Inclisiran: a small interfering RNA strategy targeting PCSK9 to treat hypercholesterolemia

Introduction: Inclisiran is a novel posttranscriptional gene silencing therapy that inhibits proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) synthesis by RNA interference and has a potent, dose-dependent, durable effect in lowering LDL-C, and therefore is an effective drug to treat dyslipidemia, reducing the risk for acute cardiovascular (CV) events. It is safe and well-tolerated. Areas covered: This paper aims to review the mechanism of action of inclisiran while evaluating its efficacy and safety in the treatment of dyslipidemia from data of the clinical trials in the ORION program. Expert opinion: Data from the clinical trials in the ORION program demonstrated efficacy and safety o…

Psoriasis and acute coronary syndrome risk

The efficacy and safety of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors compared to other oral glucose-lowering medications in the treatment of type 2 diabetes

ABSTRACT Introduction The dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is), which belong to the class of incretin-based medications, are recommended as second or third-line therapies in guidelines for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. They have a favorable drug tolerability and safety profile compared to other glucose-lowering agents. Objective This review discusses data concerning the use of DPP-4is and their cardiovascular profile, and gives an updated comparison with the other oral glucose-lowering medications with regards to safety and efficacy. Currently available original studies, abstracts, reviews articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included in the review. Discu…

Nutraceuticals and Lipid Management

Scientific data support the effectiveness of reducing total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in preventing atherosclerotic disease cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events. Current guidelines suggest the use of innovative nutritional strategies in lipid management based on consumption of nutraceuticals and functional foods. Nutraceuticals are products isolated or purified from foods (generally sold in medicinal forms), while a functional food is similar in appearance to, or may be, a conventional food. Both nutritional components promote health, lead to better well-being, and reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, possibly by affecting plasma lipid levels. The m…

Cardiovascular outcomes trials with incretin-based medications: a critical review of data available on GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are so called “incretin-based therapies” (IBTs) that represent innovative therapeutic approaches and are commonly used in clinical practice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) have provided useful information that has helped to shape changes in clinical practice guidelines for the management of T2DM. At the same time, the mechanisms that may explain the nonglycemic and cardiovascular (CV) benefits of these medications are still being explored. A summary of the main findings from CVOTs performed to-date with particular emphasis on vari…

Nutraceuticals and Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the primary cause of mortality worldwide, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. Among several cardiometabolic risk factors, dyslipidemia, and especially high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, are associated with the development and progression of atherosclerosis and its clinical sequelae. Recent studies have shown promising results for nutraceutical compounds on various CVD risk factors and complications. In addition to looking at individual nutrients or foods, dietary pattern have also emerged as a complementary approach to examine the relationship between the overall diet and the risk for CVD. The Mediterranean Diet (MedDi…