Gene therapy for dyslipidemia: clinical prospects

Curr Atheroscler Rep. 1999 Jul;1(1):58-69. doi: 10.1007/s11883-999-0051-5.

Abstract

Current approaches to the treatment of lipid disorders are inadequate for a substantial number of patients with severe hyperlipoproteinemia, isolated low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, or other molecular disorders of lipoprotein metabolism. Therefore, dyslipidemias remain important targets for the development of novel therapies. Gene therapy is a logical therapeutic approach to monogenic lipoprotein disorders, such as homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency, familial lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase deficiency, and abetalipoproteinemia, for which current therapies are inadequate. Gene therapy could also be used to increase expression of certain proteins, such as apolipoprotein A-I as a strategy to raise HDL cholesterol levels or apoE as a strategy for severe combined hyperlipidemia. With further progress in the development of vectors, gene therapy for severe dyslipidemia is likely to become a clinical reality.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gene Transfer Techniques
  • Genetic Therapy*
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Humans
  • Hyperlipidemias / genetics
  • Hyperlipidemias / therapy*
  • Viruses