한국지질동맥경화학회 학술대회

Symposium 2, titled “Cutting-edge Nutritional Approach for Cardiometabolic Risk Strategies,” will highlight the latest research in nutritional science aimed at preventing and treating cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Professor Jordi Merino Ribas (University of Copenhagen, Denmark) will examine the interplay between molecular and environmental factors in the new era of precision medicine, laying the foundation for personalized nutritional strategies. Professor Hyun Ju You (Seoul National University, Republic of Korea) will assess the relationship between the human microbiome and cardiometabolic health. Dr. Hyekyoung Sung (York University, USA) will then present in-depth insights into the nutritional regulation of iron metabolism in cardiometabolic diseases. These distinguished presentations will feature the efficacy of personalized nutritional interventions in guiding comprehensive prevention and management strategies for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.

Lipoprotein(a) has emerged as an independent cardiovascular risk factor, yet its clinical significance varies across populations and metabolic states. This session brings together key insights on Lp(a): epidemiologic data on ASCVD in Asian populations (Dr. Young Woo Jang), its paradoxical inverse association with metabolic risk (Dr. Jung A Kim), and practical guidance on Lp(a) measurement and reporting (Dr. Sang-Guk Lee). Together, these talks aim to clarify current controversies and highlight the nuances that clinicians and researchers must consider in the era of precision lipidology.

This session will explore novel insights into the role of lipid toxicity and platelet signaling in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic inflammation. Professor Ok-Nam Bae from Hanyang University, Republic of Korea, will present on how environmental toxicants such as nanoparticles and biocides disrupt lipid homeostasis and promote vascular inflammation. Professor Jun Young Hong from Yonsei University, Republic of Korea, will discuss immune-driven remodeling of lipid metabolism that induces whitening of brown adipose tissue under thermoneutral conditions, highlighting the crosstalk between immunity and energy metabolism. Professor Jin O-Uchi from University of South Florida, USA, will elucidate the functional role of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter in human platelets and its impact on platelet aggregation and thrombosis. This multidisciplinary session will offer a comprehensive view on how metabolic stress, immune dysregulation, and platelet activation converge to drive vascular pathology.

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming precision diagnostics and risk stratification in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. In this symposium, leading experts will present the most recent studies leveraging AI for accurate diagnosis and risk assessment of cardiovascular conditions. Professor Paul Leeson from University of Oxford, UK, will provide insights from the PROTEUS randomized controlled trial (RCT), demonstrating how AI-assisted stress echocardiography can enhance the diagnosis of coronary atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk prediction. Subsequently, Dr. Junmyung Kwon from Medical AI, Republic of Korea, will discuss the application of AI-enhanced electrocardiography technology for early detection of acute myocardial infarction and effective cardiovascular risk stratification. Lastly, Professor SungA Bae from Yonsei University, Republic of Korea, will present findings from the AI-Gatekeeper RCT trial, comparing artificial intelligence-based screening of coronary artery disease with usual clinical care, showcasing its clinical advantages and potential implications. This symposium provides an excellent opportunity to explore how integrating clinical medicine with AI technology is shaping the future of precision cardiovascular medicine.

Cardiovascular risk prediction is a key step for guiding primary prevention therapy such as statins. However, cardiovascular risk models have not yet been incorporated into clinical practice guidelines in Korea. This session will discuss the current research landscape of cardiovascular risk prediction in the general population and in special subgroups, particularly focusing on their potential applicability in clinical practice and future directions.

In this special session titled “Redefining Cardiovascular Care: PCSK9 Mechanisms and siRNA-Based Advances,” ICoLA 2025 brings together leading experts to explore emerging molecular and clinical insights into lipid regulation and atherosclerotic disease management. The session opens with a comprehensive exploration of PCSK9—the master regulator of LDL metabolism and a key player in vascular inflammation—highlighting its central role in atherosclerosis. The second presentation focuses on the promise of siRNA-based lipid-lowering therapies, showcasing their transformative potential for sustained LDL-C control. Finally, the session addresses novel approaches to managing familial hypercholesterolemia beyond statin therapy, offering new hope for patients with genetically driven dyslipidemia. This session integrates advances in molecular biology, therapeutic innovation, and clinical practice, paving the way for a redefined and more personalized approach to cardiovascular prevention and treatment.

Insulin resistance is a key pathophysiology underlying metabolic disorders and is closely associated with the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a novel and simple surrogate marker of insulin resistance, calculated using fasting triglyceride and glucose levels, and has demonstrated comparable accuracy to HOMA-IR. In this session, we will explore the clinical role of the TyG index based on recent national and international studies regarding its predictive value for ASCVD. Professor Patricio Lopez-Jaramillo from Universidad de Santander, Colombia, will present multinational data on the association between the TyG index and ASCVD. Professor Yong-Jae Lee from Yonsei University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea, will share findings from Korean data on the same topic. Finally, Professor Ki-Bum Won from Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea, will offer a lecture on the relationship between the TyG index and coronary artery calcification.

This joint symposium, “Familial Hypercholesterolemia in the Era of Precision Medicine,” brings together experts from Korea, Japan, and Taiwan to explore cutting-edge strategies in FH care. The session will begin with an update on advances in FH management beyond statins, followed by a presentation on the role of genetic screening and cascade testing for early detection. A third lecture will address the question of cardiovascular risk in FH, focusing on how early intervention should be considered. The symposium will conclude with a panel discussion, providing an opportunity to share perspectives and experiences across the three countries, and to highlight the potential of precision medicine in shaping personalized management of FH.

Organized by the Clinical Practice Guideline Committee of KSoLA, this session will address a central and timely question: “How Low is Low Enough for LDL-C in Diabetes?” The session begins with a comparative overview by Professor Jong Han Choi (Konkuk University, Republic of Korea), who will examine LDL-C targets for diabetic patients across major international guidelines. Following this, a structured debate will explore two contrasting perspectives: Professor Wonjin Kim (CHA University, Republic of Korea) will argue in favor of intensive treatment for all diabetic patients aiming for LDL-C <55 mg/dL, while Professor Mihye Seo (Soonchunhyang University, Republic of Korea) will advocate for a personalized approach based on individual risk profiles. This symposium promises to offer clinically relevant insights into optimizing lipid management strategies in patients with diabetes, balancing guideline recommendations with real-world considerations.

Recent updates to the ASCVD risk prediction model, including the introduction of the PREVENT equation, reflect several key advances—one of which is the integration of socioeconomic factors. This shift highlights the growing recognition of social determinants as important contributors to cardiovascular risk. In this session, we will explore the multifaceted impact of socioeconomic status on ASCVD. Professor Seonghee Choi from Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Republic of Korea, will discuss the underlying mechanisms linking socioeconomic disadvantage to cardiovascular outcomes. Professor Jongha Baek from Gyeongsang National University, Republic of Korea, will present epidemiological evidence illustrating the magnitude of this association. Finally, Professor Sadiya S. Khan from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, USA, will introduce a novel cardiovascular risk prediction model that incorporates socioeconomic variables into traditional clinical frameworks.