Authors: Watts, Gerald F.; Chan, Dick C.

Source: Current Vascular Pharmacology, Volume 6, Number 1, January 2008 , pp. 67-77(11)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

Dyslipidaemia is a common and consistent abnormality in insulin resistant subjects with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Lipoprotein metabolism is complex and abnormal plasma concentrations can result from alterations in the rates of production and/or catabolism of diverse lipoprotein particles. Our understandings of the dysregulation and therapeutic regulation of lipoprotein transport in insulin resistant states has relied on the application of advances in stable isotope and modelling methods. Dysregulation of lipoprotein metabolism in these circumstances may be caused by a combination of overproduction of VLDL apolipoprotein (apoB) B- 100 and VLDL-apoC-III, decreased catabolism of apoB-containing particles, and increased catabolism of HDL apoA-I particles. These abnormalities may be consequent on a global metabolic effect of insulin resistance and accumulation of visceral fat. Several pharmacological treatments, such as statins, fibrates or fish oil can correct the dyslipidaemia by diverse kinetic mechanisms of action, including decreased secretion of apoB and apoC-III, and increased catabolism of apoB, as well as increased secretion and decreased catabolism of apoA-I. Newer agents, including insulin sensitizers, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, CETP inhibitors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-delta agonists and endocannabinoid- 1 receptor blockers, have also been shown to improve plasma lipid and lipoprotein abnormalities in insulin resistant states; their mechanisms of action are at present being investigated. Rimonabant is the endocannabinoid receptor blocker shown to decrease cardiometabolic risk in insulin resistant subjects. The complementary mechanisms of action of different agents support the use of combination regimens in treating dyslipoproteinaemia in subjects with central obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Keywords: Insulin resistance; lipoprotein metabolism; pharmacological intervention; cardiovascular disease; obesity

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157016108783331277

Publication date: 2008-01-01

More about this publication?

• Vascular disease is the commonest cause of death in Westernized countries and its incidence is on the increase in developing countries. It follows that considerable research is directed at establishing effective treatment for acute vascular events. Long-term treatment has also received considerable attention (e.g. for symptomatic relief). Furthermore, effective prevention, whether primary or secondary, is backed by the findings of several landmark trials.
  
  Vascular disease is a complex field with primary care physicians and nurse practitioners as well as several specialties involved. The latter include cardiology, vascular and cardio thoracic surgery, general medicine, radiology, clinical pharmacology and neurology (stroke units). Current Vascular Pharmacology will publish reviews to update all those concerned with the treatment of vascular disease. For example, reviews commenting on recently published trials or new drugs will be included. In addition to clinically relevant topics we will consider 'research-based' reviews dealing with future developments and potential drug targets. Therefore, another function of Current Vascular Pharmacology is to bridge the gap between clinical practice and ongoing research.
  
  Debates will also be encouraged in the correspondence section of this journal.

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• By this author: Watts, Gerald F. ;  Chan, Dick C.

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