Spring 2022 LipidSpin Articles

JOSEPH J. SASEEN, PharmD, CLS, FNLA*

From the NLA President: Glimmers of Hope

Hello everyone, Happy New Year! Being on the downslope of a recent peak in infection rates brings hope to those of us on the front lines of battling the pandemic. I have hope that we soon will be able to attain a sense of “normal”.

As we enter the new year, there are so many exciting events and happenings going on for the National Lipid Association, beginning with this edition of LipidSpin. I am proud to present you the MWLA/PLA edition of LipidSpin. Consistent with the theme... more

DAVID J. DAVIDSON, MD, FACC, FNLA*

From the MWLA President: Looking towards the Future of Lipid Management

The theme of the current issue of LipidSpin is, “New Approaches for Managing Atherogenic Particles.” We are in the midst of a very exciting and interesting time to be treating atherogenic particles. Statins have revolutionized the care of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and dyslipidemia. The more that our field evolves, in large part due to efforts of organizations like the NLA, the more that we understand what is driving CV risk. We are also so fortunate to be... more

JESSICA A. DURHAM, ARNP, CLS, FNLA*

From the PLA President: Refocusing on What We Know as We Welcome New Opportunities

The steady stream of new treatment options for a variety of indications is a wealth of opportunity regarding the lowering of patients’ cardiovascular risk. We at the NLA are always interested in the results of the most recent trials that pave the way for the next options to assist in lowering ASCVD event rates. As we wait for the study outcomes of the Inclisiran, Pemafibrate, and Pelacarsen trials, we are using the time to incorporate other recent additions while learning to implement &... more

LYNNE T. BRAUN, PhD, CNP, CLS, FAHA, FAANP, FPCNA, FAAN, FNLA*
KAYE-EILEEN WILLARD, MD, FNLA*

Editor’s Corner: How Do I Publish in LipidSpin?

LipidSpin is an educational journal filled with current, relevant, evidence-based information on lipid science and interventions. Although not a "peer-reviewed" journal, this publication is thoughtful, peer-evaluated, and provides NLA membership with useful and practical information to better patient care. We would like to take this opportunity to describe the process of article submission for publication in LipidSpin, since it is quite different from submitting a... more

DONALD M. LLOYD-JONES, MD, ScM, FACC, FAHA

In Memoriam: Jeremiah Stamler, MD 1919-2022

Dr. Jeremiah Stamler, who was among a small group of scientists that founded the fields of cardiovascular epidemiology and preventive cardiology, died at age 102 on January 26, 2022. Dr. Stamler was professor emeritus of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and was known by many as the “father of preventive cardiology.” He was a visionary scientist and public health advocate who for decades performed the large-scale population-based cohort studies and... more

KEVIN G. BUDA, DO
LUCAS ZELLMER, MD
MICHAEL D. MIEDEMA, MD, MPH

Clinical Feature: Therapies for Treating Hypertriglyceridemia

Many observational studies have established a link between elevated triglycerides and adverse cardiovascular events.1 Experimental and Mendelian randomization studies have shown that triglyceride-rich lipoproteins participate causally in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).3,4,5 Further, elevations in remnant cholesterol (the cholesterol content of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins) are causally associated with low-grade inflammation and ischemic heart disease.6... more

GEETA SIKAND, MA, RDN, FAND, CLS, CDE, FNLA*
PENNY M. KRIS-ETHERTON, PhD, RDN, FAHA, FASN, CLS, FNLA*

EBM Tools for Practice: Practical Approaches to Dietary Management of Hypertriglyceridemia

Nutrition Recommendations for Hypertriglyceridemia
High triglycerides (TG) are a target for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk reduction.1-5 Despite the use of statin therapy, ASCVD event rates remain high in patients with elevated TG.1-5 Elevated TG may play a causal role in ASCVD due to an elevation of remnant cholesterol particles.1-5 Elevated TG are associated with an increase in remnant cholesterol, a decrease in high-... more

VISHNU PRIYA PULIPATI, MD

Lipid Luminations: The Impact of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors on Lipid Profile

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are novel, effective oral anti-hyperglycemic medications that inhibit glucose reabsorption in the proximal convoluted tubule of the kidney, independent of insulin, leading to glucosuria and glucose-lowering effects.1 Studies revealed that SGLT2i reduces cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality, especially in high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).2,3 The consistent CV benefits with the class of... more

MACKENZIE BANNISTER, BS

Case Study: Aerobic Exercise and the Effects on Triglycerides for the Purpose of Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

Introduction
Elevated triglycerides alter lipoprotein metabolism thus should be considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease mortality. Altered lipoprotein metabolism can result in elevated plasma lipids; one of the seven major risk factors for cardiovascular mortality (along with smoking, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, low physical activity, and abundant alcohol intake).1 This case study will focus on the reduction of elevated... more

JAMES A TRIPPI, MD, FACC, FNLA*
ETHAN OATES, MD

Specialty Corner: Lipoprotein (a) Medications Under Development

Pathogenicity of Lipoprotein (a)

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) resembles an LDL-like lipoprotein with apolipoprotein(a) covalently bound with a disulfide link to apolipoprotein B on the particle surface. Lp(a)’s pro-inflammatory, pro-atherogenic, and pro-thrombotic properties have been linked by Mendelian and epidemiologic studies to myocardial infarction, stroke and peripheral arterial disease. The thrombogenicity is derived from Lp(a)’s structural and functional... more

ERIC M. BROWN, PhD

Guest Editorial: Enzymes in the Gut Microbiome As Contributors to Circulating Lipids

Microbial Enzymes: A Variable in Lipid Metabolism
It is well established that dietary input combined with genetic predisposition can substantially alter blood lipid profiles and susceptibility of humans to diseases such as metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.1,2 Less well understood is the role of gut microbiome enzymes mediating the association of dietary input and blood lipids important to human health, such as cholesterol, sphingolipids, and... more

NOREEN T NAZIR, MD, FACC

MWLA Chapter Update: The NLA is for All!

Welcome to this edition of LipidSpin the MWLA has put together in partnership with our colleagues of the PLA focusing on atherogenic particles. LipidSpin is a fantastic opportunity to showcase collaborative work in the field of lipidology and this edition shows that lipidology is imperative to so many aspects of medicine. Diseases of metabolism benefit from multidisciplinary care and this topic fits perfectly with how the National Lipid Association works – across... more

MICHAEL S. KELLY, PharmD, BCACP, CLS, FNLA*

PLA Chapter Update: Moving Forward Against Changing Currents

What a year 2021 was! Despite continued disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the Pacific Lipid Association (PLA) chapter were busy providing clinical care, advancing research, and publishing in all areas related to lipid management. This issue of LipidSpin is a collaboration between MWLA and PLA with a focus on “New Approaches for Managing Atherogenic Particles”. On behalf of the MWLA and PLA, I’d like to thank all who have contributed to this issue of LipidSpin... more

MARLYS KOSCHINSKY PhD, FAHA, FACC, FCAHS, OOnt, FNLA*

Member Spotlight: DE&I Spotlight

Q: Why do you support DE and I for NLA?

In general terms, I am a very strong supporter of DEI as a core foundational principle for all organizations. Specifically, for the NLA, integration of DEI is critical to ensure that the vision, mission, and goals for the organization are reflective of the diversity of the individuals and communities that it serves. Clearly articulated and demonstrated awareness and commitment to DEI will help to create a membership base that is... more

ADITYA KESARI, DO, PGY2
SCOTT MERRYMAN, MD, ABFM, FNLA*

Practical Pearls: Inclisiran: Where Will It Fit?

Inclisiran (Leqvio; Novartis) is now the first small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy to be approved by the FDA to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Inclisiran was previously approved in the EU on 9 December 2020 for use in adults with primary hypercholesterolemia (heterozygous familial and non-familial) or mixed dyslipidemia, as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin use. Inclisiran is conjugated to triantennary N-acetylgalactosamine carbohydrates (GalNAc) to... more