The role of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitors in the treatment of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia: risks, benefits, and management

Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2015 Jan;17(1):469. doi: 10.1007/s11883-014-0469-2.

Abstract

Statins fail to adequately reduce low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, requiring these patients to undergo weekly or bi-weekly sessions of LDL apheresis. Although efficacious, LDL apheresis is an invasive procedure with high cost and low availability, and additional options, such as inhibitors of microsomal transfer protein (MTP), may have benefit. Inhibition of MTP reduces levels of circulating cholesterol and triglycerides by preventing the formation of very-low-density lipoprotein and chylomicrons. LDL-C levels decrease by as much as 50%. Unfortunately, adverse effects-the most common of which are gastrointestinal-related and hepatic lipid accumulation-limit broader use of the drug. Furthermore, the cardiovascular benefit of MTP inhibition remains unclear. However, MTP inhibition offers a viable additional lipid-lowering option for patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carrier Proteins / therapeutic use*
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood*
  • Cholesterol, LDL / drug effects
  • Disease Management*
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II* / blood
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II* / drug therapy
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II* / mortality
  • Microsomes
  • Risk Factors
  • Survival Rate / trends

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • microsomal triglyceride transfer protein