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Li N. Platelets as an inter-player between hyperlipidaemia and atherosclerosis. J Intern Med 2024; 296:39-52. [PMID: 38704820 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Platelet hyperreactivity and hyperlipidaemia contribute significantly to atherosclerosis. Thus, it is desirable to review the platelet-hyperlipidaemia interplay and its impact on atherogenesis. Native low-density lipoprotein (nLDL) and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) are the key proatherosclerotic components of hyperlipidaemia. nLDL binds to the platelet-specific LDL receptor (LDLR) ApoE-R2', whereas oxLDL binds to the platelet-expressed scavenger receptor CD36, lectin-type oxidized LDLR 1 and scavenger receptor class A 1. Ligation of nLDL/oxLDL induces mild platelet activation and may prime platelets for other platelet agonists. Platelets, in turn, can modulate lipoprotein metabolisms. Platelets contribute to LDL oxidation by enhancing the production of reactive oxygen species and LDLR degradation via proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 release. Platelet-released platelet factor 4 and transforming growth factor β modulate LDL uptake and foam cell formation. Thus, platelet dysfunction and hyperlipidaemia work in concert to aggravate atherogenesis. Hypolipidemic drugs modulate platelet function, whereas antiplatelet drugs influence lipid metabolism. The research prospects of the platelet-hyperlipidaemia interplay in atherosclerosis are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nailin Li
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Medicine-Solna, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
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Han L, Wu L, Yin Q, Li L, Zheng X, Du S, Huang X, Bai L, Wang Y, Bian Y. A promising therapy for fatty liver disease: PCSK9 inhibitors. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155505. [PMID: 38547616 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatty liver disease (FLD) poses a significant global health concern worldwide, with its classification into nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) contingent upon the presence or absence of chronic and excessive alcohol consumption. The absence of specific therapeutic interventions tailored to FLD at various stages of the disease renders its treatment exceptionally arduous. Despite the fact that FLD and hyperlipidemia are intimately associated, there is still debate over how lipid-lowering medications affect FLD. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/ Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease predominantly synthesized in the liver, which has a crucial impact on cholesterol homeostasis. Research has confirmed that PCSK9 inhibitors have prominent lipid-lowering properties and substantial clinical effectiveness, thereby justifying the need for additional exploration of their potential role in FLD. PURPOSE Through a comprehensive literature search, this review is to identify the relationship and related mechanisms between PCSK9, lipid metabolism and FLD. Additionally, it will assess the pharmacological mechanism and applicability of PCSK9 inhibitors (including naturally occurring PCSK9 inhibitors, such as conventional herbal medicines) for the treatment of FLD and serve as a guide for updating the treatment protocol for such conditions. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted using several electronic databases, including Pubmed, Medline, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang database and ClinicalTrials.gov, from the inception of the database to 30 Jan 2024. Key words used in the literature search were "fatty liver", "hepatic steatosis", "PCSK9", "traditional Chinese medicine", "herb medicine", "botanical medicine", "clinical trial", "vivo", "vitro", linked with AND/OR. Most of the included studies were within five years. RESULTS PCSK9 participates in the regulation of circulating lipids via both LDLR dependent and independent pathways, and there is a potential association with de novo lipogenesis. Major clinical studies have demonstrated a positive correlation between circulating PCSK9 levels and the severity of NAFLD, with elevated levels of circulating PCSK9 observed in individuals exposed to chronic alcohol. Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of PCSK9 inhibitors to ameliorate non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), potentially completely alleviate liver steatosis, and diminish liver impairment. In animal experiments, PCSK9 inhibitors have exhibited efficacy in alleviating alcoholic induced liver lipid accumulation and hepatitis. Traditional Chinese medicine such as berberine, curcumin, resveratrol, piceatannol, sauchinone, lupin, quercetin, salidroside, ginkgolide, tanshinone, lunasin, Capsella bursa-pastoris, gypenosides, and Morus alba leaves are the main natural PCS9 inhibitors. Excitingly, by inhibiting transcription, reducing secretion, direct targeting and other pathways, traditional Chinese medicine exert inhibitory effects on PCSK9, thereby exerting potential FLD therapeutic effects. CONCLUSION PCSK9 plays an important role in the development of FLD, and PCSK9 inhibitors have demonstrated beneficial effects on lipid regulation and FLD in both preclinical and clinical studies. In addition, some traditional Chinese medicines have improved the disease progression of FLD by inhibiting PCSK9 and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Consequently, the inhibition of PCSK9 appears to be a promising therapeutic strategy for FLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhu Han
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China; Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Liuyun Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Qinan Yin
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China; Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Lian Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Xingyue Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Shan Du
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China; Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Xuefei Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China; Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Lan Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China; Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China.
| | - Yi Wang
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Organ Transplantation, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu 610072, China.
| | - Yuan Bian
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China; Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China.
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Liu LC, Liang JY, Liu YH, Liu B, Dong XH, Cai WH, Zhang N. The Intersection of cerebral cholesterol metabolism and Alzheimer's disease: Mechanisms and therapeutic prospects. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30523. [PMID: 38726205 PMCID: PMC11079309 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease in the elderly, the exact pathogenesis of which remains incompletely understood, and effective preventive and therapeutic drugs are currently lacking. Cholesterol plays a vital role in cell membrane formation and neurotransmitter synthesis, and its abnormal metabolism is associated with the onset of AD. With the continuous advancement of imaging techniques and molecular biology methods, researchers can more accurately explore the relationship between cholesterol metabolism and AD. Elevated cholesterol levels may lead to vascular dysfunction, thereby affecting neuronal function. Additionally, abnormal cholesterol metabolism may affect the metabolism of β-amyloid protein, thereby promoting the onset of AD. Brain cholesterol levels are regulated by multiple factors. This review aims to deepen the understanding of the subtle relationship between cholesterol homeostasis and AD, and to introduce the latest advances in cholesterol-regulating AD treatment strategies, thereby inspiring readers to contemplate deeply on this complex relationship. Although there are still many unresolved important issues regarding the risk of brain cholesterol and AD, and some studies may have opposite conclusions, further research is needed to enrich our understanding. However, these findings are expected to deepen our understanding of the pathogenesis of AD and provide important insights for the future development of AD treatment strategies targeting brain cholesterol homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-cheng Liu
- Pharmaceutical Branch, Harbin Pharmaceutical Group Co., Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Jun-yi Liang
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yan-hong Liu
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiao-hong Dong
- Jiamusi College, Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Wen-hui Cai
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
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Muzammil K, Hooshiar MH, Varmazyar S, Omar TM, Karim MM, Aadi S, Kalavi S, Yasamineh S. Potential use of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibition and prevention method in viral infection. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:90. [PMID: 38528584 PMCID: PMC10962113 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02355-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular lipid membranes serve as the primary barrier preventing viral infection of the host cell and provide viruses with a critical initial point of contact. Occasionally, viruses can utilize lipids as viral receptors. Viruses depend significantly on lipid rafts for infection at virtually every stage of their life cycle. The pivotal role that proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) plays in cholesterol homeostasis and atherosclerosis, primarily by post-transcriptionally regulating hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and promoting its lysosomal degradation, has garnered increasing interest. Conversely, using therapeutic, fully humanized antibodies to block PCSK9 leads to a significant reduction in high LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved PCSK9 inhibitors, including inclisiran (Leqvio®), alirocumab (Praluent), and evolocumab (Repatha). At present, active immunization strategies targeting PCSK9 present a compelling substitute for passive immunization through the administration of antibodies. In addition to the current inquiry into the potential therapeutic application of PCSK9 inhibition in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients for hyperlipidemia associated with HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART), preclinical research suggests that PCSK9 may also play a role in inhibiting hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. Furthermore, PCSK9 inhibition has been suggested to protect against dengue virus (DENV) potentially and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viruses. Recent evidence regarding the impact of PCSK9 on a variety of viral infections, including HCV, HIV, DENV, and SARS-CoV-2, is examined in this article. As a result, PCSK9 inhibitors and vaccines may serve as viable host therapies for viral infections, as our research indicates that PCSK9 is significantly involved in the pathogenesis of viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khursheed Muzammil
- Department of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Khamis Mushait Campus, Abha, KSA, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Shirin Varmazyar
- Department of Medicine, Shahroud Islamic azad university of medical sciences, Sharoud, Iran
| | - Thabit Moath Omar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technics, Al-Noor University College, Nineveh, Iraq
| | - Manal Morad Karim
- Collage of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, 64001, Iraq
| | - Sadeq Aadi
- College of Dentistry, Al-Mustaqbal University, Babylon, 51001, Iraq
| | - Shaylan Kalavi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, faculty of pharmacy, Islamic Azad University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saman Yasamineh
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.
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Bigazzi F, De Pasquale CF, Maestro S, Corciulo C, Dal Pino B, Sbrana F, Sampietro T. PCSK9 and leptin plasma levels in anorexia nervosa. Hormones (Athens) 2024; 23:137-140. [PMID: 37999906 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-023-00504-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
AIM Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a regulator of low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), a major risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease. Since the hormone leptin has been suggested as having a role in CV risk regulation, possibly by modulating LDL receptor expression through the PCSK9 pathway, nutritional status may represent a potential regulator. Thus, evaluation of PCSK9 levels in human eating disorders appears to be of interest. In this report, we evaluate the lipoprotein profile, PCSK9, and leptin levels in subjects affected by anorexia nervosa (AN) to improve our understanding of the metabolic alterations in this disease. METHODS AND RESULTS We designed a case-control observational study, enrolling 20 anorexic adolescent females and 20 adolescent females without AN as the control group, age- and sex-matched. Subjects affected by AN showed lower BMI, total cholesterol, and LDL-C in comparison to the control group, with lipoprotein levels in the normal range. Furthermore, adolescent girls with AN show significantly higher PCSK9 (+24%, p < 0.005) and lower leptin levels (-43%, p < 0.01), compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS The findings of increased levels of PCSK9 and reduced leptin levels among AN subjects warrant further research in order to unravel the role of the liver and adipose tissue in the management of PCSK9/LDL metabolism in adolescents affected by AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Bigazzi
- U.O. Lipoapheresis and Center for Inherited Dyslipidemias, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlotta Francesca De Pasquale
- Fondazione Stella Maris, IRCCS Istituto Scientifico per la Neuropsichiatria dell'Infanzia e dell'Adolescenza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sandra Maestro
- Fondazione Stella Maris, IRCCS Istituto Scientifico per la Neuropsichiatria dell'Infanzia e dell'Adolescenza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carmen Corciulo
- U.O. Lipoapheresis and Center for Inherited Dyslipidemias, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Beatrice Dal Pino
- U.O. Lipoapheresis and Center for Inherited Dyslipidemias, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Sbrana
- U.O. Lipoapheresis and Center for Inherited Dyslipidemias, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Sampietro
- U.O. Lipoapheresis and Center for Inherited Dyslipidemias, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
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Giannessi L, Lupo MG, Rossi I, Martina MG, Vilella A, Bodria M, Giuliani D, Zimetti F, Zanotti I, Potì F, Bernini F, Ferri N, Radi M. Identification of 4-amino-2-Pyridones as new potent PCSK9 inhibitors: From phenotypic hit discovery to in vivo tolerability. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116063. [PMID: 38160616 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Among the strategies to overcome the underperformance of statins in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the development of drugs targeting the Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin-like Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is considered one of the most promising. However, only anti-PCSK9 biological drugs have been approved to date, and orally available small-molecules for the treatment of hypercholesterolemic conditions are still missing on the market. In the present work, we describe the application of a phenotypic approach to the identification and optimization of 4-amino-2-pyridone derivatives as a new chemotype with anti-PCSK9 activity. Starting from an in-house collection of compounds, functional assays on HepG2 cells followed by a chemistry-driven hit optimization campaign, led to the potent anti-PCSK9 candidate 5c. This compound, at 5 μM, totally blocked PCSK9 secretion from HepG2 cells, significantly increased LDL receptor (LDLR) expression, and acted cooperatively with simvastatin by reducing its induction of PCSK9 expression. Finally, compound 5c also proved to be well tolerated in C57BL/6J mice at the tested concentration (40 mg/kg) with no sign of toxicity or behavior modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Giannessi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Degli Alimenti e Del Farmaco (DipALIFAR), Università Degli Studi di Parma, Viale Delle Scienze, 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Rossi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 351131, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Martina
- Dipartimento di Scienze Degli Alimenti e Del Farmaco (DipALIFAR), Università Degli Studi di Parma, Viale Delle Scienze, 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Antonietta Vilella
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Martina Bodria
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Daniela Giuliani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Zimetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Degli Alimenti e Del Farmaco (DipALIFAR), Università Degli Studi di Parma, Viale Delle Scienze, 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Ilaria Zanotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Degli Alimenti e Del Farmaco (DipALIFAR), Università Degli Studi di Parma, Viale Delle Scienze, 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesco Potì
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neuroscience, University of Parma, 43125, Parma, Italy
| | - Franco Bernini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Degli Alimenti e Del Farmaco (DipALIFAR), Università Degli Studi di Parma, Viale Delle Scienze, 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Nicola Ferri
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128, Padova, Italy; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, 35129, Italy.
| | - Marco Radi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Degli Alimenti e Del Farmaco (DipALIFAR), Università Degli Studi di Parma, Viale Delle Scienze, 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy.
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Vuorio A, Kovanen PT, Raal FJ. Coronary microcirculatory dysfunction in hypercholesterolemic patients with COVID-19: potential benefit from cholesterol-lowering treatment. Ann Med 2023; 55:2199218. [PMID: 37068045 PMCID: PMC10116911 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2199218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with hypercholesterolemia often have coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD). Viral infections, such as the SARS-CoV-2 infection, may also result in CMD. Three non-randomized studies have shown significant beneficial effects of statins on CMD in non-infected patients. Similarly, in SARS-CoV-2 - infected patients one beneficial mechanism of action of statins may be the amelioration of endothelial dysfunction, which is a major driver of CMD. Apart from statins, lipoprotein apheresis and PCSK9 inhibitors can also improve or even reverse CMD. The potential reversal of CMD by using effective cholesterol-lowering medications during and after COVID-19 infection, especially in hypercholesterolemic COVID-19 patients, is important.KEY MESSAGESCoronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is common in patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infectionThree nonrandomized studies in non-infected patients are showing the beneficial effects of statin treatment on CMDEffective cholesterol-lowering medication during and after SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially in hypercholesterolemic COVID-19 patients, is of great significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alpo Vuorio
- Forensic Medicine, Mehiläinen Airport Health Centre, Vantaa, Finland
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petri T Kovanen
- Atherosclerosis Research Laboratory, Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Frederick J Raal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Sun C, Zhu G, Shen C, Huang S, Li R, Li J, Ma Z, Wang Z. Identification and validation of PCSK9 as a prognostic and immune-related influencing factor in tumorigenesis: a pan-cancer analysis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1134063. [PMID: 37860186 PMCID: PMC10584329 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1134063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-9 (PCSK9) has been primarily studied in the cardiovascular field however, its role in cancer pathophysiology remains incompletely defined. Recently, a pivotal role for PCSK9 in cancer immunotherapy was proposed based on the finding that PCSK9 inhibition was associated with enhancing the antigen presentation efficacy of target programmed cell death-1 (PD-1). Herein, we provide results of a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of PCSK9 that assessed its prognostic and immunological functions in cancer. Methods Using a variety of available online cancer-related databases including TIMER, cBioPortal, and GEPIA, we identified the abnormal expression of PCSK9 and its potential clinical associations in diverse cancer types including liver, brain and lung. We also validated its role in progression-free survival (PFS) and immune infiltration in neuroblastoma. Results Overall, the pan-cancer survival analysis revealed an association between dysregulated PCSK9 and poor clinical outcomes in various cancer types. Specifically, PCSK9 was extensively genetically altered across most cancer types and was consistently found in different tumor types and substages when compared with adjacent normal tissues. Thus, aberrant DNA methylation may be responsible for PCSK9 expression in many cancer types. Focusing on liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), we found that PCSK9 expression correlated with clinicopathological characteristics following stratified prognostic analyses. PCSK9 expression was significantly associated with immune infiltrate since specific markers of CD8+ T cells, macrophage polarization, and exhausted T cells exhibited different PCSK9-related immune infiltration patterns in LIHC and lung squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, PCSK9 was connected with resistance of drugs such as erlotinib and docetaxel. Finally, we validated PCSK9 expression in clinical neuroblastoma samples and concluded that PCSK9 appeared to correlate with a poor PFS and natural killer cell infiltration in neuroblastoma patients. Conclusion PCSK9 could serve as a robust prognostic pan-cancer biomarker given its correlation with immune infiltrates in different cancer types, thus potentially highlighting a new direction for targeted clinical therapy of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoji Zhu
- Surgery Intensive Care Unit, Children’s Hospital of Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
| | - Conghuan Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shungen Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ruidong Li
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenyu Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengxin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Merćep I, Vujević A, Strikić D, Radman I, Pećin I, Reiner Ž. Present and Future of Dyslipidaemia Treatment-A Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5839. [PMID: 37762780 PMCID: PMC10531957 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12185839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the greatest burdens on the healthcare systems of modern civilization is cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Therefore, the medical community is looking for ways to reduce the incidence of CVDs. Simple lifestyle changes from an unhealthy to a healthy lifestyle are the cornerstone of prevention, but other risk factors for cardiovascular disease are also being currently targeted, most notably dyslipidaemia. It is well known that lowering serum lipid levels, and in particular lowering elevated LDL-cholesterol, leads to a reduction in major cardiovascular events. Although the focus to date has been on LDL-cholesterol levels and lowering them with statin therapy, this is often not enough because of increased concentrations of other lipoprotein particles in the serum and residual cardiovascular risk. Since lowering LDL-cholesterol levels is successful in most cases, there has been a recent focus on lowering residual cardiovascular risk. In recent years, new therapeutic options have emerged that target triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, lipoprotein (a) and apolipoproteins C and B. The effects of these drugs on serious adverse cardiovascular events are not yet known, but recent studies with some of these drugs have shown significant results in lowering total lipid levels. The aim of this review is to present the current therapeutic options for the treatment of dyslipidaemia and to describe the newly approved drugs as well as the drugs that are still in development. Although at this stage we cannot say with certainty whether these agents will be approved and widely used, it is safe to say that our views on the treatment of dyslipidaemia are certainly changing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iveta Merćep
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.M.); (I.P.)
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Andro Vujević
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Dominik Strikić
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Ivana Radman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Ivan Pećin
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.M.); (I.P.)
| | - Željko Reiner
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Department of Cardiology and Congenital Diseases of Adults, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland
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Yang QC, Wang S, Liu YT, Song A, Wu ZZ, Wan SC, Li HM, Sun ZJ. Targeting PCSK9 reduces cancer cell stemness and enhances antitumor immunity in head and neck cancer. iScience 2023; 26:106916. [PMID: 37305703 PMCID: PMC10250824 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has been demonstrated to play a critical role in regulating cholesterol homeostasis and T cell antitumor immunity. However, the expression, function, and therapeutic value of PCSK9 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain largely unexplored. Here, we found that the expression of PCSK9 was upregulated in HNSCC tissues, and higher PCSK9 expression indicated poorer prognosis in HNSCC patients. We further found that pharmacological inhibition or siRNA downregulating PCSK9 expression suppressed the stemness-like phenotype of cancer cells in an LDLR-dependent manner. Moreover, PCSK9 inhibition enhanced the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and reduced the myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in a 4MOSC1 syngeneic tumor-bearing mouse model, and it also enhanced the antitumor effect of anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Together, these results indicated that PCSK9, a traditional hypercholesterolemia target, may be a novel biomarker and therapeutic target to enhance ICB therapy in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Chao Yang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan-Tong Liu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - An Song
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Zhong Wu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shu-Cheng Wan
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui-Min Li
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Sun
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Head Neck Oncology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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11
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Gianazza E, Macchi C, Banfi C, Ruscica M. Proteomics and Lipidomics to unveil the contribution of PCSK9 beyond cholesterol lowering: a narrative review. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1191303. [PMID: 37378405 PMCID: PMC10291627 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1191303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), one of the key regulators of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), can play a direct role in atheroma development. Although advances in the understandings of genetic PCSK9 polymorphisms have enabled to reveal the role of PCSK9 in the complex pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), increasing lines of evidence support non-cholesterol-related processes mediated by PCSK9. Owing to major improvements in mass spectrometry-based technologies, multimarker proteomic and lipidomic panels hold the promise to identify novel lipids and proteins potentially related to PCSK9. Within this context, this narrative review aims to provide an overview of the most significant proteomics and lipidomics studies related to PCSK9 effects beyond cholesterol lowering. These approaches have enabled to unveil non-common targets of PCSK9, potentially leading to the development of novel statistical models for CVD risk prediction. Finally, in the era of precision medicine, we have reported the impact of PCSK9 on extracellular vesicles (EVs) composition, an effect that could contribute to an increased prothrombotic status in CVD patients. The possibility to modulate EVs release and cargo could help counteract the development and progression of the atherosclerotic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Gianazza
- Unit of Functional Proteomics, Metabolomics and Network Analysis, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Macchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Banfi
- Unit of Functional Proteomics, Metabolomics and Network Analysis, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “Rodolfo Paoletti”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Diseases, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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12
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Lammi C, Fassi EMA, Manenti M, Brambilla M, Conti M, Li J, Roda G, Camera M, Silvani A, Grazioso G. Computational Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Diimidazole Analogues Endowed with Dual PCSK9/HMG-CoAR-Inhibiting Activity. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37261954 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is responsible for the degradation of the hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), which regulates circulating cholesterol levels. Consequently, the PCSK9 inhibition is a valuable therapeutic approach for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular diseases. In our studies, we discovered Rim13, a polyimidazole derivative reducing the protein-protein interaction between PCSK9 and LDLR with an IC50 of 1.6 μM. The computational design led to the optimization of the shape of the PCSK9/ligand complementarity, enabling the discovery of potent diimidazole derivatives. In fact, carrying out biological assays to fully characterize the cholesterol-lowering activity of the new analogues and using both biochemical and cellular techniques, compound Dim16 displayed improved PCSK9 inhibitory activity (IC50 0.9 nM). Interestingly, similar to other lupin-derived peptides and their synthetic analogues, some compounds in this series showed dual hypocholesterolemic activity since some of them complementarily inhibited the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Lammi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico M A Fassi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Manenti
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 10, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Brambilla
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, via Parea 4, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Conti
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, via Parea 4, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Jianqiang Li
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Roda
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Camera
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, via Parea 4, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Silvani
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 10, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Grazioso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
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13
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Hendawy N, Salaheldin TH, Abuelezz SA. PCSK9 Inhibition Reduces Depressive like Behavior in CUMS-Exposed Rats: Highlights on HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4 Pathway, NLRP3 Inflammasome Complex and IDO-1. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2023; 18:195-207. [PMID: 36781714 PMCID: PMC10485135 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-023-10060-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Ample evidence has pointed to a close link between cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and depression. Inflammatory pathways including the high-mobility-group-box-1 protein, receptor-for-advanced-glycation-end-products and toll-like-receptor-4 (HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4) and nucleotide-binding domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathways are thought to be crucial players in this link. Activation of these pathways ends by releasing of different inflammatory mediators involved in CVD and depression pathophysiology. In the brain, this inflammatory process enhanced indoleamine2,3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO-1) activation with subsequent alteration in kynurenine/tryptophan levels causing depression. Based on the favorable anti-inflammatory effects of Alirocumab, the proprotein-convertase-subtilisin/kexin-type-9 (PCSK9) inhibitor, used in different CVD, this study was designed to investigate its potential antidepressant effect. The behavioral and neurochemical effects of concomitant treatment of Alirocumab at doses of (4, 8 and 16 mg/kg/week subcutaneously) in Wistar rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 6 weeks were assayed. Alirocumab prevented CUMS-induced depressive-like-behaviors exhibited in open-field and forced-swimming tests, and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity (adrenal gland weight and serum corticosterone). Alirocumab prevented CUMS-induced alteration in hippocampal kynurenine/tryptophan levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor-necrosis-factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), IL-2 and IL-6. Western blot and PCR analysis showed that Alirocumab favorably modulated the HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4 axis, nuclear-factor-kappa-beta, NLRP3 inflammasome complex and IDO-1 in the hippocampus of CUMS rats. These effects were correlated to the level of PCSK9 expression. The behavioral and biochemical findings indicated the potential antidepressant effect of PCSK9 inhibition by Alirocumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevien Hendawy
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Sally A Abuelezz
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
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14
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Macchi C, Sirtori CR, Corsini A, Mannuccio Mannucci P, Ruscica M. Pollution from fine particulate matter and atherosclerosis: A narrative review. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 175:107923. [PMID: 37119653 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
According to the WHO, the entire global population is exposed to air pollution levels higher than recommended for health preservation. Air pollution is a complex mixture of nano- to micro-sized particles and gaseous components that poses a major global threat to public health. Among the most important air pollutants, causal associations have been established between particulate matter (PM), mainly < 2.5 μm, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), i.e., hypertension, coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias as well as total cardiovascular mortality. Aim of this narrative review is to describe and critically discuss the proatherogenic effects of PM2.5 that have been attributed to many direct or indirect effects comprising endothelial dysfunction, a chronic low-grade inflammatory state, increased production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of metalloproteases, all leading to unstable arterial plaques. Higher concentrations of air pollutants are associated with the presence of vulnerable plaques and plaque ruptures witnessing coronary artery instability. Air pollution is often disregarded as a CVD risk factor, in spite of the fact that it is one of the main modifiable factors relevant for prevention and management of CVD. Thus, not only structural actions should be taken in order to mitigate emissions, but health professionals should also take care to counsel patients on the risks of air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Macchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cesare R Sirtori
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Corsini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Pier Mannuccio Mannucci
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular Diseases - Foundation IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Italy.
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15
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Bell AS, Wagner J, Rosoff DB, Lohoff FW. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in the central nervous system. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 149:105155. [PMID: 37019248 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
The gene encoding proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and its protein product have been widely studied for their role in cholesterol and lipid metabolism. PCSK9 increases the rate of metabolic degradation of low-density lipoprotein receptors, preventing the diffusion of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from plasma into cells and contributes to high lipoprotein-bound cholesterol levels in the plasma. While most research has focused on the regulation and disease relevance of PCSK9 to the cardiovascular system and lipid metabolism, there is a growing body of evidence that PCSK9 plays a crucial role in pathogenic processes in other organ systems, including the central nervous system. PCSK9's impact on the brain is not yet fully understood, though several recent studies have sought to illuminate its impact on various neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, as well as its connection with ischemic stroke. Cerebral PCSK9 expression is low but is highly upregulated during disease states. Among others, PCSK9 is known to play a role in neurogenesis, neural cell differentiation, central LDL receptor metabolism, neural cell apoptosis, neuroinflammation, Alzheimer's Disease, Alcohol Use Disorder, and stroke. The PCSK9 gene contains several polymorphisms, including both gain-of-function and loss-of-function mutations which profoundly impact normal PCSK9 signaling and cholesterol metabolism. Gain-of-function mutations lead to persistent hypercholesterolemia and poor health outcomes, while loss-of-function mutations generally lead to hypocholesterolemia and may serve as a protective factor against diseases of the liver, cardiovascular system, and central nervous system. Recent genomic studies have sought to identify the end-organ effects of such mutations and continue to identify evidence of a much broader role for PCSK9 in extrahepatic organ systems. Despite this, there remain large gaps in our understanding of PCSK9, its regulation, and its effects on disease risk outside the liver. This review, which incorporates data from a wide range of scientific disciplines and experimental paradigms, is intended to describe PCSK9's role in the central nervous system as it relates to cerebral disease and neuropsychiatric disorders, and to examine the clinical potential of PCSK9 inhibitors and genetic variation in the PCSK9 gene on disease outcomes, including neurological and neuropsychiatric disease.
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16
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Frampton JE. Inclisiran: A Review in Hypercholesterolemia. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 2023; 23:219-230. [PMID: 36869996 DOI: 10.1007/s40256-023-00568-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Inclisiran (Leqvio®) is a first-in-class, subcutaneously administered, small interfering RNA (siRNA) that prevents hepatic synthesis of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), thereby decreasing circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). In the EU, inclisiran is indicated in adults with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia, as an adjunct to diet. It is intended for use in patients unable to reach LDL-C goals on maximally tolerated statin therapy, with or without other lipid-lowering therapies (LLTs). In patients who are statin intolerant or for whom a statin is contraindicated, it can be used with or without other LLTs. In clinical trials, twice-yearly injections of inclisiran (after initial doses at days 1 and 90) approximately halved LDL-C levels in patients with, or at high risk of developing, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) who had hypercholesterolemia, irrespective of whether or not their existing treatment included a statin. The safety and tolerability profile of the drug was similar to placebo, although mild to moderate, transient injection-site adverse reactions were more frequent with inclisiran. Pending confirmation of the expected reduction in cardiovascular (CV) events with inclisiran, it is a valuable additional/alternative antihyperlipidemic agent to a statin, as its infrequent maintenance dosing regimen confers a convenience advantage over other non-statin LLTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Frampton
- Springer Nature, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand.
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17
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Gualtierotti R, Ruscica M. Editorial: The molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets of atherosclerosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 9:1127693. [PMID: 36704475 PMCID: PMC9872130 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1127693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Gualtierotti
- Fondazione Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, S.C. Medicina - Emostasi e Trombosi, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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18
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The impact of the PCSK-9/VLDL-Receptor axis on inflammatory cell polarization. Cytokine 2023; 161:156077. [PMID: 36356495 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.156077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have shown that lipoproteins, such as LDL and VLDL, as well as its major protein component ApoE2 impact on macrophage polarization important in atherosclerosis. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is a key regulator of lipoprotein receptor expression. The present study investigated the effect of the VLDL/VLDL-receptor (VLDL-R) axis on mononuclear cell polarization, as well as the role of PCSK9 and PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) within this network. METHODS Human monocytic THP-1 cells and human monocyte-derived macrophages isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were treated with either LPS/IFN-γ to induce a pro-inflammatory phenotype, or with IL-4/IL-13 to induce an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Cells were then subjected to further treatments by lipoproteins, PCSK9, PCSK9i and lipoprotein receptor blockers. RESULTS LPS/IFN-γ treatment promoted a pro-inflammatory state with an increased expression of pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, CD80 and IL-1β. VLDL co-treatment induced a switch of this pro-inflammatory phenotype to an anti-inflammatory phenotype. In pro-inflammatory cells, VLDL significantly decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory markers e.g., TNF-α, CD80, and IL-1β. These effects were eliminated by PCSK9 and restored by co-incubation with a specific anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibody (PCSK9i). Migration assays demonstrated that pro-inflammatory cells displayed a significantly higher invasive capacity when compared to untreated cells or anti-inflammatory cells. Moreover, pro-inflammatory cell chemotaxis was significantly decreased by VLDL-mediated acquisition of the anti-inflammatory phenotype. PCSK9 significantly lessened this VLDL-mediated migration inhibition, which was reversed by the PCSK9i. CONCLUSION VLDL promotes mononuclear cell differentiation towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype. PCSK9, via its capacity to inhibit VLDL-R expression, reverses the VLDL-mediated anti-inflammatory action, thereby promoting a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Thus, PCSK9 targeting therapies may exert anti-inflammatory properties within the vessel wall.
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19
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Pel P, Kim YM, Kim HJ, Nhoek P, An CY, Son MG, Won H, Lee SE, Lee J, Kim HW, Choi YH, Lee CH, Chin YW. Isocoumarins and Benzoquinones with Their Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Expression Inhibitory Activities from Dried Roots of Lysimachia vulgaris. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:47296-47305. [PMID: 36570277 PMCID: PMC9774376 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c06660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A phytochemical investigation of the n-hexane-soluble chemical constituents of Lysimachia vulgaris roots allowed for selection using a proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) mRNA expression monitoring assay in HepG2 cells. This led to the isolation of two previously undescribed isocoumarins of natural origin, 8'Z,11'Z-octadecadienyl-6,8-dihydroxyisocoumarin (1) and 3-pentadecyl-6,8-dihydroxyisocoumarin (2), along with 20 previously reported compounds (3-22). All of the structures were established using NMR spectroscopic data and MS analysis. Of the isolates, 1 and 3 were found to inhibit PCSK9, inducible degrader of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (IDOL), and SREBP2 mRNA expression. Further computational dockings of both 1 and 3 to C-ring of IDOL E3 ubiquitin ligase predicted the mechanism behind the inhibitory effect of these compounds on the enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pisey Pel
- College
of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Mi Kim
- College
of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ji Kim
- College
of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, Dongguk University-Seoul, 32 Dongguk-lo, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Piseth Nhoek
- College
of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae-Yeong An
- College
of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Gyung Son
- College
of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongic Won
- College
of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Eun Lee
- Department
of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute
of Horticultural and Herbal Science (NIHHS) of Rural Development Administration, Eumseong 27709, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeonghoon Lee
- Department
of Herbal Crop Research, National Institute
of Horticultural and Herbal Science (NIHHS) of Rural Development Administration, Eumseong 27709, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Kim
- College
of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, Dongguk University-Seoul, 32 Dongguk-lo, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hee Choi
- College
of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, Dongguk University-Seoul, 32 Dongguk-lo, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hoon Lee
- College
of Pharmacy and Integrated Research Institute for Drug Development, Dongguk University-Seoul, 32 Dongguk-lo, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Won Chin
- College
of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, 1, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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20
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Päth G, Perakakis N, Mantzoros CS, Seufert J. PCSK9 inhibition and cholesterol homeostasis in insulin producing β-cells. Lipids Health Dis 2022; 21:138. [PMID: 36527064 PMCID: PMC9756761 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-022-01751-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) plays a central role in the pathology of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. For decades, the gold standard for LDL-C lowering have been statins, although these drugs carry a moderate risk for the development of new-onset diabetes. The inhibitors of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) have emerged in the last years as potential alternatives to statins due to their high efficiency and safety without indications for a diabetes risk so far. Both approaches finally eliminate LDL-C from bloodstream by upregulation of LDL receptor surface expression. Due to their low antioxidant capacity, insulin producing pancreatic β-cells are sensitive to increased lipid oxidation and related generation of reactive oxygen species. Thus, PCSK9 inhibition has been argued to promote diabetes like statins. Potentially, the remaining patients at risk will be identified in the future. Otherwise, there is increasing evidence that loss of circulating PCSK9 does not worsen glycaemia since it is compensated by local PCSK9 expression in β-cells and other islet cells. This review explores the situation in β-cells. We evaluated the relevant biology of PCSK9 and the effects of its functional loss in rodent knockout models, carriers of LDL-lowering gene variants and PCSK9 inhibitor-treated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günter Päth
- grid.5963.9Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Medicine II, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany, Hugstetter Str. 55, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Perakakis
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Division of Metabolic and Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDivision of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Christos S. Mantzoros
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDivision of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA ,grid.410370.10000 0004 4657 1992Section of Endocrinology, VA Boston Healthcare System, MA Jamaica Plain, USA
| | - Jochen Seufert
- grid.5963.9Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Medicine II, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany, Hugstetter Str. 55, Freiburg, Germany
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Ahamad S, Bhat SA. Recent Update on the Development of PCSK9 Inhibitors for Hypercholesterolemia Treatment. J Med Chem 2022; 65:15513-15539. [PMID: 36446632 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-type 9 (PCSK9) binds to low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR), thereby trafficking them to lysosomes upon endocytosis and enhancing intracellular degradation to prevent their recycling. As a result, the levels of circulating LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) increase, which is a prominent risk factor for developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). Thus, PCSK9 has become a promising therapeutic target that offers a fertile testing ground for new drug modalities to regulate plasma LDL-C levels to prevent ASCVD. In this review, we have discussed the role of PCSK9 in lipid metabolism and briefly summarized the current clinical status of modalities targeting PCSK9. In particular, a detailed overview of peptide-based PCSK9 inhibitors is presented, which emphasizes their structural features and design, therapeutic effects on patients, and preclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) models, along with PCSK9 modulation mechanisms. As a promising alternative to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for managing LDL-C, anti-PCSK9 peptides are emerging as a prospective next generation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakir Ahamad
- Department of Chemistry, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Shahnawaz A Bhat
- Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
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22
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Wang HF, Mao YC, Xu XY, Zhao SY, Han DD, Ge SY, Song K, Geng C, Tian QB. Effect of alirocumab and evolocumab on all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular events: A meta-analysis focusing on the number needed to treat. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1016802. [PMID: 36531722 PMCID: PMC9755489 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1016802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The efficacy of anti-proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) monoclonal antibodies in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effect of PCSK9 inhibitors (alirocumab and evolocumab) on ASCVD patients considering the number needed to treat (NNT). METHODS We reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared the effects of alirocumab or evolocumab and placebo or standards of care. All articles were published in English up to May 2022. Using random effect models, we estimated risk ratios (RRs), NNT, and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS We incorporated 12 RCTs with 53 486 patients total, of which 27 674 received PCSK9 inhibitors and 25 812 received placebos. The mean follow-up duration was 1.56 years. The effect of PCSK9 inhibitors on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was statistically significant, and the corresponding mean NNT was 36. Alirocumab reduced the risk of MACE, stroke, and coronary revascularization; the corresponding mean NNT were 37, 319, and 107, respectively. Evolocumab positively affected MACE, myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary revascularization; the corresponding mean NNT were 32, 78, 267, and 65, respectively. The effects of alirocumab or evolocumab on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION This study suggests that preventing one patient from MACE needed to treat 36 patients with ASCVD with PCSK9 inhibitors for 1.56 years. Both alirocumab and evolocumab reduced MACE, stroke, and coronary revascularization. Evolocumab had a positive effect on myocardial infarction, but no effects were noted for alirocumab. In addition, alirocumab may not be as effective as evolocumab. NNT visualizes the magnitude of efficacy to assist in clinical decisions. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=344908], identifier [CRD42022344908].
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Fei Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yu-Cheng Mao
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xin-Yi Xu
- Postdoctoral Research Station in Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- School of Nursing, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Si-Yu Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dan-Dan Han
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shi-Yao Ge
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Kai Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chang Geng
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qing-Bao Tian
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Environment and Human Health, Shijiazhuang, China
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PCSK9 pathway-noncoding RNAs crosstalk: Emerging opportunities for novel therapeutic approaches in inflammatory atherosclerosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109318. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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24
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Computer assisted identification of stress, anxiety, depression (SAD) in students: A state-of-the-art review. Med Eng Phys 2022; 110:103900. [PMID: 36273998 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2022.103900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Stress, depression, and anxiety are a person's physiological states that emerge from various body features such as speech, body language, eye contact, facial expression, etc. Physiological emotion is a part of human life and is associated with psychological activities. Sad emotion is relatable to negative thoughts and recognized in three stages containing stress, anxiety, and depression. These stages of Physiological emotion show various common and distinguished symptoms. The present study explores stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms in student life. The study reviews the psychological features generated through various body parts to identify psychological activities. Environmental factors, including a daily routine, greatly trigger psychological activities. The psychological disorder may affect mental and physical health adversely. The correct recognition of such disorder is expensive and time-consuming as it requires accurate datasets of symptoms. In the present study, an attempt has been made to investigate the effectiveness of computerized automated techniques that include machine learning algorithms for identifying stress, anxiety, and depression mental disorder. The proposed paper reviews the machine learning-based algorithms applied over datasets containing questionnaires, audio, video, etc., to recognize sad details. During the review process, the proposed study found that artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques are well recommended and widely utilized in most of the existing literature for measuring psychological disorders. The various machine learning-based algorithms are applied over datasets containing questionnaires, audio, video, etc., to recognize sad details. There has been continuous monitoring for the body symptoms established in the various existing literature to identify psychological states. The present review reveals the study of excellence and competence of machine learning techniques in detecting psychological disorders' stress, depression, and anxiety parameters. This paper shows a systematic review of some existing computer vision-based models with their merits and demerits.
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25
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Hay R, Cullen B, Graham N, Lyall DM, Aman A, Pell JP, Ward J, Smith DJ, Strawbridge RJ. Genetic analysis of the PCSK9 locus in psychological, psychiatric, metabolic and cardiovascular traits in UK Biobank. Eur J Hum Genet 2022; 30:1380-1390. [PMID: 35501368 PMCID: PMC9712543 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-022-01107-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between severe mental illness (SMI) and cardiovascular and metabolic disease (CMD) is poorly understood. PCSK9 is expressed in systems critical to both SMI and CMD and influences lipid homeostasis and brain function. We systematically investigated relationships between genetic variation within the PCSK9 locus and risk for both CMD and SMI. UK Biobank recruited ~500,000 volunteers and assessed a wide range of SMI and CMD phenotypes. We used genetic data from white British ancestry individuals of UK Biobank. Genetic association analyses were conducted in PLINK, with statistical significance defined by the number of independent SNPs. Conditional analyses and linkage disequilibrium assessed the independence of SNPs and the presence of multiple signals. Two genetic risk scores of lipid-lowering alleles were calculated and used as proxies for putative lipid-lowering effects of PCSK9. PCSK9 variants were associated with central adiposity, venous thrombosis embolism, systolic blood pressure, mood instability, and neuroticism (all p < 1.16 × 10-4). No secondary signals were identified. Conditional analyses and high linkage disequilibrium (r2 = 0.98) indicated that mood instability and central obesity may share a genetic signal. Genetic risk scores suggested that the lipid-lowering effects of PCSK9 may be causal for greater mood instability and higher neuroticism. This is the first study to implicate the PCSK9 locus in mood-disorder symptoms and related traits, as well as the shared pathology of SMI and CMD. PCSK9 effects on mood may occur via lipid-lowering mechanisms. Further work is needed to understand whether repurposing PCSK9-targeting therapies might improve SMI symptoms and prevent CMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Hay
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Breda Cullen
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nicholas Graham
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Donald M Lyall
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alisha Aman
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jill P Pell
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Joey Ward
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Daniel J Smith
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rona J Strawbridge
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
- Health Data Research UK, Glasgow, UK.
- Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
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26
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Allicin and Capsaicin Ameliorated Hypercholesterolemia by Upregulating LDLR and Downregulating PCSK9 Expression in HepG2 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214299. [PMID: 36430776 PMCID: PMC9695077 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypercholesterolemia is a common cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Although allicin and capsaicin possess hypolipidemic effects through several molecular mechanisms, their effects on LDLR and PCSK9 expression are still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of allicin and capsaicin on LDLR and PCSK9 expression in HepG2 cells. The effects of allicin and capsaicin on cell viability were evaluated by MTT assay and trypan blue exclusion assay. Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) levels and LDL uptake were determined by flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), respectively. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses were performed to evaluate the expression of PCSK9, LDLR, SREBP-2, and HNF1α. ELISA was used to measure PCSK9 levels in culture media. Allicin and capsaicin increased the protein expression levels of LDLR via activation of the transcription factor SREBP2. However, allicin and capsaicin decreased the expression of PCSK9 protein and the secretion of PCSK9 in culture media via the suppression of HNF1α. Moreover, allicin and capsaicin increased LDL uptake into HepG2 cells. The efficacies of the hypolipidemic effects of allicin (200 µM) and capsaicin (200 µM) were comparable to that of atorvastatin (10 µM) in this study. In conclusion, allicin and capsaicin possessed hypolipidemic effects via the upregulation of LDLR and downregulation of PCSK9 expression, thereby enhancing LDL uptake into HepG2 cells. This indicates that allicin and capsaicin should be used as potent supplements to ameliorate hypercholesterolemia.
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Grundler F, Viallon M, Mesnage R, Ruscica M, von Schacky C, Madeo F, Hofer SJ, Mitchell SJ, Croisille P, Wilhelmi de Toledo F. Long-term fasting: Multi-system adaptations in humans (GENESIS) study–A single-arm interventional trial. Front Nutr 2022; 9:951000. [DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.951000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fasting provokes fundamental changes in the activation of metabolic and signaling pathways leading to longer and healthier lifespans in animal models. Although the involvement of different metabolites in fueling human fasting metabolism is well known, the contribution of tissues and organs to their supply remains partly unclear. Also, changes in organ volume and composition remain relatively unexplored. Thus, processes involved in remodeling tissues during fasting and food reintroduction need to be better understood. Therefore, this study will apply state-of-the-art techniques to investigate the effects of long-term fasting (LF) and food reintroduction in humans by a multi-systemic approach focusing on changes in body composition, organ and tissue volume, lipid transport and storage, sources of protein utilization, blood metabolites, and gut microbiome profiles in a single cohort. This is a prospective, single-arm, monocentric trial. One hundred subjects will be recruited and undergo 9 ± 3 day-long fasting periods (250 kcal/day). We will assess changes in the composition of organs, bones and blood lipid profiles before and after fasting, as well as high-density lipoprotein (HDL) transport and storage, untargeted metabolomics of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), protein persulfidation and shotgun metagenomics of the gut microbiome. The first 32 subjects, fasting for 12 days, will be examined in more detail by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy to provide quantitative information on changes in organ volume and function, followed by an additional follow-up examination after 1 and 4 months. The study protocol was approved by the ethics board of the State Medical Chamber of Baden-Württemberg on 26.07.2021 and registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05031598). The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, international conferences and social media.Clinical trial registration[ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT05031598].
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Greco MF, Rizzuto AS, Zarà M, Cafora M, Favero C, Solazzo G, Giusti I, Adorni MP, Zimetti F, Dolo V, Banfi C, Ferri N, Sirtori CR, Corsini A, Barbieri SS, Pistocchi A, Bollati V, Macchi C, Ruscica M. PCSK9 Confers Inflammatory Properties to Extracellular Vesicles Released by Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13065. [PMID: 36361853 PMCID: PMC9655172 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are key participants in both early- and late-stage atherosclerosis and influence neighbouring cells possibly by means of bioactive molecules, some of which are packed into extracellular vesicles (EVs). Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is expressed and secreted by VSMCs. This study aimed to unravel the role of PCSK9 on VSMCs-derived EVs in terms of content and functionality. EVs were isolated from human VSMCs overexpressing human PCSK9 (VSMCPCSK9-EVs) and tested on endothelial cells, monocytes, macrophages and in a model of zebrafish embryos. Compared to EVs released from wild-type VSMCs, VSMCPCSK9-EVs caused a rise in the expression of adhesion molecules in endothelial cells and of pro-inflammatory cytokines in monocytes. These acquired an increased migratory capacity, a reduced oxidative phosphorylation and secreted proteins involved in immune response and immune effector processes. Concerning macrophages, VSMCPCSK9-EVs enhanced inflammatory milieu and uptake of oxidized low-density lipoproteins, whereas the migratory capacity was reduced. When injected into zebrafish embryos, VSMCPCSK9-EVs favoured the recruitment of macrophages toward the site of injection. The results of the present study provide evidence that PCSK9 plays an inflammatory role by means of EVs, at least by those derived from smooth muscle cells of vascular origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Francesca Greco
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Stefania Rizzuto
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Zarà
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Cafora
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Favero
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Solazzo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Giusti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Università degli Studi dell'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Adorni
- Unit of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università degli Studi di Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Zimetti
- Department of Food and Drug, Università degli Studi di Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Vincenza Dolo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Università degli Studi dell'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Cristina Banfi
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ferri
- Department of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35100 Padua, Italy
| | - Cesare R Sirtori
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Corsini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Stella Barbieri
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Pistocchi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational, Università degli Studi di Milano, L.I.T.A., 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Bollati
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Macchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Novel Target Study to Cure Cardiovascular Disease regarding Proprotein Converse Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:9039377. [PMID: 36267835 PMCID: PMC9578827 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9039377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective This study is aimed at screening the potential ideal lead compounds from natural drug library (ZINC database), which had potential inhibition effects against proprotein converse subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), and contributing to enrich the practical basis of PCSK9 inhibitor screening. Methods A series of computer-aided virtual screening techniques were used to identify potential inhibitors of PCSK9. Structure-based virtual screening by LibDock was carried out to calculate the LibDock scores, followed by ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) and toxicity predictions. Molecule docking was next employed to demonstrate the binding affinity and mechanism between the candidate ligands and PCSK9 macromolecule. Finally, molecular dynamics simulation was performed to evaluate the stability of ligand-PCSK9 complex under natural circumstance. Results Two novel natural compounds ZINC000004099069 and ZINC000014952116 from the ZINC database were found to bind with PCSK9 with a higher binging affinity together with more favorable interaction energy. Also, they were predicted to be non-CYP2D6 inhibitors, together with low rodent carcinogenicity and AMES mutagenicity as well as hepatotoxicity. Molecular dynamics simulation analysis demonstrated that these two complex ZINC000004099069- and ZINC000014952116-PCSK9 had more favorable potential energy compared to the reference ligand, which could exist stably whether in vivo or in vitro. Conclusion This study elucidated that ZINC000004099069 and ZINC000014952116 were finally screened as safe and potential drug candidates, which may have great significance in the development of PCSK9 inhibitor development.
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Momtazi-Borojeni AA, Banach M, Ruscica M, Sahebkar A. The role of PCSK9 in NAFLD/NASH and therapeutic implications of PCSK9 inhibition. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2022; 15:1199-1208. [PMID: 36193738 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2022.2132229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are inconsistent findings regarding the effect of lipid-lowering agents on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is an important player in cholesterol homeostasis and intracellular lipogenesis, and PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9-i) have been found to be efficient for pharmacological management of hyperlipidemia. AREAS COVERED Whether PCSK9 (itself) or PCSK9-i affects NAFLD is still disputed. To address this question, we review published preclinical and clinical studies providing evidence for the role of PCSK9 in and the effect of PCSK9-I on the development and pathogenesis of NAFLD. EXPERT OPINION The current evidence from a landscape of preclinical and clinical studies examining the role of PCSK9 in NAFLD shows controversial results. Preclinical studies indicate that PCSK9 associates with NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) progression in opposite directions. In humans, it has been concluded that the severity of hepatic steatosis affects the correlation between circulating PCSK9 and liver fat content in humans, with a possible impact of circulating PCSK9 in the early stages of NAFLD, but not in the late stages. However, data from clinical trials with PCSK9-i reassure to the safety of these agents, although real-life long-term evidence is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Hypertension, Medical University of Lodz (MUL), Lodz, Poland.,Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Gora, Poland
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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31
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Ferri N, Ruscica M, Lupo MG, Vicenzi M, Sirtori CR, Corsini A. Pharmacological rationale for the very early treatment of acute coronary syndrome with monoclonal antibodies anti-PCSK9. Pharmacol Res 2022; 184:106439. [PMID: 36100012 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immediate and aggressive lipid lowering therapies after acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are supported by the ESC/EAS dyslipidemia guidelines, recommending the initiation of high-intensity statin therapy within the first 1-4 days of hospitalization. However, whether non statin lipid-lowering agents, added to statin treatment, could produce a further reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) is still unknown. Thus, the efficacy of early treatment post-ACS with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) anti PCSK9, evolocumab and alirocumab, is under investigation. The rationale to explore the rapid and aggressive pharmacological intervention with PCSK9 mAbs is supported by at least five confirmatory data in ACS: 1) circulating PCSK9 levels are raised during ACS 2) PCSK9 may stimulate platelet reactivity, this last being pivotal in the recurrence of ischemic events; 3) PCSK9 is associated with intraplaque inflammation, macrophage activation and endothelial dysfunction; 4) PCSK9 concentrations are associated with inflammation in the acute phase of ACS; and 5) statins raise PCSK9 levels promptly and, at times, dramatically. In this scenario, appropriate pharmacodynamic characteristics of anti PCSK9 therapies are a prerequisite for an effective response. Monoclonal antibodies act on circulating PCSK9 with a direct and rapid binding by blocking the interaction with the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). Evolocumab and alirocumab show a very rapid (within 4 h) and effective suppression of circulating unbound PCSK9 (- 95 % ÷ - 97 %). This inhibition results in a significant reduction of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) after 48 h (- 35 %) post injection with a full effect after 7-10 days (55-75 %). The complete and swift inhibitory action by evolocumab and alirocumab could have a potential clinical impact in ACS patients, also considering their potential inhibition of PCSK9 within the atherosclerotic plaque. Thus, administration of evolocumab or alirocumab is effective in lowering LDL-C levels in ACS, although the efficacy to prevent further cardiovascular (CV) events is still undetermined. The answer to this question will be provided by the ongoing clinical trials with evolocumab and alirocumab in ACS. In the present review we will discuss the pharmacological and biological rationale supporting the potential use of PCSK9 mAbs in ACS patients and the emerging evidence of evolocumab and alirocumab treatment in this clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Ferri
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padua, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marco Vicenzi
- Cardiovascular Disease Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Cesare R Sirtori
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Corsini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Luo J, Huang T, Xu R, Wang X, Yang Y, Li L, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Yang R, Wang J, Yang H, Ma Y, Yang B, Wang T, Jiao L. Impact of conventional lipid-lowering therapy on circulating levels of PCSK9: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061884. [PMID: 36691198 PMCID: PMC9462109 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Conventional lipid-lowering agents, including statins, ezetimibe, fibrates, bile acid sequestrants, nicotinic acid, bempedoic acid and Omega-3, are essential to the management of dyslipidaemia. However, these agents have been shown to increase the level of plasma proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9), a serine protease associated with increased cardiovascular risk. This review aims to investigate the impact of commonly available conventional lipid-lowering agents on circulating PCSK9 levels and lipid profiles. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This protocol is conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines. A systematic search will be conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS and ScienceDirect. Additional information will be retrieved from clinical trial registries or from reference list searches. Published and peer-reviewed randomised controlled trials with adults receiving statin, ezetimibe, fibrate, bile acid sequestrant, nicotinic acid, bempedoic acid or Omega-3 monotherapy or in combination for at least 2 weeks, with availability of plasma PCSK9 at the beginning and end of treatment or the net changes in values, will be included. Study selection, data extraction and assessment of the risk of bias will be independently conducted by two investigators. Continuous data will be presented as a standardised mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI) and dichotomous data as risk ratios with 95% CI. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis will be performed when sufficient studies are included. Publication bias will be assessed with a funnel plot and Egger's test. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval is not required as this review will only include data from published sources. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT No patient or members of the general public are involved. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022297942.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jichang Luo
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianze Huang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Xu
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Medical Library, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yutong Yang
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Long Li
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yinhang Zhang
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Renjie Yang
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hai Yang
- Department of Neurology, Datong Third People's Hospital, Datong, Shanxi, China
| | - Yan Ma
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Yang
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Liqun Jiao
- China International Neuroscience Institute (China-INI), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Tirandi A, Montecucco F, Liberale L. Physical activity to reduce PCSK9 levels. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:988698. [PMID: 36093150 PMCID: PMC9453490 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.988698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The amount of physical activity (PA) people practice everyday has been reducing in the last decades. Sedentary subjects tend to have an impaired lipid plasma profile with a higher risk of atherosclerosis and related cardio- and cerebrovascular events. Regular PA helps in both primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention because of its beneficial effect on the whole metabolism. Several studies reported lower levels of plasma lipids in trained subjects, but the precise mechanisms by which PA modulates lipoproteins remain only partially described. Thereupon, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a serin protease whose main function is to reduce the amount of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) receptors, with the direct consequence of reducing LDL-C uptake by the liver and increasing its circulating pool. Accordingly, recently developed PCSK9 inhibitors improved cardiovascular prevention and are increasingly used to reach LDL-C goals in patients at high CV risk. Whether PA can modulate the levels of PCSK9 remains partially explored. Recent studies suggest PA as a negative modulator of such a deleterious CV mediator. Yet the level of evidence is limited. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent reports concerning the regulatory role of PA on PCSK9 plasma levels, highlighting the beneficial role of regular exercise on the prevention of atherosclerosis and overall CV health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amedeo Tirandi
- First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Montecucco
- First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa - Italian Cardiovascular Network, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Liberale
- First Clinic of Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa - Italian Cardiovascular Network, Genoa, Italy
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Aydogan Baykara R, Yilmaz PD, Göktepe MH, Kadiyoran C, Ogul M, Kucuk A, Cumhur Cüre M, Cüre E. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 is associated with atherosclerosis in patients with Behcet's disease. Clin Exp Hypertens 2022; 44:480-486. [PMID: 35502687 DOI: 10.1080/10641963.2022.2071921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The incidence of cardiovascular disease is increased in patients with Behcet's disease (BD). Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) causes the acceleration of atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate whether there is a relationship between PCSK9 with carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT), a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, and BD disease activity. METHODS Fifty-eight patients with BD and 58 age-, gender-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy control subjects were included in the study. The disease activity of the patients was estimated. Individuals' cIMT values were measured, and PCSK9 levels were studied. RESULTS Patients with BD' cIMT (0.51 ± 0.1 vs 0.41 ± 0.1 mm, p < .001) and PCSK9 (623.2 ± 101.7 ± 10.1 vs 528.3 ± 242.7 ng/ml, p = .007), values were significantly higher than the control group. In stepwise regression analysis, there was an independent relationship between cIMT with PCSK9 (β = 0.179, p < .050). There was no independent relationship between disease activities with PCSK9. Based on the ROC curve analysis, the PCSK9 optimal cutoff value for cIMT was 595.1 ng/ml, sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 64.7% (AUC = 0.672; 95% CI: 0.530-0.815, p = .040). CONCLUSION There is a strong independent association between subclinical atherosclerosis and PCSK9 in patients with BD. There may be no independent association between PCSK9 and disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Aydogan Baykara
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Malatya Turgut Ozal University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Pinar Diydem Yilmaz
- Department of Radiology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Mevlüt Hakan Göktepe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Cengiz Kadiyoran
- Department of Radiology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Ogul
- Department of Internal Medicine, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Adem Kucuk
- Department of Rheumatology, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | | | - Erkan Cüre
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bagcilar Medilife Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Wang X, Wen D, Chen Y, Ma L, You C. PCSK9 inhibitors for secondary prevention in patients with cardiovascular diseases: a bayesian network meta-analysis. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2022; 21:107. [PMID: 35706032 PMCID: PMC9202167 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-022-01542-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Food and Drug Administration has approved Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors for the treatment of dyslipidemia. However, evidence of the optimal PCSK9 agents targeting PCSK9 for secondary prevention in patients with high-risk of cardiovascular events is lacking. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the benefit and safety of different types of PCSK9 inhibitors. Methods Several databases including Cochrane Central, Ovid Medline, and Ovid Embase were searched from inception until March 30, 2022 without language restriction. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing administration of PCSK9 inhibitors with placebo or ezetimibe for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with statin-background therapy were identified. The primary efficacy outcome was all-cause mortality. The primary safety outcome was serious adverse events. Results Overall, nine trials totaling 54,311 patients were identified. Three types of PCSK9 inhibitors were evaluated. The use of alirocumab was associated with reductions in all-cause mortality compared with control (RR 0.83, 95% CrI 0.72–0.95). Moreover, evolocumab was associated with increased all-cause mortality compared with alirocumab (RR 1.26, 95% CrI 1.04–1.52). We also found alirocumab was associated with decreased risk of serious adverse events (RR 0.94, 95% CrI 0.90–0.99). Conclusions In consideration of the fact that both PCSK9 monoclonal antibody and inclisiran enable patients to achieve recommended LDL-C target, the findings in this meta-analysis suggest that alirocumab might provide the optimal benefits regarding all-cause mortality with relatively lower SAE risks, and evolocumab might provide the optimal benefits regarding myocardial infarction for secondary prevention in patients with high-risk of cardiovascular events. Further head-to-head trials with longer follow-up and high methodologic quality are warranted to help inform subsequent guidelines for the management of these patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-022-01542-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Wang
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Dingke Wen
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqi Chen
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Ma
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China. .,West China Brain Research Centre, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chao You
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guo Xue Xiang, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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Schreckenberg R, Wolf A, Szabados T, Gömöri K, Szabó IA, Ágoston G, Brenner G, Bencsik P, Ferdinandy P, Schulz R, Schlüter KD. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) Deletion but Not Inhibition of Extracellular PCSK9 Reduces Infarct Sizes Ex Vivo but Not In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126512. [PMID: 35742954 PMCID: PMC9223354 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia upregulates PCSK9 expression in the heart, and PCSK9 affects the function of myocytes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of PCSK9 on reperfusion injury in rats and mice fed normal or high-fat diets. Either the genetic knockout of PCSK9 (mice) or the antagonism of circulating PCSK9 via Pep2-8 (mice and rats) was used. Isolated perfused hearts were exposed to 45 min of ischemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion. In vivo, mice were fed normal or high-fat diets (2% cholesterol) for eight weeks prior to coronary artery occlusion (45 min of ischemia) and reperfusion (120 min). Ischemia/reperfusion upregulates PCSK9 expression (rats and mice) and releases it into the perfusate. The inhibition of extracellular PCSK9 does not affect infarct sizes or functional recovery. However, genetic deletion largely reduces infarct size and improves post-ischemic recovery in mice ex vivo but not in vivo. A high-fat diet reduced the survival rate during ischemia and reperfusion, but in a PCSK9-independent manner that was associated with increased plasma matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)9 activity. PCSK9 deletion, but not the inhibition of extracellular PCSK9, reduces infarct sizes in ex vivo hearts, but this effect is overridden in vivo by factors such as MMP9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Schreckenberg
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, Gießen, 35390 Gießen, Germany; (R.S.); (A.W.); (R.S.)
| | - Annemarie Wolf
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, Gießen, 35390 Gießen, Germany; (R.S.); (A.W.); (R.S.)
| | - Tamara Szabados
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (T.S.); (K.G.); (I.A.S.); (G.Á.); (P.B.)
- Pharmahungary Group, 6722 Szeged, Hungary; (G.B.); (P.F.)
| | - Kamilla Gömöri
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (T.S.); (K.G.); (I.A.S.); (G.Á.); (P.B.)
- Pharmahungary Group, 6722 Szeged, Hungary; (G.B.); (P.F.)
| | - István Adorján Szabó
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (T.S.); (K.G.); (I.A.S.); (G.Á.); (P.B.)
| | - Gergely Ágoston
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (T.S.); (K.G.); (I.A.S.); (G.Á.); (P.B.)
| | - Gábor Brenner
- Pharmahungary Group, 6722 Szeged, Hungary; (G.B.); (P.F.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Phamacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Bencsik
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (T.S.); (K.G.); (I.A.S.); (G.Á.); (P.B.)
- Pharmahungary Group, 6722 Szeged, Hungary; (G.B.); (P.F.)
| | - Péter Ferdinandy
- Pharmahungary Group, 6722 Szeged, Hungary; (G.B.); (P.F.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Phamacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rainer Schulz
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, Gießen, 35390 Gießen, Germany; (R.S.); (A.W.); (R.S.)
| | - Klaus-Dieter Schlüter
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, Gießen, 35390 Gießen, Germany; (R.S.); (A.W.); (R.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Waldmann E, Wu L, Busygina K, Altenhofer J, Henze K, Folwaczny A, Parhofer KG. Effect of PCSK9 inhibition with evolocumab on lipoprotein subfractions in familial dysbetalipoproteinemia (type III hyperlipidemia). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265838. [PMID: 35320320 PMCID: PMC8942248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia (FDBL) is a rare inborn lipid disorder characterized by the formation of abnormal triglyceride- and cholesterol-rich lipoproteins (remnant particles). Patients with FDBL have a high risk for atherosclerotic disease. The effect of PCSK9 inhibition on lipoproteins and its subfractions has not been evaluated in FDBL. METHODS Three patients (65±7 years, 23±3 kg/m2, 2 females) with FDBL (diagnosed by isoelectrofocusing) and atherosclerosis (coronary and/or cerebro-vascular and/or peripheral arterial disease) resistant or intolerant to statin and fibrate therapy received evolocumab (140mg every 14 days). In addition to a fasting lipid profile (preparative ultracentrifugation), apoB and cholesterol concentrations were determined in 15 lipoprotein-subfractions (density gradient ultracentrifugation; d 1.006-1.21g/ml) before and after 12 weeks of evolocumab treatment. Patients with LDL-hypercholesterolemia (n = 8, 56±8 years, 31±7 kg/m2) and mixed hyperlipidemia (n = 5, 68±12 years, 30±1 kg/m2) also receiving evolocumab for 12 weeks were used for comparison. RESULTS All patients tolerated PCSK9 inhibition well. PCSK9 inhibitors reduced cholesterol (29-37%), non-HDL-cholesterol (36-50%) and apoB (40-52%) in all patient groups including FDBL. In FDBL, PCSK9 inhibition reduced VLDL-cholesterol and the concentration of apoB containing lipoproteins throughout the whole density spectrum (VLDL, IDL, remnants, LDL). Lipoprotein(a) was decreased in all patient groups to a similar extent. CONCLUSIONS This indicates that the dominant fraction of apoB-containing lipoproteins is reduced with PCSK9 inhibition, i.e. LDL in hypercholesterolemia and mixed hyperlipidemia, and cholesterol-rich VLDL, remnants and LDL in FDBL. PCSK9 inhibition may be a treatment option in patients with FDBL resistant or intolerant to statin and/or fibrate therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Waldmann
- Medical Department IV, LMU Klinikum Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | - Liya Wu
- Medical Department IV, LMU Klinikum Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Julia Altenhofer
- Medical Department IV, LMU Klinikum Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | - Kerstin Henze
- Medical Department IV, LMU Klinikum Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Klaus G. Parhofer
- Medical Department IV, LMU Klinikum Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Liang J, Li W, Liu H, Li X, Yuan C, Zou W, Qu L. Di’ao Xinxuekang Capsule Improves the Anti-Atherosclerotic Effect of Atorvastatin by Downregulating the SREBP2/PCSK9 Signalling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:857092. [PMID: 35571088 PMCID: PMC9096164 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.857092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Statins are the first choice for lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, statins can also upregulate proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), which in turn might limits the cholesterol-lowering effect of statins through the degradation of LDL receptors (LDLR). Di’ao Xinxuekang (DXXK) capsule, as a well-known traditional Chinese herbal medicine for the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease, can alleviate lipid disorders and ameliorate atherosclerosis in atherosclerosis model mice and downregulate the expression of PCSK9. In this study, we further explored whether DXXK has a synergistic effect with atorvastatin (ATO) and its underlying molecular mechanism. The results showed that both ATO monotherapy (1.3 mg/kg) and ATO combined with DXXK therapy significantly lowered serum lipid levels and reduced the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and the liver lipid accumulation. Moreover, compared with ATO monotherapy, the addition of DXXK (160 mg/kg) to the combination therapy further lowered LDL-C by 15.55% and further reduced the atherosclerotic plaque area by 25.98%. In addition, the expression of SREBP2, PCSK9 and IDOL showed a significant increase in the model group, and the expression of LDLR was significantly reduced; however, there were no significant differences between the ATO (1.3 mg/kg) and the model groups. When ATO was combined with DXXK, the expression of LDLR was significantly increased and was higher than that of the model group and the expression of SREBP2 and PCSK9 in the liver was also significantly inhibited. Moreover, it can be seen that the expression of SREBP2 and PCSK9 in the combination treatment group was significantly lower than that in the ATO monotherapy group (1.3 mg/kg). Besides, the expression of IDOL mRNA in each treatment group was not significantly different from that of the model group. Our study suggests that DXXK might have a synergistic effect on the LDL-C lowering and antiatherosclerosis effects of ATO through the SREBP2/PCSK9 pathway. This indicates that a combination of DXXK and ATO may be a new treatment for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyi Liang
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Li
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Honglin Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaofen Li
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuqiao Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenjun Zou
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Wenjun Zou, ; Liping Qu,
| | - Liping Qu
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Wenjun Zou, ; Liping Qu,
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Huang YT, Ho LT, Hsu HY, Tu YK, Chien KL. Efficacy and Safety of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibitors as Adjuvant Treatments for Patients with Hypercholesterolemia Treated with Statin: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:832614. [PMID: 35444537 PMCID: PMC9014015 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.832614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are potent LDL-C lowering agents. However, few head-to-head studies evaluated the efficacy on the lowering in other atherogenic apolipoproteins and safety of PCSK9 inhibitors at different dosages as an add-on statins therapy in hypercholesterolemia patients. Methods: This study is a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized control trials to compare the efficacy of lipid reduction and adverse events of PCSK9 inhibitors in statin-treated hypercholesterolemia patients. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched till April 20, 2021, for randomized controlled trials. Random-effect network meta-analyses were undertaken to compare the differences in the percent reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels and the risk of AEs among different PCSK9 inhibitors. Results: A total of 22 articles with 42,786 patients were included. The lipid reductions in LDL-C, ApoB, and Lp(a) with add-on PCSK9 inhibitors vs. placebo in statin-treated patients across all trials were 50–63%, 43–52%, and 23–31%, respectively. Evolocumab 140 mg Q2W was ranked the best among all treatment strategies for lowering LDL-C, ApoB, and Lp(a) levels, and the treatment difference was 68.05% (95% confidence interval (CI), 62.43% to 73.67) in LDL-C reduction, 54.95% (95% CI, 49.55% to 60.35%) in ApoB reduction, and 34.25% (95% CI, 27.59% to 40.91%) in Lp(a) reduction compared with the placebo. No significant risk difference of adverse events between PCSK9 inhibitors and placebo was found. Conclusion: PCSK9 inhibitors showed a significant effect on the reduction in LDL-C, ApoB, and Lp(a) levels in statin-treated patients. Evolocumab 140 mg Q2W showed significantly larger degrees of LDL-C, ApoB, and Lp(a) reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Huang
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ting Ho
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of cardiology, internal medicine department, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yin Hsu
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Family Medicine, Taipei MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Kang Tu
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Liong Chien
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Meroni M, Longo M, Lombardi R, Paolini E, Macchi C, Corsini A, Sirtori CR, Fracanzani AL, Ruscica M, Dongiovanni P. Low Lipoprotein(a) Levels Predict Hepatic Fibrosis in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:535-549. [PMID: 34677008 PMCID: PMC8870034 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dyslipidemia and cardiovascular complications are comorbidities of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which ranges from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis up to hepatocellular carcinoma. Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) has been associated with cardiovascular risk and metabolic abnormalities, but its impact on the severity of liver damage in patients with NAFLD remains to be clarified. Circulating Lp(a) levels were assessed in 600 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. The association of Lp(a) with liver damage was explored by categorizing serum Lp(a) into quartiles. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the accuracy of serum Lp(a) in hepatic fibrosis prediction. Hepatic expression of lipoprotein A (LPA) and of genes involved in lipid metabolism and fibrogenic processes were evaluated by RNA sequencing in a subset of patients with NAFLD for whom Lp(a) dosage was available (n = 183). In patients with NAFLD, elevated Lp(a) levels were modestly associated with circulating lipids, carotid plaques, and hypertension (P < 0.05). Conversely, patients with low serum Lp(a) displayed insulin resistance (P < 0.05), transaminase elevation (P < 0.05), and increased risk of developing severe fibrosis (P = 0.007) and cirrhosis (P = 0.002). In addition, the diagnostic accuracy of Lp(a) in predicting fibrosis increased by combining it with transaminases (area under the curve fibrosis stage 4, 0.87; P < 0.0001). Hepatic LPA expression reflected serum Lp(a) levels (P = 0.018), and both were reduced with the progression of NAFLD (P < 0.05). Hepatic LPA messenger RNA levels correlated with those of genes involved in lipoprotein release, lipid synthesis, and fibrogenesis (P < 0.05). Finally, transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) rs58542926, apolipoprotein E (ApoE) rs445925, and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) rs7552841, known variants that modulate circulating lipids, may influence serum Lp(a) levels (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Circulating Lp(a) combined with transaminases may represent a novel noninvasive biomarker to predict advanced fibrosis in patients with NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Meroni
- General Medicine and Metabolic DiseasesFondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - Miriam Longo
- General Medicine and Metabolic DiseasesFondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Rosa Lombardi
- General Medicine and Metabolic DiseasesFondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly.,Department of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Erika Paolini
- General Medicine and Metabolic DiseasesFondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly.,Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Chiara Macchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Alberto Corsini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly.,Multimedica IRCCSSesto San GiovanniMilanItaly
| | - Cesare R Sirtori
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Anna Ludovica Fracanzani
- General Medicine and Metabolic DiseasesFondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly.,Department of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Paola Dongiovanni
- General Medicine and Metabolic DiseasesFondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
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Rust MB, Marcello E. Disease association of cyclase-associated protein (CAP): Lessons from gene-targeted mice and human genetic studies. Eur J Cell Biol 2022; 101:151207. [PMID: 35150966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2022.151207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclase-associated protein (CAP) is an actin binding protein that has been initially described as partner of the adenylyl cyclase in yeast. In all vertebrates and some invertebrate species, two orthologs, named CAP1 and CAP2, have been described. CAP1 and CAP2 are characterized by a similar multidomain structure, but different expression patterns. Several molecular studies clarified the biological function of the different CAP domains, and they shed light onto the mechanisms underlying CAP-dependent regulation of actin treadmilling. However, CAPs are crucial elements not only for the regulation of actin dynamics, but also for signal transduction pathways. During recent years, human genetic studies and the analysis of gene-targeted mice provided important novel insights into the physiological roles of CAPs and their involvement in the pathogenesis of several diseases. In the present review, we summarize and discuss recent progress in our understanding of CAPs' physiological functions, focusing on heart, skeletal muscle and central nervous system as well as their involvement in the mechanisms controlling metabolism. Remarkably, loss of CAPs or impairment of CAPs-dependent pathways can contribute to the pathogenesis of different diseases. Overall, these studies unraveled CAPs complexity highlighting their capability to orchestrate structural and signaling pathways in the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco B Rust
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Philipps-University of Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), University of Marburg and Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35032 Marburg, Germany; DFG Research Training Group 'Membrane Plasticity in Tissue Development and Remodeling', GRK 2213, Philipps-University of Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Elena Marcello
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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Macchi C, Greco MF, Favero C, Dioni L, Cantone L, Hoxha M, Vigna L, Solazzo G, Corsini A, Banach M, Pesatori AC, Bollati V, Ruscica M. Associations Among PCSK9 Levels, Atherosclerosis-Derived Extracellular Vesicles, and Their miRNA Content in Adults With Obesity. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:785250. [PMID: 35071356 PMCID: PMC8782054 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.785250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Extracellular vesicles (EV) concentration is generally increased in patients with cardiovascular diseases, although the protective role of EVs in atherosclerosis has been reported. Among the specific cargo of EVs, miRNAs contribute to different stages of atherosclerosis. Aim of the present report has been to investigate, in individuals with obesity, the interplay among EVs derived from cells relevant for the atherosclerotic process (i.e., platelets, endothelium, monocytes/macrophages, and neutrophils), their miRNA content and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), one of the main regulators of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). Methods and Results: EVs have been isolated from 936 individuals with obesity (body mass index = 33.6 ± 5.6 Kg/m2) and a raised cardiovascular risk (e.g., LDL-C = 131.6 ± 36.4 mg/dL, HOMA-IR = 3.1, and roughly 50% on anti-hypertensive medications). PCSK9 levels were negatively associated with EV count in the range 150–400 nm and with those derived from macrophages (CD14+), endothelium (CD105+), and neutrophils (CD66+). The association between PCSK9 and platelet-derived EVs (CD61+) was modified by platelet counts. PCSK9 was significantly associated with five EV-derived miRNAs (hsa-miRNA−362−5p,−150,−1244,−520b-3p,−638). Toll-like receptor 4 and estrogen receptor 1 were targeted by all five miRNAs and LDLR by four. The effect on LDLR expression is mainly driven by hsa-miR-150. Considering the implication of EV in atherosclerosis onset and progression, our findings show a potential role of PCSK9 to regulate EV-derived miRNAs, especially those involved in inflammation and expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Macchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Greco
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Favero
- Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology (EPIGET) Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Dioni
- Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology (EPIGET) Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Cantone
- Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology (EPIGET) Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mirjam Hoxha
- Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology (EPIGET) Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisella Vigna
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Fondazione Cà Granda, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Solazzo
- Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology (EPIGET) Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Corsini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere ScientificoI (RCCS) Multimedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Gora, Poland
| | - Angela C Pesatori
- Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology (EPIGET) Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Bollati
- Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology (EPIGET) Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Serum PCSK9 Correlates with PTX3 and Apolipoproteins B, A1, and C3 Concentrations in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Cardiovasc Ther 2022; 2021:7956161. [PMID: 35024053 PMCID: PMC8714359 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7956161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is involved in the regulation of LDL metabolism. There is evidence that circulating PCSK9 is a cardiovascular risk factor. In this study, we determined factors associated with circulating PCSK9 in a group of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Material included 116 consecutive patients with DM2 from outpatient diabetes clinic. Circulating PCSK9, PTX3, apolipoprotein (apo) B100, apo B48, and apo C3 levels were determined by ELISA, apo A1 by immunoturbidimetry. The mean (sd) age of patients was 59.1 (11.1) years, the mean (sd) values of serum PCSK9 were 255.4 (106.97) ng/ml. Circulating PCSK9 correlated negatively with age (r = −0.21, p < 0.05) and HbA1c (r = −0.21, p < 0.05) and positively with BMI (r = 0.21, p < 0.05), total cholesterol (r = 0.59), LDL-cholesterol (r = 0.50), triglyceride (r = 0.35), apo B100 (r = 0.43), apo A1 (r = 0.43) (p < 0.001 for all), apo C3 (r = 0.29, p < 0.01), and apo B48 (r = 0.25, p < 0.01) concentration and FLI (r = 0.26, p < 0.01). Strong correlation between PTX3 and PCSK9 levels was observed (r = 0.47, p < 0.001). Multiple stepwise backward regression analysis with PCSK9 as dependent variable revealed that PTX3, apo B100, apo A1, apo B48, and BMI were significantly positive and the presence of NAFLD and HbA1c negatively associated with PCSK9 concentrations. These variables together explain 57% of PCSK9 variability; the strongest relationship was observed between PCSK9 and PTX3 and apo B100. Our results indicate that circulating PCSK9 is significantly associated with inflammation marker PTX3 as well as atherogenic lipids and apolipoproteins C3, B100, and B48, which might be of value in understanding interactions between development of atherosclerosis and inflammatory state in DM2 patients.
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Katzmann JL, Cupido AJ, Laufs U. Gene Therapy Targeting PCSK9. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12010070. [PMID: 35050192 PMCID: PMC8781734 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The last decades of research in cardiovascular prevention have been characterized by successful bench-to-bedside developments for the treatment of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) hypercholesterolemia. Recent examples include the inhibition of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) with monoclonal antibodies, small interfering RNA and antisense RNA drugs. The cumulative effects of LDL cholesterol on atherosclerosis make early, potent, and long-term reductions in LDL cholesterol desirable-ideally without the need of regular intake or application of medication and importantly, without side effects. Current reports show durable LDL cholesterol reductions in primates following one single treatment with PCSK9 gene or base editors. Use of the CRISPR/Cas system enables precise genome editing down to single-nucleotide changes. Provided safety and documentation of a reduction in cardiovascular events, this novel technique has the potential to fundamentally change our current concepts of cardiovascular prevention. In this review, the application of the CRISPR/Cas system is explained and the current state of in vivo approaches of PCSK9 editing is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius L. Katzmann
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
- Correspondence:
| | - Arjen J. Cupido
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Department of Cardiology, Division Heart & Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ulrich Laufs
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
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Peng J, Liu MM, Jin JL, Cao YX, Guo YL, Wu NQ, Zhu CG, Dong Q, Sun J, Xu RX, Li JJ. NAFLD fibrosis score is correlated with PCSK9 and improves outcome prediction of PCSK9 in patients with chest pain: a cohort study. Lipids Health Dis 2022; 21:3. [PMID: 34996457 PMCID: PMC8742334 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-021-01610-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The risk of liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can be easily evaluated by noninvasive scoring systems, of which the NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) is the most commonly used. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a new predictor of cardiovascular events, has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular outcomes and NAFLD. However, the relationship of NFS with PCSK9 and their prognostic abilities in cardiovascular risks are unknown. Methods A total of 2008 hospitalized subjects who had chest pain without lipid-lowering therapy were consecutively included. Baseline clinical data were collected, and the NFS was calculated. The circulating PCSK9 concentration was determined by enzyme immunoassay. The major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) occurrences were recorded in the follow-up period. Associations of PCSK9 concentration with NFS were examined. All of the participants were categorized into three groups according to NFS levels and were further stratified by PCSK9 tertiles to evaluate the MACEs. Results 158 (7.87%) MACEs were observed during a mean of 3.2 years of follow-up. NFS levels were independently related to higher PCSK9 levels according to multivariable linear regression analysis. Furthermore, elevated PCSK9 and NFS concentrations were respectively associated with increased MACE incidence in multivariable Cox regression models. When combining NFS status with PCSK9 tertiles as a stratifying factor, patients with intermediate-high NFS and high PCSK9 levels had higher risks of events than those with low NFS and low PCSK9 levels. Conclusions This study revealed for the first time that NFS is positively related to PCSK9 and that the combination of NFS and PCSK9 greatly increased the risk of MACEs in patients with chest pain, providing a potential link between NFS and PCSK9 for predicting cardiovascular events. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12944-021-01610-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Peng
- Cardiometabolic medicine center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No 167 BeiLiShi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Ming-Ming Liu
- Cardiometabolic medicine center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No 167 BeiLiShi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Jing-Lu Jin
- Cardiometabolic medicine center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No 167 BeiLiShi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Ye-Xuan Cao
- Cardiometabolic medicine center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No 167 BeiLiShi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Yuan-Lin Guo
- Cardiometabolic medicine center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No 167 BeiLiShi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Na-Qiong Wu
- Cardiometabolic medicine center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No 167 BeiLiShi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Cheng-Gang Zhu
- Cardiometabolic medicine center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No 167 BeiLiShi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Qian Dong
- Cardiometabolic medicine center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No 167 BeiLiShi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Cardiometabolic medicine center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No 167 BeiLiShi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Rui-Xia Xu
- Cardiometabolic medicine center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No 167 BeiLiShi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Jian-Jun Li
- Cardiometabolic medicine center, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No 167 BeiLiShi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing, 100037, China.
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Carugo S, Sirtori CR, Corsini A, Tokgozoglu L, Ruscica M. PCSK9 Inhibition and Risk of Diabetes: Should We Worry? Curr Atheroscler Rep 2022; 24:995-1004. [PMID: 36383291 PMCID: PMC9750910 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-022-01074-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Since the clinical benefit of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors occurs in a setting of reducing low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) to unprecedentedly low levels, it becomes of interest to investigate possible adverse effects pertaining to the risk of new-onset diabetes (NOD). RECENT FINDINGS While safety results reported in either meta-analyses or cardiovascular outcome trials FOURIER (with evolocumab) and ODYSSEY (with alirocumab) did not rise the incidence of NOD, Mendelian randomization analyses were almost concordant in showing an increased risk of NOD. This evidence was in line with post-marketing safety reports highlighting that evolocumab and alirocumab were primarily related to mild hyperglycaemia rather than diabetes, with most of the hyperglycaemic events occurring during the first 6 months of treatment. Considering the different nature of genetic studies and of randomized controlled trials, with careful monitoring of patients, particularly in the earlier phases of treatment, and the identification of those more susceptible to develop NOD, treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors should be of minimal concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Carugo
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy ,Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore IRCCS Policlinico Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cesare R. Sirtori
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Corsini
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Lale Tokgozoglu
- grid.14442.370000 0001 2342 7339Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Arnold N, Koenig W. PCSK9 Inhibitor Wars: How Does Inclisiran Fit in with Current Monoclonal Antibody Inhibitor Therapy? Considerations for Patient Selection. Curr Cardiol Rep 2022; 24:1657-1667. [PMID: 36087240 PMCID: PMC9729136 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-022-01782-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Treatment of dyslipidemia represents one of the most crucial strategies to reduce risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease (ASCVD). In this review, we critically summarize our knowledge on emerging cholesterol-lowering therapy, targeting PCSK9, paying particular attention on treatment allocation of two drug groups, currently available for clinical use, namely, anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and inclisiran, a first-in-class small interfering RNA against PCSK9. RECENT FINDINGS Although both drug classes show a pronounced, but fairly similar reduction in LDL-cholesterol, their long-term safety is still unknown. Compared to mAbs, inclisiran has a more favorable dosing regimen with biannual application that might improve therapeutic adherence significantly. However, a CV outcome trial (CVOT) for inclisiran is still missing. If inclisiran will be safe and effective in ongoing/future CVOTs, it has a huge potential to overcome medication non-compliance, thereby providing a powerful therapeutic option to decrease the burden of ASCVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Arnold
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Koenig
- German Heart Center, Munich, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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Impact of Soy β-Conglycinin Peptides on PCSK9 Protein Expression in HepG2 Cells. Nutrients 2021; 14:nu14010193. [PMID: 35011066 PMCID: PMC8747205 DOI: 10.3390/nu14010193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Dyslipidaemias, particularly elevated plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Besides pharmacological approaches, a nutritional strategy for CVD prevention has gained increasing attention. Among functional foods, the hypocholesterolemic properties of soy are driven by a stimulation of LDL-receptor (LDL-R) activity. Aim: To characterize the effect of two soy peptides, namely, β-conglycinin-derived YVVNPDNDEN and YVVNPDNNEN on the expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), one of the key-regulators of the LDL-R. Methods: PCSK9 promoter activity (luciferase assay), PCSK9 protein expression (WB) and secretion (ELISA), PCSK9 interaction with LDL-R (binding assay) and human HepG2 cells were the objects of this investigation. Results: Treatment with YVVNPDNNEN peptide has led to a rise in PCSK9 gene expression (90.8%) and transcriptional activity (86.4%), and to a decrement in PCSK9 intracellular and secreted protein (−42.9%) levels. YVVNPDNNEN peptide reduced the protein expression of transcriptional factor HNF1α. Most changes driven by YVVNPDNDEN peptide were not statistically significant. Neither peptide inhibited the PCSK9–LDLR interaction. Conclusions: Although sharing a common effect on LDL-R levels through the inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase activity, only the YVVNPDNNEN peptide has an additional mechanism via the downregulation of PCSK9 protein levels.
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Vicente-Valor J, García-González X, Ibáñez-García S, Durán-García ME, de Lorenzo-Pinto A, Rodríguez-González C, Méndez-Fernández I, Percovich-Hualpa JC, Herranz-Alonso A, Sanjurjo-Sáez M. PCSK9 inhibitors revisited: Effectiveness and safety of PCSK9 inhibitors in a real-life Spanish cohort. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112519. [PMID: 34968928 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) have emerged as a therapeutic option for patients with hypercholesterolemia who do not attain low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals and/or are intolerant to other lipid-lowering drugs. Our aim was to analyze the effectiveness and safety of PCSK9i in routine clinical practice and factors related to poor outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted an ambispective study in 115 patients who recieved alirocumab or evolocumab, in a tertiary level hospital. From February 2017 to April 2020, patients were recruited and followed up for a median of 20.4 months. The main outcomes were relative reduction in LDL-C, percentage of patients achieving the therapeutic goals established by 2016 ESC/EAS guidelines, incidence of major cardiovascular events (MACEs) and drug-related adverse events (ADRs). RESULTS The median LDL-C achieved was 57.0 mg/dL (relative reduction of 59.9% from baseline, p< 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, smaller LDL-C reductions were related to female sex, absence of concomitant lipid-lowering therapy and treatment with alirocumab. Overall, 84.6% of the patients achieved the therapeutic goals. During follow-up, 7 MACEs were detected. ADRs, generally considered mild, affected 38.1% of the participants (mainly mialgias and arthralgias) and triggered discontinuations in 8.7% of cases. CONCLUSIONS PCSK9i are effective and safe, although certain factors may influence their effectiveness. Interestingly, our results suggest that alirocumab and evolocumab may not be therapeutic equivalents, as initially suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Vicente-Valor
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Xandra García-González
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Ibáñez-García
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Esther Durán-García
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana de Lorenzo-Pinto
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-González
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Méndez-Fernández
- Cardiology Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Percovich-Hualpa
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Herranz-Alonso
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Sanjurjo-Sáez
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
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PCSK9 Imperceptibly Affects Chemokine Receptor Expression In Vitro and In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222313026. [PMID: 34884827 PMCID: PMC8657700 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a protease secreted mainly by hepatocytes and in lesser quantities by intestines, pancreas, and vascular cells. Over the years, this protease has gained importance in the field of cardiovascular biology due to its regulatory action on the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). However, recently, it has also been shown that PCSK9 acts independent of LDLR to cause vascular inflammation and increase the severity of several cardiovascular disorders. We hypothesized that PCSK9 affects the expression of chemokine receptors, major mediators of inflammation, to influence cardiovascular health. However, using overexpression of PCSK9 in murine models in vivo and PCSK9 stimulation of myeloid and vascular cells in vitro did not reveal influences of PCSK9 on the expression of certain chemokine receptors that are known to be involved in the development and progression of atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation. Hence, we conclude that the inflammatory effects of PCSK9 are not associated with the here investigated chemokine receptors and additional research is required to elucidate which mechanisms mediate PCSK9 effects independent of LDLR.
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