Citations

Importance Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of premature death worldwide. Assessing the LDL-C–related burden is critical for guiding prevention and treatment strategies. Objectives To estimate the global, regional, and national burden of ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke attributable to elevated LDL-C (relative to 35-54 mg/dL) from 1990 to 2023 and to quantify the contributions of population growth, aging, risk-deleted burden, and exposure changes to burden trends. Design, Setting, and Population This comparative risk assessment, part of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, estimated population-level LDL-C exposure and associated health loss in 204 countries and territories. Mean LDL-C levels were estimated using spatiotemporal gaussian process regression based on 806 studies across 161 countries. Relative risks were derived from meta-analyses of 38 randomized clinical trials. Population-attributable fractions for deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were estimated by age and sex for adults aged 25 years or older from 1990 to 2023, with 95% uncertainty intervals. Exposure Population-level LDL-C concentrations. Main Outcomes and Measures Population-attributable fractions, counts, and rates (all ages and age standardized per 100 000) of LDL-C–attributable deaths and DALYs from ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke, with uncertainty intervals. Results In 2023, elevated LDL-C accounted for 3.6 million deaths (95% uncertainty interval, 2.2-5.4 million; 6.0% of global mortality) and 90.7 million DALYs (95% uncertainty interval, 58.9-123.3 million; 3.2% of DALYs). Although global all-ages rates remained stable, age-standardized death and DALY rates decreased by 45.6% and 39.5%, respectively, since 1990. In 2023, age-standardized LDL-C–attributable DALY rates were highest in Eastern Europe and lowest in high-income Asia-Pacific. One-third of the global LDL-C burden occurred in India and China. Population growth and aging drove the increasing burden, with notable regional disparities in LDL-C exposure and risk-deleted DALY rates shifting toward middle-sociodemographic settings. Conclusions and Relevance Despite declining age-standardized rates, the absolute LDL-C burden has increased since 1990 due to demographic changes and has shifted toward middle-sociodemographic countries. Measurement and surveillance gaps persist. Strengthened prevention, diagnosis, and treatment access strategies are essential to mitigate the health burden of LDL-C.

Abstract Endothelial specialization is increasingly recognized as a fundamental regulator of tissue homeostasis, yet the cellular diversity of the skeletal vasculature remains incompletely resolved. Here, we integrate large-scale single-cell transcriptomics, cross-tissue comparisons, and imaging to comprehensively define endothelial heterogeneity across the skeleton. Our analyses demonstrate that the proposed post- arterial “type R” endothelial population is not a distinct endothelial subtype but instead comprises canonical venous endothelial cells and fatty acid-handling endothelial state. RNA velocity supports a venous continuum, while the proposed type R markers FMO2, and AQP7 lack both endothelial and skeletal specificity. The fatty acid-handling endothelial state, characterized by Lpl and Cd36 is conserved across multiple skeletal sites and non-skeletal tissues, indicating a general endothelial metabolic programme. Within bone, this endothelial state expands following high-fat diet and is suppressed during injury. Together, these findings redefine skeletal endothelial heterogeneity and establish the proposed type R population as part of a venous continuum.

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex disorder of gut-brain interaction, with heterogeneous symptoms, no available biomarkers and limited pathogenetic insight. Objective To identify genetic risk factors and actionable mechanisms for future clinical translation in IBS. Design We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis of IBS in 2 775 539 individuals from 22 biobanks. IBS genetics was studied across multiple ancestries, different case definitions and symptom-related subtypes. Heritability and genetic correlations with other traits were estimated, and Mendelian randomisation was used to test causal relationships. GWAS data were functionally annotated and fine-mapped to prioritise tissues, cell types, pathways, candidate genes, specific mechanisms and druggable targets. Results Significant heritability was only detected in individuals of European ancestry, with near-identical genetic architecture across case definitions. Genetic correlations with GI, psychiatric and cardiometabolic traits were observed, including causal relationships with triglyceride (TG) levels. Functional annotation of IBS risk loci highlighted cell types and pathways relevant to brain, enteric neuro-glial and cardiometabolic domains, as well as actionable targets like GCKR, a regulator of TG metabolism. Druggability analyses converged on cardiometabolic mechanisms, including TG modulation. IBS polygenic risk scores were derived and showed a significant association with case status in an independent case-control dataset, supporting further evaluation in external population-based and clinically ascertained cohorts. Conclusions This study provides the most comprehensive assessment of IBS genetics to date, demonstrating reproducible polygenic inheritance. We link IBS risk to convergent neurogastrointestinal and novel cardiometabolic mechanisms, highlight specific biological pathways and actionable mechanisms and outline translational opportunities emerging from integrated computational analyses.

Abstract Darier disease (DD) is a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis. This comprehensive review, developed by the Darier Disease International Task Force (DDITF), consolidates current knowledge on the genetic basis, molecular pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of DD, offering a global perspective that unites shared expertise. The disease arises from pathogenic variants in the ATP2A2 gene, which encodes sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ ‐ATPase isoform 2 (SERCA2), leading to disrupted calcium homeostasis and impaired desmosomal integrity. Clinically, DD is classified based on lesion type (classic vs. non‐classic) and is often accompanied by significant extracutaneous manifestations. Management remains challenging and requires a multifaceted approach, including topical therapies, systemic retinoids and lifestyle modifications. Emerging treatments that target the underlying molecular mechanisms offer promise for improved outcomes. This review aims to provide an updated reference and practical guidance for clinicians involved in the care and study of DD.

8524 Background: Teliso-V is a c-Met–directed antibody-drug conjugate comprising telisotuzumab and the microtubule polymerization inhibitor monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) payload. In the Ph2 LUMINOSITY study (NCT03539536), Teliso-V showed durable responses and manageable safety (Camidge et al, JCO 2024;42:3000-11) resulting in its accelerated approval in locally advanced/metastatic NSQ NSCLC with high c-Met protein OE (3+, ≥50%), as determined by an FDA-approved test. MET amp is a negative prognostic risk factor in advanced NSCLC, frequently associated with recurrent disease. High levels of MET amp and c-Met OE are hallmarks of MET -addicted tumors. Here, we analyzed the effects of MET amp on clinical responses to Teliso-V in LUMINOSITY. Methods: MET amp was evaluated by FISH and ctDNA in baseline samples from 108 NSQ EGFR WT NSCLC pts with c-Met OE (3+, ≥25%). MET amp by FISH was defined as having focal MET amp (MET/CEP7 ≥2.0) with MET gene copy number (GCN) ≥4. MET amp (focal) by ctDNA was defined as having plasma MET GCN ≥4 with no co-amplification in CDK6 and EGFR. c-Met OE by Immunohistochemistry (IHC; SP44) was defined as 3+ tissue staining intensity in ≥25% tumor cells (high c-Met OE: 3+, ≥50%; intermediate [int] c-Met OE: 3+, 25% to 49%). Exploratory analysis of tumor response was assessed in 76 efficacy evaluable pts with c-Met OE and MET amp assay results. Results: MET amp was detected in 34% (37/108) of pts with c-Met OE (3+, ≥25%) and was enriched by c-Met levels: 22% (11/50) in pts with Int c-Met OE (3+, 25% to 49%) and 45% (26/58) in pts with high c-Met OE (3+, ≥50%). The effects of MET amp on tumor response in LUMINOSITY are shown in Table 1. The majority of c-Met OE pts (79%) with PFS ≥10 mo (n=14) had GCN ≥10 and/or c-Met IHC 3+ ≥50%. No new safety signals were reported in pts with c-Met OE and MET amp. Conclusions: MET amp is more common in pts with high c-Met OE in this retrospective subgroup analysis. Tumor activity with Teliso-V was observed regardless of MET amp status. The impact of MET amp in pts with c-Met OE will be further evaluated in ongoing Phase 3 study (NCT04928846). Teliso-V efficacy in NSQ EGFR -WT NSCLC pts with c-Met OE with or without MET amp in LUMINOSITY. Total c-Met OE(3+, ≥25%) Total c-Met OE(3+, ≥25%) Intermediate c-Met OE(3+, ≥25%-49%) Intermediate c-Met OE(3+, ≥25%-49%) High c-Met OE(3+, ≥50%) High c-Met OE(3+, ≥50%) MET amp(N) No (N=53) Yes (N=23) No (N=30) Yes (N=7) No (N=23) Yes (N=16) ORR %(95% CI) 28 (18.0, 41.6) 39 (22.2, 59.2) 23 (11.8, 40.9) 57 (25, 84.2) 35 (18.8, 55.1) 31 (14.2, 55.6) PFS,median, mo(95% CI) 5.26 (3.71, 8.11) 8.02 (4.47, 14.65) 5.32 (2.69, 8.11) 7.52 (4.47, NA) 4.17 (3.25, 8.87) 8.02 (3.06, 25.92) OS,median, mo(95% CI) 14.5 (8.18, 17.38) 13.86 (6.54, 22.24) 14.03 (3.65, 17.02) 9.79 (6.54, NA) 16.26 (5.59, 36.44) 13.86 (3.06, 30.29)

10507 Background: Despite advances in understanding leukemogenesis, no validated primary prevention strategies exist. Obesity is a dose-dependent risk factor for leukemia. Emerging data implicate epigenetic regulators, specifically the histone methyltransferase GLP (EHMT1), as a driver of leukemic survival; its inhibition induces cell death in CLL and promotes differentiation in AML. We present the first real-world analysis evaluating GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) for the primary prevention of leukemia in high-risk populations. Methods: Using the TriNetX global research network (150 million patients across 108 healthcare organizations), we identified adults at elevated leukemia risk based on ≥1 factor (prior chemo/radiation, MDS, MPN, family history, genetic syndromes, tobacco use, or BMI ≥30). Patients with ≥2 months of GLP-1RA use were propensity-matched 1:1 to non-users by demographics, comorbidities, and prior chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was the incidence of ALL, AML, CLL, or CML; secondary endpoints were adverse events related to GLP-1RA. Individuals with pre-existing leukemia were excluded. Cox proportional hazards models and sensitivity analyses were used to assess associations. Sensitivity and subgroup analysis confirmed robustness. Results: Of 426,670 high-risk individuals, 213,335 were matched to each cohort; standardized mean differences were <0.1 for all covariates. Across >1.2 million person-years of follow-up, GLP-1RA use was associated with a 63% risk reduction in incident AML (47/213,300 vs 75/213,261; HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.26–0.53; p < 0.001) and a 50% reduction in ALL (42/213,304 vs 53/213,277; HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.33–0.75; p = 0.001). The protective effect for AML remained significant when restricted to patients with prior chemotherapy exposure and was independent of baseline BMI. No significant reductions were observed for CML or CLL. While GI adverse events were higher in the GLP-1RA cohort, the protective signal was consistent across age and ethnic subgroups. Conclusions: This is the first large-scale study to demonstrate a significant reduction in incident AML and ALL using GLP-1 receptor agonists in high-risk patients. By linking clinical metabolic intervention to the EHMT1 epigenetic pathway, these findings provide a novel, scalable pharmacologic strategy for the primary prevention of acute leukemias, potentially transforming the management of high-risk and obese populations.

Abstract Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), principally Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are common chronic disorders involving inflammation and often progressive tissue damage. Genome-wide association studies have mapped many risk signals, but the causal variants, effector genes and relevant cellular contexts remain difficult to resolve, limiting mechanistic interpretation and therapeutic translation. Here we performed a multi-ancestry GWAS meta-analysis of 125,992 individuals with IBD and more than 1.2 million controls, identifying 619 independent association signals (374 novel) at 420 IBD regions that account for 77–80% of SNP-based heritability. Fine-mapping resolved 81 high-confidence variants, 41 not previously reported. Although most signals were shared between CD and UC, 39% showed IBD subtype specificity, with UC signals showing stronger enrichment in functional annotations from intestinal epithelial, secretory and enteroendocrine cells, and CD showing stronger genetic correlations with circulating inflammatory biomarkers, including C-reactive protein and glycoprotein acetylation. Latent causal modelling supported a causal effect of decreased high-density lipoprotein on CD risk. By integrating bulk and single-cell eQTL and pQTL resources using colocalisation and Mendelian randomisation, together with coding-variant evidence from exome sequencing, we prioritised 664 candidate effector genes across 341 signals, including 390 newly implicated IBD genes, revealing new biological mechanisms and candidate therapeutic targets supported by human genetics.

Abstract Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder of the gastrointestinal tract whose genetic basis is only partly resolved because most risk variants identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) lie in non-coding regions, limiting direct gene assignment and biological interpretation 1,2 . Here we analysed whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing data from 86,213 IBD cases and 478,363 controls of European ancestry. We identified 68 IBD genes directly implicated by conditionally independent protein-coding associations across the allele frequency spectrum. Many newly implicated IBD genes are supported by orthogonal genomic or pleiotropic evidence, pointing to disease-related pathways and nominating targets with therapeutic relevance. We further identified allelic series and non-additive effects at key loci such as NOD2 and TYK2. These results show that large-scale sequencing can resolve disease genes and pathways that remain ambiguous from non-coding association alone, providing a more direct route from human genetics to biological insight and therapeutic hypotheses.