Causal Effect of Lipids and Lipoproteins on Atherosclerosis: Lessons from Genomic Studies.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review synthesizing genomic and Mendelian randomization literature without systematic review methods
PubMed 29609749 · doi:10.1016/j.ccl.2017.12.001
What was done
Narrative review synthesizing findings from genomic and Mendelian randomization studies regarding the causal role of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins and high-density lipoprotein-mediated cholesterol efflux in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data, odds ratios, or statistical metrics. It states that apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins have causal and cumulative effects on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk, with therapeutic benefit determined by both the absolute reduction in particle number and the duration of exposure. It also states that because atherogenesis is driven by particle retention rather than cholesterol payload, high-density lipoprotein-mediated cholesterol efflux may not reduce disease risk.
Why it matters
Highlights that cumulative exposure to circulating apolipoprotein B particle number, rather than carried cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein efflux, drives atherosclerotic risk, supporting therapeutic strategies targeted at long-term particle reduction.
Limits
As a narrative review, it lacks a systematic literature search, pooled quantitative estimates, and confidence intervals. No specific study populations or sample sizes are detailed in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports ApoB, insulin resistance, hypertension, and smoking are the four primary causal drivers of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.