Atherosclerosis/cholesterol and compounds that are safe

[bigains]

At 30 years old, ten years ago, I found out my ldl was in the 220s with a very clean diet, lean meat, salmon, vegetables, and basmati rice. I started taking rosuvastatin 20mg a day. This resulted in an ldl in the 120s. I later started taking 20mg morning and night. My ldl decreased to 50. An ldl under 70 has not been shown to increase plaque build up on the endothelial lining of the blood vessels. Keeping ldl very low as in less than 70 can halt atherosclerosis and over time slowly reverse some of the build up. Keeping estrogen in range and androgens lower improves hdl to some extent. If ldl is low enough hdl is less of a concern. EPA omega 3s over 4g a day can decrease the oxidation of ldl as well as thin the blood reducing clotting potential. Antioxidants reduce the oxidation and deposition of ldl on the blood vessel lining as well.

 

[SDRaver]

Bergamot with statins

Bergamot polyphenolic fraction enhances rosuvastatin-induced effect on LDL-cholesterol, LOX-1 expression and protein kinase B phosphorylation in patients with hyperlipidemia

 

[whacked]

High cholesterol may protect against infections and atherosclerosis

Many researchers have suggested that the blood lipids play a key role in the immune defence system.1–21 There is also a growing understanding that an infla

academic.oup.com

 

[SDRaver]

Pharmacological treatment with FGF21 strongly improves plasma cholesterol metabolism to reduce atherosclerosis​

Cong Liu 1 2, Milena Schönke 1 2, Enchen Zhou 1 2, Zhuang Li 1 2, Sander Kooijman 1 2, Mariëtte R Boon 1 2, Mikael Larsson 3, Kristina Wallenius 3, Niek Dekker 4, Louise Barlind 4, Xiao-Rong Peng 3, Yanan Wang 1 2 5, Patrick C N Rensen 1 2 5
Affiliations expand

• PMID: 33693480
• DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab076

Abstract​

Aims: Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21, a key regulator of energy metabolism, is currently evaluated in humans for treatment of type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. However, the effects of FGF21 on cardiovascular benefit, particularly on lipoprotein metabolism in relation to atherogenesis, remain elusive.
Methods and results: Here, the role of FGF21 in lipoprotein metabolism in relation to atherosclerosis development was investigated by pharmacological administration of a half-life extended recombinant FGF21 protein to hypercholesterolemic APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice, a well-established model mimicking atherosclerosis initiation and development in humans. FGF21 reduced plasma total cholesterol, explained by a reduction in non-HDL-cholesterol. Mechanistically, FGF21 promoted brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation and white adipose tissue (WAT) browning, thereby enhancing the selective uptake of fatty acids from triglyceride-rich lipoproteins into BAT and into browned WAT, consequently accelerating the clearance of the cholesterol-enriched remnants by the liver. In addition, FGF21 reduced body fat, ameliorated glucose tolerance and markedly reduced hepatic steatosis, related to upregulated hepatic expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation and increased hepatic VLDL-triglyceride secretion. Ultimately, FGF21 largely decreased atherosclerotic lesion area, which was mainly explained by the reduction in non-HDL-cholesterol as shown by linear regression analysis, decreased lesion severity and increased atherosclerotic plaque stability index.
Conclusions: FGF21 improves hypercholesterolemia by accelerating triglyceride-rich lipoprotein turnover as a result of activating BAT and browning of WAT, thereby reducing atherosclerotic lesion severity and increasing atherosclerotic lesion stability index. We have thus provided additional support for the clinical use of FGF21 in the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Translational perspectives: Current therapeutics do not fully block atherosclerosis development, indicating a need for additional effective therapeutics. Here, we demonstrate that pharmacological treatment with recombinant FGF21 potently protects against atherosclerosis in APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice. Mechanistically, FGF21 reduces hypercholesterolemia by accelerating triglyceride-rich lipoprotein turnover as a result of enhancing adipose tissue thermogenesis, thereby alleviating atherosclerotic lesion formation and severity. Consistent with our animal findings, FGF21 administration in obese patients has shown to reduce several cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity and dyslipidemia. Therefore, our present results, together with available clinical data, suggest that FGF21 is a promising therapeutic for atherosclerotic diseases.

Dietary Betaine Supplementation Increases Fgf21 Levels to Improve Glucose Homeostasis and Reduce Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in Mice

 

[SDRaver]

Been on this board pushing this stuff for years.....kind of feel sometimes that nobody takes notice until the shit hits the fan.

{Take it from a guy who takes 1, (krill), 3, 4, 5, 6 (not TECA), 7, 8, (agmatine is in my peri workout), 9, 10, 11, .....and got a Coronary Calcium Score years ago....Result? Plaque? ZERO. Ive always put as much thought in the consequences of steroid usage both hormonally to regulate yourself and keep muscle mass over time..... and lipid and organ wise as much as I have given great thought about anything else bodybuilding wise....its something I havent seen many others do over the last 30 years where they mostly depended on the mirror to give them the answer of their internal health. I knew a 21 inch bicep did not mean clean arteries. Why does it seem people only stand up and take notice or listen to advice from people who themselves have screwed up their own health beyond repair....I dont get it. Nevertheless....

Citrus Bergamot pronounced reduction of plaque in 6 months

Bergamot Reduces Plasma Lipids, Atherogenic Small Dense LDL, and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Subjects with Moderate Hypercholesterolemia: A 6 Months Prospective Study

Background: Some patients experience statin-induced side effects or prefer nutraceutical approaches for the treatment of dyslipidemia. This has led to a search for alternative therapeutic approaches for dyslipidemia management. In recent studies Citrus ...

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

4 grams of a high EPA supplement

VASCEPA® (Icosapent Ethyl) Reported to Significantly Reduce Coronary Plaque in EVAPORATE Study Final Results Presented at ESC Congress 2020 | Amarin Corporation plc

The Investor Relations website contains information about Amarin Corporation plc's business for stockholders, potential investors, and financial analysts.

investor.amarincorp.com

Icosapent ethyl reduces coronary plaque at 18 months: EVAPORATE final results

Icosapent ethyl as an adjunct to statin therapy significantly reduced multiple plaque components, including low-attenuation plaque, at 18 months, compared with placebo, according to final results of the EVAPORATE trial.The findings build on previously reported interim data that demonstrated a...

www.healio.com

Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate juice consumption for 3 years by patients with carotid artery stenosis reduces common carotid intima-media thickness, blood pressure and LDL oxidation - PubMed

Dietary supplementation with polyphenolic antioxidants to animals was shown to be associated with inhibition of LDL oxidation and macrophage foam cell formation, and attenuation of atherosclerosis development. We investigated the effects of pomegranate juice (PJ, which contains potent tannins...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nattokinase

[A clinical study on the effect of nattokinase on carotid artery atherosclerosis and hyperlipidaemia] - PubMed

<span><b>Objective:</b> To evaluate the efficacy of oral nattokinase (NK) in the reduction of common carotid artery intimal medial thickness (CCA-IMT) and carotid artery plaque size and in lowering blood lipids, and to explore the underlying mechanism of actions of NK and its potential clinical...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pycnogenol and TECA

Pycnogenol® and Centella Asiatica for asymptomatic atherosclerosis progression - PubMed

Pycnogenol and the combination of Pycnogenol+TECA appear to reduce the progression of subclinical arterial lesions in low-risk asymptomatic subjects. The reduction in plaque progression was associated with a reduction in oxidative stress. The results justify a large randomized controlled study...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Aged Garlic

Aged Garlic Extract Reduces Low Attenuation Plaque in Coronary Arteries of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome in a Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Study - PubMed

This study indicates that the %LAP change was significantly greater in the AGE group than in the placebo group. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether AGE has the ability to stabilize vulnerable plaque and decrease adverse cardiovascular events. This trial was registered at...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Maybe Agmatine

Anti-Atherosclerotic Action of Agmatine in ApoE-Knockout Mice

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which dysfunction of mitochondria play an important role, and disorders of lipid management intensify this process. Agmatine, an endogenous polyamine formed by decarboxylation of arginine, exerts a protective ...

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Grape Seed Extract

Beneficial clinical effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on the progression of carotid atherosclerotic plaques

Atherosclerotic plaques indicate the occurrence of ischemia events and it is a difficult task for clinical physicians. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) has been reported to exert an antiatherogenic effect by inducing regression of atherosclerotic ...

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Maybe Serrapeptase

Serrapeptase

Serrapeptase This article has been nominated to be checked for its neutrality.Discussion of this nomination can be found on the talk page. Serrapeptase

www.chemeurope.com

Berberine has shown this in multiple studies too

Promising Anti-atherosclerotic Effect of Berberine: Evidence from In Vitro, In Vivo, and Clinical Studies

Elevated levels of plasma cholesterol, impaired vascular wall, and presence of inflammatory macrophages are important atherogenic risk factors contributing to atherosclerotic plaque formation and progression. The interventions modulating these risk factors have been...

link.springer.com

From a budget standpoint would a prescription for Vascepa replace some or all of the OTC options listed?

 

[emeric delczeg]

Dietary Betaine Supplementation Increases Fgf21 Levels to Improve Glucose Homeostasis and Reduce Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in Mice

Correct.

 

[DOGGCRAPP]

From a budget standpoint would a prescription for Vascepa replace some or all of the OTC options listed?

As far as fish oil definitely.....i think if you get a prescription the cost is pennies if not free.....there is some kind of program thru Vascepa also ill have to go look at again

 

[SDRaver]

As far as fish oil definitely.....i think if you get a prescription the cost is pennies if not free.....there is some kind of program thru Vascepa also ill have to go look at again

I actually have a new prescription for Vascepa but would have to pay out of pocket because I don't meet the criteria for my insurance to cover it.

Depending on the type of discount card for cash payment it seems like Vascepa runs anywhere from $90 to $105 for 30 × 1 gram capsules.

That being said I believe Dr. Rheddy's and Hikma Pharmaceuticals are supposed to launch a generic version of Vascepa soon.

 

[DOGGCRAPP]

Cannot do this? https://www.vascepa.com/getting-started/savings-card/

 

[SDRaver]

Cannot do this? https://www.vascepa.com/getting-started/savings-card/

My insurance would cover and I could use that discount card if my
triglyceride levels were at least 150. That's what health insurance wants to see for them to cover it.
Since they are not I can still be prescribed Vascepa but have to pay out of pocket.

 

[MR. BMJ]

My insurance would cover and I could use that discount card if my
triglyceride levels were at least 150. That's what health insurance wants to see for them to cover it.
Since they are not I can still be prescribed Vascepa but have to pay out of pocket.

I don't know much on this topic of insurance, but i've heard this from quite a few other guys who got denied lower price discounts (etc) because they weren't 'unhealthy enough' with higher TG levels. I'm not sure if there is a way around it...this is where my lack of knowledge come in, but it would be good to know if there is. I've been using NOW brand liquid fish oil (lemon).

 

[nothuman]

From a budget standpoint would a prescription for Vascepa replace some or all of the OTC options listed?

I would say no because boosting your Omega 3 index is only one part of atherosclerosis prevention (a huge factor but not the only factor). There are other mechanisms of prevention as well that are independent of omega 3 index

 

[SDRaver]

For those adult patients in this group who have elevated triglycerides (TG) ≥150 mg/dL and established cardiovascular disease or diabetes and two or more additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Even my TRT doctor pays out of pocket because he doesn't meet the criteria for insurance to pay for Vascepa.

As far as the patent lawsuits. If you search "Vascepa lawsuit" you can see all the drama going on with patent right now. Bad for the Amarin Corporation, good for patients who need the product.

If you go to GoodRX you can see that the generic version of Vascepa is half the price of the brand name version.

 

[SDRaver]

Cost for Vascepa is about $90 for 30grams . 1gram a day works well enough for me. As seen in the screenshot of my March 29th 2021 labwork.

Although the generic version of Vascepa isn't really available yet, you can see the huge price difference when it becomes available. Which explains why the makers of Vascepa have been fighting multiple battles in court over patents.

 

[SOUR DIESEL]

Been on this board pushing this stuff for years.....kind of feel sometimes that nobody takes notice until the shit hits the fan.

{Take it from a guy who takes 1, (krill), 3, 4, 5, 6 (not TECA), 7, 8, (agmatine is in my peri workout), 9, 10, 11, .....and got a Coronary Calcium Score years ago....Result? Plaque? ZERO. Ive always put as much thought in the consequences of steroid usage both hormonally to regulate yourself and keep muscle mass over time..... and lipid and organ wise as much as I have given great thought about anything else bodybuilding wise....its something I havent seen many others do over the last 30 years where they mostly depended on the mirror to give them the answer of their internal health. I knew a 21 inch bicep did not mean clean arteries. Why does it seem people only stand up and take notice or listen to advice from people who themselves have screwed up their own health beyond repair....I dont get it. Nevertheless....

Citrus Bergamot pronounced reduction of plaque in 6 months

Bergamot Reduces Plasma Lipids, Atherogenic Small Dense LDL, and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Subjects with Moderate Hypercholesterolemia: A 6 Months Prospective Study

Background: Some patients experience statin-induced side effects or prefer nutraceutical approaches for the treatment of dyslipidemia. This has led to a search for alternative therapeutic approaches for dyslipidemia management. In recent studies Citrus ...

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

4 grams of a high EPA supplement

VASCEPA® (Icosapent Ethyl) Reported to Significantly Reduce Coronary Plaque in EVAPORATE Study Final Results Presented at ESC Congress 2020 | Amarin Corporation plc

The Investor Relations website contains information about Amarin Corporation plc's business for stockholders, potential investors, and financial analysts.

investor.amarincorp.com

Icosapent ethyl reduces coronary plaque at 18 months: EVAPORATE final results

Icosapent ethyl as an adjunct to statin therapy significantly reduced multiple plaque components, including low-attenuation plaque, at 18 months, compared with placebo, according to final results of the EVAPORATE trial.The findings build on previously reported interim data that demonstrated a...

www.healio.com

Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate juice consumption for 3 years by patients with carotid artery stenosis reduces common carotid intima-media thickness, blood pressure and LDL oxidation - PubMed

Dietary supplementation with polyphenolic antioxidants to animals was shown to be associated with inhibition of LDL oxidation and macrophage foam cell formation, and attenuation of atherosclerosis development. We investigated the effects of pomegranate juice (PJ, which contains potent tannins...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nattokinase

[A clinical study on the effect of nattokinase on carotid artery atherosclerosis and hyperlipidaemia] - PubMed

<span><b>Objective:</b> To evaluate the efficacy of oral nattokinase (NK) in the reduction of common carotid artery intimal medial thickness (CCA-IMT) and carotid artery plaque size and in lowering blood lipids, and to explore the underlying mechanism of actions of NK and its potential clinical...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pycnogenol and TECA

Pycnogenol® and Centella Asiatica for asymptomatic atherosclerosis progression - PubMed

Pycnogenol and the combination of Pycnogenol+TECA appear to reduce the progression of subclinical arterial lesions in low-risk asymptomatic subjects. The reduction in plaque progression was associated with a reduction in oxidative stress. The results justify a large randomized controlled study...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Aged Garlic

Aged Garlic Extract Reduces Low Attenuation Plaque in Coronary Arteries of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome in a Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Study - PubMed

This study indicates that the %LAP change was significantly greater in the AGE group than in the placebo group. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether AGE has the ability to stabilize vulnerable plaque and decrease adverse cardiovascular events. This trial was registered at...

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Maybe Agmatine

Anti-Atherosclerotic Action of Agmatine in ApoE-Knockout Mice

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which dysfunction of mitochondria play an important role, and disorders of lipid management intensify this process. Agmatine, an endogenous polyamine formed by decarboxylation of arginine, exerts a protective ...

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Grape Seed Extract

Beneficial clinical effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract on the progression of carotid atherosclerotic plaques

Atherosclerotic plaques indicate the occurrence of ischemia events and it is a difficult task for clinical physicians. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) has been reported to exert an antiatherogenic effect by inducing regression of atherosclerotic ...

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Maybe Serrapeptase

Serrapeptase

Serrapeptase This article has been nominated to be checked for its neutrality.Discussion of this nomination can be found on the talk page. Serrapeptase

www.chemeurope.com

Berberine has shown this in multiple studies too

Promising Anti-atherosclerotic Effect of Berberine: Evidence from In Vitro, In Vivo, and Clinical Studies

Elevated levels of plasma cholesterol, impaired vascular wall, and presence of inflammatory macrophages are important atherogenic risk factors contributing to atherosclerotic plaque formation and progression. The interventions modulating these risk factors have been...

link.springer.com

Bile acids actually dissolve it. That's what they do in your liver, and they may be applied elsewhere as well. I could go on and on, but it's just a grain of sand amongst doggcrap.

There's a well known, readily available bile acid in common use. It's called TUDCA. It's even been researched to dissolve kidney stones as well as the soft plaques, and you have to be a bit careful with the stuff. None the less, we know that it wouldn't hurt yah to run it for a while.

Also try Non Steriodal Selective Androgen Agonists with your TRT. There are one of two good ones.

^^^great stuff here ..been incorporating many of these for some time myself

..thanks for the great contributions!!


..i might have some additions to those listed above ..but for now; Vitamin E will increase LDL's resistance to oxidation

.

 

[Knight9]

^^^great stuff here ..been incorporating many of these for some time myself

..thanks for the great contributions!!


..i might have some additions to those listed above ..but for now; Vitamin E will increase LDL's resistance to oxidation

.

I presume we are talking a full-spectrum Vitamin E with all 8 isomers?
Somewhere a few years back, I think I came to the conclusion that 20-60iu alpha tocopherol, a good dose of tocotrienols 30-60mg(?), and a high dose of Gamma-Tocopherol(which I believe-was cancer preventative) were the keys to a great formulation but my memory is a little hazy and the landscape was everchanging but had really started to settle.

Personally, I have thought tocotrienols were huge since I learned of them over a decade ago.

 

[Kaladryn]

Keep in mind that the scan only shows calcified plaque, which takes a long time to form, there is likely additional soft plaque that has yet to calcify.

 

[LATS]

Bergamot with statins

Bergamot polyphenolic fraction enhances rosuvastatin-induced effect on LDL-cholesterol, LOX-1 expression and protein kinase B phosphorylation in patients with hyperlipidemia

I take 1000mgs of bergamot on a empty stomach first thing in the morning.. have for a few years.. all studies I've read say it's comparable if not better than statins.. but I saw the study with the two combined and it appears even better..

 

[MR. BMJ]

I take 1000mgs of bergamot on a empty stomach first thing in the morning.. have for a few years.. all studies I've read say it's comparable if not better than statins.. but I saw the study with the two combined and it appears even better..

I was using 500mg BID along with 20mg of Atorvastatin EOD or M/W/F for about half a year and never had any issues in how I felt. Labs were good too. I wasn't really making it an issue to eat healthy a lot of that time either.

 

[LATS]

I was using 500mg BID along with 20mg of Atorvastatin EOD or M/W/F for about half a year and never had any issues in how I felt. Labs were good too. I wasn't really making it an issue to eat healthy a lot of that time either.

Yep.. I was just prescribed atorvastatin.. ill take it with my citrus bergamot and see how it goes.. I found a study showing a reversal of plaque after a year of atorvastatin so ill give it a go for a while..