@RockyP
Reduction of remnant lipoproteins
In addition to triglyceride values, great attention has recently been paid to remnant lipoproteins (RLP-C), recognized as highly atherogenic. In fact, these particles contain up to four times the concentration of cholesterol compared to LDL, thus potentially resulting much more atherogenic. Indeed, in the ANCHOR and MARINE studies, IPE therapy was shown to result in a reduction in RLP-C of up to 30% compared to placebo (by—25.8%, P = 0.0001 and—29.8%, P = 0.004, respectively), being able to partially explain the beneficial effects of this therapy that go beyond the reduction of triglyceride values.
Stabilizing effect on atheromatous plaque
The EVAPORATE study provides important mechanistic information regarding the therapeutic effect that IPE exerts on the characteristics of vulnerable atheromatous plaques, from growth reduction to the induction of true plaque regression. In particular, it was also observed that the total volumetric progression rates of fibroadipose component plaques were −34% in the IPE group compared to a progression of 32% in the placebo group (P = 0.0002). Furthermore, this reduction in plaque volume progression was not accompanied by a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides from baseline10. It is interesting to note how, compared to the data existing in the literature regarding the effects of statins on the volume of coronary plaques, the data emerging from the EVAPORATE study are surprising, since the effect of IPE would appear to be more effective than an intensive therapy with statins on the stabilization and regression of atheromatous plaque.11,12