Atherosclerosis Plus

Calciprotein particles (CPPs), formed during calcium–phosphate overload, impair autophagic flux in vascular cells via lysosomal dysfunction. A mechanistic link between chronic mineral stress and vascular dysfunction doi.org/10.1016/j.athp… @society_eas

HIV is no longer just a chronic infection—it’s a cardiovascular risk factor. This population-based study in Uganda finds higher arterial stiffness and ~2x increased odds among PLWH. Time to integrate CVD screening into HIV care. doi.org/10.1016/j.athp…

Is there a link between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cardiovascular risk in patients with inflammatory arthritis? 🔗doi.org/10.1016/j.athp… @society_eas

Beyond lipid regulation, VSMC-derived PCSK9 drives vascular inflammation, phenotypic switching, and plaque progression. PCSK9 inhibition may stabilize plaques beyond LDL lowering. 🔗doi.org/10.1016/j.athp… @society_eas

Which metabolic biomarkers drive arterial calcification? A new study using NMR profiling, MR, and large cohorts identifies fatty acid ratios causally linked to lower CAC and a male-specific association for GlycA, with implications for CHD risk. doi.org/10.1016/j.athp…

Why do some atherosclerotic plaques become dangerous? This new study shows that G9A, an epigenetic enzyme, promotes vascular calcification by activating BMP2 signaling and pushing smooth muscle cells to change identity. 🔗doi.org/10.1016/j.athp… @society_eas

New research on unstable carotid plaques reveals that abnormal phosphatidylcholine metabolism drives plaque instability by activating ER stress pathways (especially PERK/CHOP). 🔗doi.org/10.1016/j.athp… @society_eas

Real-world use of bempedoic acid was associated with a 21% LDL-C reduction and BA+ezetimibe with a 33% reduction at 3 months. Over 12 months, the proportion of patients achieving LDL-C <70 mg/dL increased from 6–9% at baseline to 18–28%. doi.org/10.1016/j.athp… @society_eas

Does inflammation drive restenosis? 🔍 This meta-analysis shows higher pre-procedural CRP is linked to carotid & intracranial restenosis after revascularisation. CRP may be a key risk marker. doi.org/10.1016/j.athp… @society_eas

Are standard lipid reference ranges reliable during pregnancy? Triglycerides rise 2–3× by the 3rd trimester, older women show more atherogenic profiles, and many are misclassified. ➡️ Population-, age- & trimester-specific ranges are needed. doi.org/10.1016/j.athp… @society_eas

The STATRIP survey highlights physicians’ perspectives on statin therapy. Misconceptions about statin-related adverse effects remain common. Targeted education is needed to optimize dyslipidemia care. doi.org/10.1016/j.athp… @society_eas

Long-term bisphosphonate use is associated with increased arterial calcification, especially coronary artery calcification, with a clear dose–response relationship. 🔗doi.org/10.1016/j.athp… @society_eas

Poecilobdella manillensis (leech-derived bioactive compounds) ameliorate endothelial injury and inflammation in atherosclerosis through PI3K/AKT and NF-κB pathways. 🔗doi.org/10.1016/j.athp… @society_eas

Heterozygous deletion of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) markedly reduces atherosclerosis in ApoE⁻/⁻ mice, independently of lipid levels, stress and macrophage accumulation. 👉 TfR1 emerges as a potential target for atherosclerosis 🔗doi.org/10.1016/j.athp… @society_eas

After 1 year of lipid-lowering therapy, patients with severe hypercholesterolemia show normal monocyte responses, no persistent histone activation, and no neutrophil activation—suggesting a reset of trained immunity. 🔗doi.org/10.1016/j.athp… @society_eas

Traditional LDL-C formulas struggle in high-TG settings, often leading to major underestimation and misclassification. A new neural network–based model overcomes these limits—fixing the high-TG bias and boosting accuracy. 🔗doi.org/10.1016/j.athp… @society_eas

In a 119-lesion OCT analysis, only antithrombotic biomarkers (plasminogen & ATIII) correlated with layered plaque. Higher antithrombotic levels → higher layer index, underscoring a key role of endogenous fibrinolysis in plaque healing. 🔗doi.org/10.1016/j.athp… @society_eas

Single-cell functional assays shed light on LDLR variant pathogenicity in FH. 📊 Highlights the value of functional in vitro testing to classify VUS within ACMG/AMP guidelines—crucial for accurate diagnosis and genetic counseling. 🔗sciencedirect.com/science/articl… @society_eas

New insights into atherosclerosis! Earthworm fibrinolytic enzyme A (EFEa) and fibrin-derived peptide Bβ15-42 reduce plaque formation and inflammation by upregulating VE-cadherin, limiting fibrinogen deposition and macrophage infiltration. doi.org/10.1016/j.athp… @society_eas

Midlife inflammation predicted long-term health: 🔹 hs-CRP, IL-6 & ICAM-1 → ↑ ASCVD risk 🔹 Only ICAM-1 → linked to both ASCVD and cognitive decline Adding biomarkers to Pooled Cohort Equation improved prediction for heart & brain outcomes 🔗doi.org/10.1016/j.athp…