Authors: Yamaoka-Tojo, Minako; Tojo, Taiki; Izumi, Tohru

Source: Current Vascular Pharmacology, Volume 6, Number 4, October 2008 , pp. 271-281(11)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

Prospective epidemiologic studies have shown that dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia are major risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Undesirable metabolic conditions are observed to coexist in patients with metabolic syndrome, which is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. To prevent cardiovascular disease, a pleiotropic agent is needed to improve the metabolic disorder in patients with metabolic syndrome. Bile acid binding resins increase the fecal excretion of bile acids. The decrease in bile acids returned to the liver leads to an up-regulation of hepatic low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor activity, which decreases LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) in the circulation and increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. On the other hand, bile acids can also regulate the transcription of genes involved in LDL-C synthesis and cholesterol homeostasis via nuclear hormone receptors. Consequently, these receptors may represent novel therapeutic targets for dyslipidemia and provide insight into the role of the bile acid pathway in other metabolic processes.

This review focuses on the recent findings on bile acid binding resins and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Moreover, known and proposed mechanisms of how bile acid binding resins may improve glucose and energy metabolism are discussed; these effects may help to explain the mechanisms by which bile acid binding resins may reduce cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: Anion-exchange resins; bile acids; pleiotropic effects; insulin resistance; diabetes mellitus; inflammation; metabolic syndrome; obesity

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157016108785909698

Publication date: 2008-10-01

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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