Biotech Values

[AlpineBV_Miller]

RVX --

the second calculated it only decreased risk by 3.3% in the coherent population (see Table 4).

Table 4 covers standard deviation and not changes via mg/dl.

We have three numbers from A

2004 paper = 1mg/dl increase --> 26% decrease in CHD
2005 paper referencing 2004 paper = 1mg/dl increase --> 21% decrease in CHD
2005 paper = 1mg/dl decrease --> 13% increase in CHD

FWIW, I've emailed the good Dr. A to ask about the differences and will reply here if he responds. I pointedly ask him to state the VA-HIT (2005) data in the same format as the 2004 FOS data ("1mg/dl INCREASE in a1-HDL generates what DECREASE in CHD?")

As to Dr. Daysprings VERY useful paper, I'll note the point of the paper is to compare and contrast how different methodologies of counting HDL arrive at difference conclusions.

The first quote ("There is a strong correlation with total HDL-C and a1 subpopulation as it is the largest HDL particle.") references a quirk in measuring HDL by charge. The second quote ("HDL-C primarily reflects cholesterol levels within large, cholesterol-rich particles ") references HDL counting by centrifuge and buoyant density.

I use Dr. Daysprings' paper as a Rosetta Stone to try and rationalize results between different HDL papers depending on their methodology of detecting HDL. This is particularly useful when addressing the "size" question.

Your logic about the impossibility of a1-HDL having such a large effect because HDL-C doesn't isn't correct because the source data didn't use either the charge or buoyant density method mentioned in Dr. Daysprings' paper. Both A's papers use something similar to Daysprings' #3, but add a second step that allows for better delineation.

You're probably right that you can't add up the subpopulations to equal HDL-C because there is clearly some overlap (particularly at the a2-HDL and a3-HDL level, it seems) in any detection system. But the idea a1-HDL can't be much more potent than HDL-C simply is wrong and not supported by the literature.

David

P.S., if you could dig up the cites on IVUS results from short-term, low dose ator/rosu use I'd appreciate it.