Patient description: A 57-year-old man was admitted to the clinic because of weight loss and persistent dry cough 4 months ago. Chest computed topography showed bilateral multiple infiltrates in the upper lobes and thickened bronchial walls. There is a documented positive serum MPO-ANCA in his medical record. Transbronchial biopsy revealed necrotic granulomas with multinucleated giant cells and the Wegener's granulomatosis was diagnosed for him. He is treating with corticosteroid and cyclophosphamides since 4 months ago. His Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) is above 4 since the beginning of his disease. His last physical exam and lab study was performed yesterday and showed the results bellow: A wellbeing, well-nourished man, non-icteric, cooperative and alert Weight: 73 kg Height: 177 BP: 120/80 HR: 90/min RR: 22/min Hgb: 13 g/dl WBC: 8000 /mm3 (Neutrophil: 2700/mm3) Plt: 300000 /ml AST: 40 U/L ALT: 56 U/L Alk P: 147 U/L Bill total: 1.2 mg/dl ESR: 120 mm/hr MPO-ANCA: 153 EU

Clinical trial eligibility criteria: eligible ages (years): 18.0-999.0,  Metabolic Syndrome Study Population: Patients, followed in our clinics for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, fulfilling diagnosis for metabolic syndrome (MetS) will be recruited. will require a 2 step process as described. STEP 1: Initial screening; BP, weight and fasting blood samples will be obtained. 1. Men and women, >18 years, meeting the for clinical diagnosis of MetS, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) harmonized definition, where any 3 of the 5 following risk factors cut points constitutes a diagnosis of MetS: 1. Elevated waist circumference: Population and country-specific definitions; Health Canada recommends males 102 cm and women 88cm. 2. Elevated triglycerides: 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L). 3. Reduced HDL: 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) in males; 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) in females or treated. 4. Elevated BP: Systolic 130 and/or diastolic 85 mm Hg or treated. 5. Elevated fasting glucose: 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L), or HbA1c ≥6.2%, or treated. 2. Willing to provide informed consent. STEP 2: Baseline plaque volume ≥50 mm3 by 3D US, to ensure sufficient detectable plaque. This will be measured after consent (at Step 1), but prior to randomization/enrolment (Step 2)  Individuals who have had a change in statin and/or diabetes medication therapy or dosing in the last three months; 2. Who are actively having an unstable arrhythmia, angina or heart attack (untreated and/or unstable patients): symptomatic heart failure (NYHA 2 or greater); renal failure (GFR <50 mL/min/1.73m2); 3. Known severe abnormal blood biochemistries: Na <100 or >150 mmol/L, K <2 or >5 mmol/L, Total Serum Ca >3 mmol/L; 4. Known severe liver disease: AST >100 U/L, ALT >80 U/L, or a diagnosis of cirrhosis (Child Pugh Class A to C); 5. Known severe anemia: HgB <70 g/L; 6. Have endocrine disorders, e.g. Cushing's disease, hyper or hypo-thyroidism; 7. Any condition expected to limit survival to less than six (6) months (ex. malignant tumor); 8. A condition limiting adherence to study procedure (i.e. alcoholism, drug addiction, known poor adherence, severe mental disorder); 9. Concomitant treatment with: anticonvulsants; L-C or derivatives; Acenocoumarol (Sintrom) and Warfarin (Coumadin) anticoagulants and vitamin K antagonists; >1g fish oil; and/or thyroid treatment; 10. A seizure disorder or at risk of seizure (CNS mass or medications that lower seizure threshold); receiving treatments for cancer or HIV infection (secondary L-C deficiency); 11. Currently pregnant or breastfeeding; 12. A history of allergy or intolerance to L-C or derivatives; 13. Vegetarians (do not eat animal flesh) due to potential for altered L-C metabolism; 14. Patients who have had a carotid surgery (ie. endarterectomy (CEA) or stent) or who are scheduled to receive carotid surgery during the trial