused by mutations in the 4 FH candidate genes (FHCGs), namely, low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein B-100 (APOB-100), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), and the LDL receptor adaptor protein 1 (LDLRAP1). It is characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels leading to premature coronary artery disease. FH can be clinically diagnosed using established clinical criteria, namely, Simon Broome (SB) and Dutch Lipid Clinic Criteria (DLCC), and can be identified using the Familial Hypercholesterolemia Case Ascertainment Tool (FAMCAT), a primary care screening tool.

Evaluation on the Effectiveness of High Cholesterol Diet Feeding in Inducing Early and Established Atherosclerotic Lesions in New Zealand White Rabbits.

Background: Various methods were used to induce atherosclerosis in rabbits. One of the most common methods used is high-cholesterol diet (HCD) feeding. However, the exact amount and duration of HCD feeding to induce early and established atherosclerosis in New Zealand white rabbits (NZWR) continue to be debated among researchers.

PCSK9 Inhibitors Reduce PCSK9 and Early Atherogenic Biomarkers in Stimulated Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells.

Despite reports on the efficacy of proprotein convertase subtilisin-Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors as a potent lipid-lowering agent in various large-scale clinical trials, the anti-atherogenic properties of PCSK9 inhibitors in reducing PCSK9 and atherogenesis biomarkers via the NF-ĸB and eNOS pathway has yet to be established. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PCSK9 inhibitors on PCSK9, targeted early atherogenesis biomarkers, and monocyte binding in stimulated human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC). HCAEC were stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and incubated with evolocumab and alirocumab.

Attainment of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Targets and Prescribing Pattern of Lipid-Lowering Medications among Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia Attending Specialist Clinics.

Aims: Patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) are known to have higher exposure to coronary risk than those without FH with similar low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level. Lipid-lowering medications (LLMs) are the mainstay treatments to lower the risk of premature coronary artery disease in patients with hypercholesterolemia. However, the LLM prescription pattern and its effectiveness among Malaysian patients with FH are not yet reported.

Undertreatment and Underachievement of LDL-C Target among Individuals with High and Very High Cardiovascular Risk in the Malaysian Community.

Dyslipidaemia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The aims of this study are to determine the prevalence of dyslipidaemia subtypes, the proportions of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) use, and the achievement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) treatment targets for high-risk (HR) and very high-risk (VHR) Malaysians. This cross-sectional study involves 5279 participants across 11 states in Malaysia.

Osteoblast Demineralization Induced by Oxidized High-Density Lipoprotein via the Inflammatory Pathway Is Suppressed by Adiponectin.

Low mineralization activity by human osteoblast cells (HOBs) indicates abnormal bone remodeling that potentially leads to osteoporosis. Oxidation, the most prominent form of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) modification, is suggested to affect bone mineralization through the inflammatory pathway. Adiponectin, which possesses anti-inflammatory activity, is postulated to have the ability to suppress the detrimental effects of oxidized HDL (oxHDL).

A Systematic Review on Attenuation of PCSK9 in Relation to Atherogenesis Biomarkers Associated with Natural Products or Plant Bioactive Compounds in In Vitro Studies: A Critique on the Quality and Imprecision of Studies.

A systematic review was performed to identify all the related publications describing PCSK9 and atherogenesis biomarkers attenuation associated with a natural product and plant bioactive compounds in in vitro studies. This review emphasized the imprecision and quality of the included research rather than the detailed reporting of the results. Literature searches were conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and Science Direct from 2003 until 2021, following the Cochrane handbook.

The alasian alth and Welleing ssessmen (MyHEBAT) Study Protocol: An Initiation of a National Registry for Extended Cardiovascular Risk Evaluation in the Community.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been a burden to many developing countries for decades, including Malaysia. Although various steps have been taken to prevent and manage CVD, it remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The rising prevalence of CVD risk factors such as hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes, overweight and obesity is the main driving force behind the CVD epidemic.

A Systematic Review on the Effect of Saffron Extract on Lipid Profile in Hyperlipidaemic Experimental Animal Models.

Saffron is widely used in traditional medicine to treat various medical disorders, including hyperlipidaemia. This study aims to systematically review the effects of saffron extract (SE) on lipid profile in in vivo studies. A strategic literature search was done following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Familial hypercholesterolaemia and coronary risk factors among patients with angiogram-proven premature coronary artery disease in an Asian cohort.

Background: Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) patients have elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, rendering them at high risk of premature coronary artery disease (PCAD). However, the FH prevalence among angiogram-proven PCAD (AP-PCAD) patients and their status of coronary risk factors (CRFs) have not been reported in the Asian population.

Objectives: This study aimed to (1) determine the prevalence of clinically diagnosed FH among AP-PCAD patients, (2) compare CRFs between AP-PCAD patients with control groups, and (3) identify the independent predictors of PCAD.

Obesity and its associated factors among older adults: MyHEBAT (alasian alth and Well-eing ssessmen) study.

Background: Despite being a preventable disease, the prevalence of obesity is rising progressively worldwide. However, the prevalence of obesity and its associated factors among older adults remains unclear in Malaysia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and its associated factors among older adults who voluntarily attended the health screening programs, which were part of the Malaysian HEalth and Well-Being AssessmenT (My-HEBAT) Study.

Identification of cardiovascular risk factors among urban and rural Malaysian youths.

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early identification of the cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) among youths assists in determining the high-risk group to develop CAD in later life. In view of the modernised lifestyle, both urban and rural residing youths are thought to be equally exposed to various CRF.

Development of an Optimized Tetra-Amplification Refractory Mutation System PCR for Detection of 12 Pathogenic Familial Hypercholesterolemia Variants in the Asian Population.

Early detection of genetic diseases such as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), and the confirmation of related pathogenic variants, are crucial in reducing the risk for premature coronary artery disease. Currently, next-generation sequencing is used for detecting FH-related candidate genes but is expensive and time-consuming. There is a lack of kits suitable for the detection of the common FH-related variants in the Asia-Pacific region.