Deficiencia de lipasa ácida lisosomal, una patología infrecuente.

Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency is a genetic disease with a low prevalence and high morbidity and mortality in children and adults. It is characterized by an alteration of lipid metabolism, which generates cholesterol and triglyceride esters deposits in the body. Its clinical presentation depends on enzymatic activity. This condition should be suspected in patients with lipid or liver alterations after ruling out other diagnoses. Currently, there is the option of using a recombinant enzyme, which can improve lipid and liver parameters, as well as disease progression. Establishing a timely diagnosis in order to initiate specific treatment early is imperative for the prevention of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this work is to perform a review of the literature about lysosomal acid lipase deficiency and to guide about its pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment.

El déficit de lipasa ácida lisosomal es una enfermedad genética poco prevalente, con alta morbimortalidad en niños y adultos. Se caracteriza por alteración del metabolismo lipídico que genera depósitos de ésteres de colesterol y triglicéridos en el organismo. La presentación clínica depende de la actividad enzimática. Se debe sospechar en pacientes con alteraciones lipídicas o alteraciones hepáticas después de descartar otros diagnósticos. Actualmente existe la opción de utilizar enzima recombinante, la cual puede mejorar los parámetros lipídicos y hepáticos, así como detener la progresión de la enfermedad. Es imperioso realizar el diagnóstico oportuno para iniciar de forma temprana el tratamiento específico, con el fin de prevenir la morbimortalidad. Se llevó a cabo revisión de la literatura en torno del déficit de lipasa ácida lisosomal, para orientar acerca de su fisiopatología, manifestaciones clínicas, diagnóstico y tratamiento.

Detection of high biliary and fecal viral loads in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

BACKGROUND: The life cycle of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is closely associated with lipid metabolism. Recently, NPC1L1 (a cholesterol transporter) has been reported to function as an HCV receptor. This receptor is expressed in the hepatocyte canalicular membrane and in the intestine; serving as a key transporter for the cholesterol enterohepatic cycle. OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that HCV might have a similar cycle, so we aimed to study the presence of HCV in bile and stools of infected patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood, feces, and duodenal bile samples were collected from patients infected with HCV. The biliary viral load was normalized to the bile salt concentration of each sample and the presence of HCV core protein was also evaluated. A total of 12 patients were recruited. HCV RNA was detected in the bile from ten patients. RESULTS: The mean viral load was 2.5log10IU/60mg bile salt. In the stool samples, HCV RNA was detected in ten patients (mean concentration 2.7log10IU/g of feces). CONCLUSIONS: HCV RNA is readily detectable and is present at relatively high concentrations in the bile and stool samples of infected patients. This may be relevant as a source of infection in men who have sex with men. Biliary HCV secretion may perhaps play a role in the persistence of viral infection via an enterohepatic cycle of the virus or intrahepatic spread.

Monocyte-to-High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio Is Associated with Systemic Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, and Coronary Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Psoriasis: Results from 2 Observational Cohorts.

Systemic inflammation or insulin resistance drive atherosclerosis. However, they are difficult to capture for assessing cardiovascular risk in clinical settings. The monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) is an accessible biomarker that integrates inflammatory and metabolic information and has been associated with poorer cardiovascular outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the association of MHR with the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis. The study involved a European and an American cohort including 405 patients with the disease. Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by coronary computed tomography angiography. First, MHR correlated with insulin resistance through homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, with high-sensitivity CRP and with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in spleen, liver, and bone marrow by positron emission tomography/computed tomography. MHR was associated with both the presence of coronary plaques >50% of the artery lumen and noncalcified coronary burden, beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors (P < .05). In a noncalcified coronary burden prediction model accounting for cardiovascular risk factors, statins, and biologic treatment, MHR added value (area under the curve base model = 0.72 vs area under the curve base model plus MHR = 0.76, P = .04) within the American cohort. These results suggests that MHR may detect patients with psoriasis who have subclinical burden of cardiovascular disease and warrant more aggressive measures to reduce lifetime adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

World Heart Federation Cholesterol Roadmap: The Portuguese Case.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the major cause of premature death and disability; effective cardiovascular (CV) risk prevention is fundamental. The World Heart Federation (WHF) Cholesterol Roadmap provides a framework for national policy development and aims to achieve ASCVD prevention.At the invitation of the WHF, a group of experts from the Portuguese Society of Cardiology (SPC), addressed the cholesterol burden at the national level and discussed possible strategies to include in a Portuguese cholesterol roadmap. The literature review showed that the cholesterol burden in Portugal is high and especially uncontrolled in those with the highest CV risk. An infographic, scorecard, was built to include in the WHF collection, for a clear idea about CV risk and cholesterol burden in Portugal, which would also be useful for health policy advocacy.The expert discussion and preventive strategies proposal followed the five pillars of the WHF document: Awareness improvement; Population-based approaches for CV risk and cholesterol; Risk assessment /population screening; System-level approaches; Surveillance of cholesterol and ASCVD outcomes. These strategies were debated by all the expert participants, with the goal of creating a national cholesterol roadmap to be used for advocacy and as a guide for CV prevention.Several key recommendations were made: Include all stakeholders in a multidisciplinary national program; Create a structured activities plan to increase awareness in the population; Improve the quality of continuous CV health education; Increase the interaction between different health professionals and non-health professionals; Increment the referral of patients to cardiac rehabilitation; Screen cholesterol levels in the general population, especially high-risk groups; Promote patients' self-care, engaging with patients' associations; Use specific social networks to spread information widely; Create a national database of cholesterol levels with systematic registry of CV events; Redefine strategies based on the evaluation of results; Create and involve more patients' associations - invert the pyramid order. In conclusion: ASCVD and the cholesterol burden remain a strong global issue in Portugal, requiring the involvement of multiple stakeholders in prevention. The Portuguese cholesterol roadmap can provide some solutions to help mitigate the problem urgently. Population-based approaches to improve awareness and CV risk assessment and surveillance of cholesterol and ASCVD outcomes are key factors in this change. A call to action is clearly needed to fight hypercholesterolemia and ASCVD burden.

Dietary plant microRNAs as potential regulators of cellular cholesterol efflux.

AIM: Epidemiological evidence suggests adherence to vegetable-rich diets is associated to atheroprotective effects and bioactive components are most likely to play a relevant role. The notion of inter-kingdom regulation has opened a new research paradigm and perhaps microRNAs (miRNAs) from edible vegetables could influence consumer gene expression and lead to biological effects. We aimed to investigate the potential impact of broccoli-derived miRNAs on cellular cholesterol efflux in vitro. METHODS: Four miRNAs (miR159a, miR159b, miR166a and miR403) from Brassica oleracea var. italica (broccoli), a widely consumed cruciferous vegetable, were selected for further investigation, based on their high abundancy in this vegetable and their presence in other plants. Selected miRNAs were synthesized with a 3'-terminal 2'-O-methylation and their cellular toxicity, in vitro gastrointestinal resistance and cellular uptake were evaluated. Potential target genes within the mammalian transcriptome were assessed in silico following pathway analysis. In vitro cholesterol efflux was assessed in human THP-1-derived macrophages. RESULTS: miRNAs survival to in vitro GI digestion was around 1%, although some variation was seen between the four candidates. Cellular uptake by mammalian cells was confirmed, and an increase in cholesterol efflux was observed. Pathway analysis suggested these miRNAs are involved in biological processes related to phosphorylation, phosphatidylinositol and Wnt signaling, and to the insulin/IGF pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Health-promoting properties attributed to cruciferous vegetables, might be mediated (at least in part) through miRNA-related mechanisms.

Association of remnant cholesterol with glycemic control and presence of microvascular complications in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: This study examines the relationship between remnant cholesterol, glucose metrics, and chronic complications of type 1 diabetes in users of glucose monitoring systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical variables and glucose metrics were collected from individuals using glucose sensors. Statistical models were employed to investigate the association of remnant cholesterol with glucose metrics, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic nephropathy. RESULTS: A total of 383 individuals, aged 48.3 ±â€¯16.2 years, with 54.1% women, and a remnant cholesterol level of 16 ±â€¯10 mg/dL, were included. The results demonstrated that remnant cholesterol was associated with less time within the target range (p = 0.015) and more time above the target range (p = 0.003). Diabetic nephropathy was the only complication associated with remnant cholesterol levels exceeding 30 mg/dL, OR 8.93, 95% CI (2.99-26.62), p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: Remnant cholesterol is independently associated with hyperglycemia and diabetic nephropathy in individuals with type 1 diabetes.

Lipoprotein (a) is a predictor of non-achievement of LDL-C goals in patients with chronic heart disease. / Lipoproteína (a) es un factor predictor de no consecución de objetivos de C-LDL en pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica crónica.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] concentration influences serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. How it influences the achievement of LDL-C targets established in the guidelines is not well studied. Our aim was to know the prevalence of elevated Lp(a) levels in patients with coronary artery disease, and to assess its influence on the achievement of LDL-C targets. METHOD: We conducted a cross-sectional study in a cardiology department in Spain. A total of 870 patients with stable coronary artery disease had their lipid profile determined, including Lp(a). Patients were stratified into 2 groups according to Lp(a)>50mg/dL and Lp(a)≤50mg/dL. The association of Lp(a)>50mg/dL with achievement of LDL-C targets was assessed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of Lp(a)>50mg/dL was 30.8%. Patients with Lp(a)>50mg/dL had higher baseline (142.30±47.54 vs. 130.47±40.75mg/dL; p=0.0001) and current (72.91±26.44 vs. 64.72±25.30mg/dL; p=0.0001), despite the fact that they were treated with more high-potency statins (77.2 vs. 70.9%; p=0.058) and more combination lipid-lowering therapy (37.7 vs. 25.7%; p=0.001). The proportion of patients achieving target LDL-C was lower in those with Lp(a)>50mg/dL. Independent predictors of having elevated Lp(a) levels>50mg/dL were the use of high-potency statins (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.08-2.14), combination lipid-lowering therapy with ezetimibe (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.45-2.73) and failure to achieve a LDL-C ≤55mg/dL (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.63-3.23). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated Lp(a) levels influence LDL-C levels and hinder the achievement of targets in patients at very high cardiovascular risk. New drugs that act directly on Lp(a) are needed in these patients.

Clinical characterization and detection of subclinical atherosclerosis in subjects with extreme hyperalphalipoproteinemia. / Caracterización clínica y detección de arteriosclerosis subclínica en sujetos con hiperalfalipoproteinemia extrema.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The association between HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and death from cardiovascular disease follows a U-shaped pattern, increasing at the extremes. The objective of the study was to characterize a sample of subjects with extreme hyperalphalipoproteinemia (HAE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 53 cases with HAE were recruited, 24 women (HDL-C>135mg/ dL) and 29 men (HDL-C>116mg/ dL). A detailed medical history was taken and questionnaires on adherence to the Mediterranean diet and physical activity were collected. Carotid ultrasounds were performed to detect the presence of suclinical atherosclerosis. RESULTS: The most prevalent cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF) was dyslipidemia (64%) with no significant differences between men and women, unlike hypertension (21% in women, versus 55% in men, p=0.01) and others CVRF, for example, diabetes. 7% of the series had previous cardiovascular disease, women had higher LDL cholesterol (p=0.002) and HDL-C than men (without significant differences). Plaque was detected in 53% of cases, being more prevalent in men. Patients with plaque were older, drank more alcohol and smoked more (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Men had a higher prevalence of CVRF than women, except for dyslipidemia. Subclinical atherosclerosis occurred in more than half of the series. Age, alcohol consumption and smoking were independently associated with the presence of plaque, however, our data do not show a significant influence of HDL-C levels.

Serum cholesterol levels are inversely associated with the risk of malignancy in subjects with Bethesda category IV thyroid nodules.

INTRODUCTION: Some epidemiological data suggest that there may be an inverse relationship between cholesterol levels and the risk of thyroid cancer in the overall population. The present study was aimed to evaluate the lipid profile specifically in subjects with Bethesda category IV thyroid nodules, and compare whether there were any differences between those with benign and malignant nodules. METHODS: Single-centre, retrospective study on 204 subjects treated by partial or total thyroidectomy for excision of a Bethesda category IV thyroid nodule, who had undergone a blood lipid profile test in the 12 months prior to surgery. In addition to lipid measures, other demographic, clinical, biochemical and ultrasound data were collected. RESULTS: Seventy-five subjects (36.8%) were diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma in the definitive histopathological examination. Patients with thyroid cancer had lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol than subjects with benign thyroid diseases. There were no differences in HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides or total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio. There were no differences either between groups in other clinical, biochemical and ultrasound variables, including the use of lipid-lowering drugs. In multivariate analysis, only LDL-cholesterol was independently associated with malignancy. Subjects with follicular carcinoma showed the lowest cholesterol levels, while those with papillary carcinoma had intermediate values between the group with follicular carcinoma and the group with benign thyroid diseases. CONCLUSIONS: In subjects with cytologically indeterminate Bethesda category IV thyroid nodules, levels of total cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol and, particularly, LDL-cholesterol are lower among those with malignant nodules.

Factors associated with the presence of tendon xanthomas in familial hypercholesterolemia.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Tendon xanthomas (TX) are lipid deposits highly specific to familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). However, there is significant variability in their presentation among FH patients, primarily due to largely unknown causes. Lipoprotein(a) is a well-established independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the general population as well as in FH. Given the wide variability of lipoprotein(a) among FH individuals and the likelihood that TX may result from a proatherogenic and proinflammatory condition, the objective of this study was to analyze the size of TX in the Achilles tendons of FH participants and the variables associated with their presence, including lipoprotein(a) concentration. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 377 participants with a molecular diagnosis of heterozygous FH. Achilles tendon maximum thickness (ATMT) was measured using ultrasonography with standardized equipment and procedures. Demographic variables and lipid profiles were collected. A multivariate linear regression model using a log-Gaussian approach was used to predict TX size. Classical cardiovascular risk factors and lipoprotein(a) were included as explanatory variables. RESULTS: The mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was 277mg/dL without lipid-lowering treatment, and the median ATMT was 5.50mm. We demonstrated that age, sex, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) were independently associated with ATMT. However, these 4 variables did not account for most the interindividual variability observed (R2=0.205). CONCLUSIONS: TX, a characteristic hallmark of FH, exhibit heterogeneity in their presentation. Interindividual variability can partially be explained by age, male sex, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) but these factors account for only 20% of this heterogeneity.

The role of the gallbladder in humans.

The basic function of the gallbladder in humans is one of protection. The accumulation of the primary bile acids (cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid) in the gallbladder reduces the formation of the secondary bile acids (deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid), thus diminishing their concentration in the so-called gallbladder-independent enterohepatic circulation and protecting the liver, the stomach mucosa, the gallbladder, and the colon from their toxic hydrophobic effects. The presence or absence of the gallbladder in mammals is a determining factor in the synthesis of hydrophobic or hydrophilic bile acids. Because the gallbladder contracts 5-20 min after food is in the stomach and the "gastric chyme" moves from the stomach to the duodenum 1-3 h later, the function of the gallbladder bile in digestion may be insignificant. The aim of this article was to provide a detailed review of the role of the gallbladder and the mechanisms related to bile formation in humans.

[HDL-cholesterol concentration and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in people over 75 years of age: a cohort with half a million participants from the Community of Madrid]. / Concentración de colesterol-HDL y riesgo de infección por SARS-CoV-2 en personas mayores de 75 años: una cohorte con medio millón de participantes de la Comunidad de Madrid.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between HDL-cholesterol and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in over 75-year-olds residing in the Community of Madrid. METHODS: Study of a population-based cohort, composed of all residents in Madrid (Spain) born before January 1, 1945 and alive on December 31, 2019. Demographic, clinical and analytical data were obtained from primary care electronic medical records from January 2015. Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection was defined as a positive RT-PCR or antigen test result. Infection data correspond to the period March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. RESULTS: Of the 593,342 cohort participants, 501,813 had at least one HDL-cholesterol determination in the past 5 years. Their mean age was 83.4±5.6 years and 62.4% were women. A total of 36,996 (7.4%) had a confirmed SARS-CoV2 infection during 2020. The risk of infection [odds ratio (95% confidence interval)] for SARS-CoV2 according to increasing quintiles of HDL-cholesterol was 1, 0.960 (0.915-1.007), 0.891 (0.848-0.935), 0.865 (0.824-0.909) and 0.833 (0.792-0.876), after adjusting for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: There is an inverse and dose-dependent relationship between HDL-cholesterol concentration and the risk of SARS-CoV2 infection in subjects aged over 75 years of age in the Community of Madrid.

Role of rafts in neurological disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Rafts are protein-lipid structural nanodomains involved in efficient signal transduction and the modulation of physiological processes of the cell plasma membrane. Raft disruption in the nervous system has been associated with a wide range of disorders. DEVELOPMENT: We review the concept of rafts, the nervous system processes in which they are involved, and their role in diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer disease, and Huntington disease. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the available evidence, preservation and/or reconstitution of rafts is a promising treatment strategy for a wide range of neurological disorders.

[Atherogenic index and its association with acute coronary ischemic syndrome mortality]. / Índice aterogénico y su relación con la mortalidad del síndrome isquémico coronario agudo.

Background: Several indexes have been developed to define the risk attributable to lipid metabolism with a single value. The total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (TC/HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein (LDL-C/HDL-C) ratios are the most used. The higher the value of these ratios, the greater the probability of cardiovascular events. Objective: To identify whether the TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios are early prognostic markers of mortality and major cardiovascular events in patients with ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome. Material and methods: 265 patients with ST-segment elevation acute coronary ischemic syndrome were included, divided into 4 groups according to the values of the atherogenic indices. Mortality and major cardiovascular events at 30-day follow-up were analyzed. Comparison of the groups was performed using the chi-squared test or ANOVA, depending on the case (p < 0.05). Results: The cut-off point for the TC/HDL-C index was 6.9 and for the LDL-C/HDL-C it was 2.7. The comparative analysis of groups showed that cardiovascular death and arrhythmia were higher in group 3 (p = 0.006 and p = 0.003, respectively). Conclusions: TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C indexes can be used as prognostic markers of cardiovascular mortality in the first 30 days of follow-up.

Introducción: se han elaborado diferentes índices para definir el riesgo atribuible al metabolismo lipídico con un solo valor. Los coeficientes colesterol total/lipoproteínas de alta densidad (CT/C-HDL) y lipoproteínas de baja densidad/lipoproteínas de alta densidad (C-LDL/C-HDL) son los más utilizados. A mayor valor de estos cocientes, la probabilidad de eventos cardiovasculares es mayor. Objetivo: identificar si los índices CT/C-HDL y C-LDL/C-HDL son marcadores pronósticos tempranos de mortalidad y evento cardiovascular mayor en pacientes con síndrome isquémico coronario agudo con elevación del ST. Material y métodos: se incluyeron 265 pacientes con síndrome isquémico coronario agudo con elevación del segmento ST, divididos en 4 grupos según los valores de los índices aterogénicos. Se analizó la mortalidad y el evento cardiovascular mayor en los 30 días de seguimiento. Se identificó el punto de corte de cada índice mediante un análisis de curva ROC. La comparación de los grupos se hizo con chi cuadrada o ANOVA, según fuera el caso (p < 0.05). Resultados: el punto de corte para el índice CT/C-HDL fue de 6.9 y para el C-LDL/C-HDL de 2.7. El análisis comparativo de los grupos demostró que la muerte cardiovascular y arritmia fue mayor en el grupo 3 (p = 0.006 y p = 0.003, respectivamente). Conclusiones: los índices CT/C-HDL y C-LDL/C-HDL pueden ser utilizados como marcadores pronósticos de mortalidad cardiovascular en los primeros 30 días de seguimiento.

GALIPDIA study: Reaching lipid targets in a population with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) from the Northwest of Spain.

AIM: To assess the degree of compliance with the European ESC/EAS 2016 and 2019 dyslipidaemia guidelines in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Multicentre retrospective cross-sectional study, conducted in 380 adults with T2DM and dyslipidaemia in 7 Spanish health areas. INCLUSION CRITERIA: minimum follow-up of one year in Endocrinology Units, at least one visit in 2020 and a lipid profile measurement in the last 3 months. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: familial hypercholesterolaemia, recent hospitalisation, active oncological pathology and dialysis. RESULTS: According to the 2016 and 2019 guidelines the majority of patients were classified as being at very high cardiovascular risk (86.8% vs. 72.1%, respectively). LDL-c compliance was adequate in 62.1% of patients according to the 2016 guidelines and 39.7% according to the 2019 guidelines (p<0.001). Clinical conditions such as history of cardiovascular disease and therapy-related aspects (use of statins, especially high-potency statins, combination therapies and good adherence) were significantly associated with greater achievement of lipid targets. CONCLUSION: There is a discrepancy between dyslipidaemia guideline recommendations and the reality of lipid control in patients with T2DM, despite most of these patients being at very high cardiovascular risk. Strategies to optimise lipid-lowering treatments need to be implemented.

The benefits of measuring the size and number of lipoprotein particles for cardiovascular risk prediction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular risk (CVR) is conventionally calculated by measuring the total cholesterol content of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the CVR associated with LDL and HDL particle size and number as determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was performed using the electronic databases MEDLINE and Scopus. All cohort and case-control studies published before January 1, 2019 that met the following inclusion criteria were included: HDL-P, LDL-P, HDL-Z and/or LDL-Z measured by NMR spectroscopy; cardiovascular event as an outcome variable; risk of cardiovascular events expressed as odds ratios or hazard ratios; only adult patients. A meta-analysis was performed for each exposure variable (4 for LDL and 5 for HDL) and for each exposure measure (highest versus lowest quartile and 1-standard deviation increment). RESULTS: This review included 24 studies. Number of LDL particles was directly associated with CVR: risk increased by 28% with each standard deviation increment. LDL particle size was inversely and significantly associated with CVR: each standard deviation increment corresponded to an 8% risk reduction. CVR increased by 12% with each standard deviation increase in number of small LDL particles. HD, particle number and size were inversely associated with CVR. CONCLUSION: Larger particle size provided greater protection, although this relationship was inconsistent between studies. Larger number of LDL particles and smaller LDL particle size are associated with increased CVR. Risk decreases with increasing number and size of HDL particles.

Geostatistical analysis from the clinical laboratory in cardiovascular prevention for primary care. / Análisis geoestadístico desde el laboratorio clínico en prevención cardiovascular para atención primaria.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular diseases continue to lead the ranking of mortality in Spain. The implementation of geostatistical analysis techniques in the clinical laboratory are innovative tools that allow the design of new strategies in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to study the prevalence and geolocation of severe dyslipidemia in the health areas under study in order to implement prevention strategies in primary care. A retrospective cohort study of low-density protein-bound cholesterol, triglyceride and lipoprotein (a) levels in the years 2019 and 2020 were carried out. In addition, a geostatistical analysis was performed including representation in choropleth maps and the detection of clustering clusters, using geographic information in zip code format included in the demographic data of each analytic. RESULTS: The analytical data included in the study were triglycerides (n=365,384), low density protein-bound cholesterol (n=289,594) and lipoprotein to lipoprotein (a) (n=502). Areas with the highest and lowest percentage of cases were identified for the established cut-off points of LDL-C>190mg/dL and TG>150mg/dL. Two clustering clusters with statistical significance were detected for cLDL>190mg/dL and a total of 6 clusters for TG values>150mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: The detection of clusters, as well as the representation of choropleth maps, can be of great help in detecting geographic areas that require greater attention to intervene and improve cardiovascular risk.

Consensus document for lipid profile testing and reporting in Spanish clinical laboratories.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) continue to be the main cause of death in our country. Adequate control of lipid metabolism disorders is a key challenge in cardiovascular prevention that is far from being achieved in real clinical practice. There is a great heterogeneity in the reports of lipid metabolism from Spanish clinical laboratories, which may contribute to its poor control. For this reason, a working group of the main scientific societies involved in the care of patients at vascular risk, has prepared this document with a consensus proposal on the determination of the basic lipid profile in cardiovascular prevention, recommendations for its realization and unification of criteria to incorporate the lipid control goals appropriate to the vascular risk of the patients in the laboratory reports.

Functional foods and nutraceuticals in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia: Statement of the Spanish Society of Arteriosclerosis 2023. / Alimentos funcionales y nutracéuticos en el tratamiento de la hipercolesterolemia: posicionamiento de la Sociedad Española de Arteriosclerosis 2023.

In the management of hypercholesterolemia, besides advising a healthy, plant-based diet, it may be useful to recommend functional foods or nutraceutical with cholesterol-lowering properties. Given the progressive increase in the number of these products and their rising use by the population, the Spanish Society of Arteriosclerosis (SEA) has considered it appropriate to review the available information, select the results of the scientifically more robust studies and take a position on their usefulness, to recommend to health professionals and the general population their potential utility in terms of efficacy and their possible benefits and limitations. The following clinical scenarios have been identified in which these products could be used and will be analyzed in more detail in this document: (1) Hypolipidemic treatment in subjects with statin intolerance. (2) Hypolipidemic treatment «a la carte¼ in individuals in primary prevention. (3) Long-term cardiovascular prevention in individuals with no indication for lipid-lowering therapy. (4) Patients with optimized lipid-lowering treatment who do not achieve therapeutic objectives.