Lincoln Memorial University-College of Dental Medicine (LMU-CDM) announces Dr. Undral Munkhsaikhan, assistant professor of biomedical sciences along with co-authors Dr. Dr. Modar Kassan, chair of biomedical sciences and associate professor of physiology, Dr. Ammaar Abidi, associate dean of research, Dr. Karima Ait-Aissa, director for research and assistant professor of biomedical sciences, and Dr. Amal Sahyoun, assistant professor of biomedical science, and Dr. Ehsanul Hoque Apu, assistant professor of biomedical science have recently published a research paper in Molecular Biology Reports titled Lomitapide: navigating cardiovascular challenges with innovative therapies.
Dr. Munkhsaikhan’s research focused on dyslipidemia, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), involves elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, which increase the likelihood of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction (MI). Traditional treatments focus on LDL-C reduction, often with statin therapy. However, patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH)—a genetic condition caused by mutations in the LDL receptor (LDLr)—often exhibit resistance to statins, prompting a need for alternative therapies.
This study examines lomitapide, a microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) inhibitor, which functions differently from statins by lowering ApoB-containing proteins, particularly very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). Lomitapide has been shown to reduce LDL-C levels by over 50% in HoFH patients who have not responded to standard treatments.
By demonstrating the efficacy of lomitapide in lowering cholesterol levels and supporting cardiovascular health, this study contributes valuable insights to current therapeutic approaches for CVDs, a leading cause of global mortality.
For more information or to read the full research publication click here.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. Lincoln Memorial University-College of Dental Medicine (LMU-CDM) is home to the Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) and Dental Hygiene (DH) programs. It is located in Knoxville at the newly renovated LMU Tower. For more information about LMU-CDM programs contact, CollegeofDentalMedicine@LMUnet.edu
