Improvement of oxidative stress status by lipoprotein apheresis in Chinese patients with familial hypercholesterolemia

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) characterized by severe high blood cholesterol levels usually presents an imbalance of systemic oxidative stress (OS). Lipoprotein apheresis (LA), which is the most effective therapy to reduce cholesterol levels, remains unclear in altering OS and scarce in Chinese patient studies. Our study aims to assess the impact of LA on OS status in Chinese patients with FH. METHODS: About 31 patients (22 males, age: 12‐69 years) with FH and receiving LA treatment were consecutive enrolled. Free oxygen radicals test (FORT) and free oxygen radicals defense (FORD) values were determined using the free oxygen radical monitor and kit immediately before and after LA, while blood samples were collected to measure plasma lipid levels and hs‐CRP by conventional methods. Data were analyzed by paired t test or rank sum test and Spearman‐rho correlation analysis. RESULTS: Besides plasma lipid levels, the OS status showed that FORTs were significantly decreased and FORD values significantly enhanced immediately after LA treatment compared with before (both P < .01). In addition, the correlation analysis showed that the removal rates (△%) of TC were positively related to the increased rates (△%) of FORD value (ρ = 0.513, P = .003); LDL‐C to FORD (ρ = 0.39, P = .03); Lp(a) to FORD (ρ = 0.473, P = .007); and non‐HDL‐C to FORD (ρ = 0.46, P = .009). However, no significant difference in hsCRP was found. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicated, besides effectively lowering plasma lipid levels, LA could significantly improve OS status in Chinese patients with FH.