Senior cardiologists have set out their views on the relationship between hypercholesterolaemia and inflammation in atherosclerosis.
The European Society of Cardiology statement, released on Monday (14 May) in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, explains that dyslipidaemia and inflammation are closely connected in the development of atherosclerosis.
It states: "In fact, low density lipoprotein-lowering drugs have anti-inflammatory effects."
In the light of a recent study on anti-inflammatory drugs and cardiovascular events, showing a potential beneficial effect, the experts say: "These data confirm the connection between lipids and inflammation."
Specifically, lipids activate a receptor protein called 3 inflammasome, leading to interleukin-1 beta activation, they write. So the combination of low-density lipoprotein-lowering drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs could further decrease the risk of cardiovascular events.
"However," the experts warn, "both therapies are not at the same level, given the large evidence showing that low-density lipoprotein-lowering drugs reduce cardiovascular risk as opposed to only one randomised trial of interleukin-1 beta blockade."
They call for further studies involving a wider patient group, and gauging the risk of developing fatal infections and sepsis with anti-inflammatory therapies.
First author of the statement, Dr Jose Tunon of the University Hospital Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Spain, says: "We are on the cusp of a new era in cardiovascular disease prevention. The basis of protection against cardiovascular disease will continue to be a healthy lifestyle, including not smoking, being physically active, and eating healthy food.
“In addition, several drugs such as lipid-lowering medication and antithrombotic therapies have proven to be useful in the prevention of cardiovascular events.
"With further evidence, anti-inflammatory drugs could become one more tool in the treatment of atherosclerosis."
Tunon, J. et al. Interplay between hypercholesterolaemia and inflammation in atherosclerosis: Translating experimental targets into clinical practice. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology 14 May 2018 doi: 10.1177/2047487318773384
http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2047487318773384
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