Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexin 9 Inhibitors

Inhibitors of neuropeptide peptidases engaged in pain and drug dependence

Owing to a broad spectrum of functions performed by neuropeptides, this class of signaling molecules attracts an increasing interest. One of the key steps in the regulation of biological activity of neuropeptides is proteolytic conversion or degradation by proteinases that change or terminate biological activity of native peptides. These enzymes, in turn, are regulated by inhibitors, which play integral role in controlling many metabolic pathways. Thus, the search for selective inhibitors and detailed knowledge on the mechanisms of binding of these substances to enzymes, could be of importance for designing new pharmacological approaches. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the inhibitors of enzymes that convert selected groups of neuropeptides, such as dynorphins, enkephalins, substance P and NPFF fragments. The importance of these substances in pathophysiological processes involved in pain and drug addiction, have been discussed. This article is part of the special issue on Neuropeptides.

PCSK9 inhibition 2018: riding a new wave of coronary prevention

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a hepatic enzyme that regulates the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) receptor and thus circulating LDL-c levels. With overwhelming evidence now supporting the reduction in LDL-c to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, PCSK9 inhibitors represent an important therapeutic target, particularly in high-risk populations. Here, we summarise and update the science of PCSK9, including its discovery and the development of various inhibitors, including the now approved monoclonal antibodies. In addition, we summarise the clinical applications of PCSK9 inhibitors in a range of patient populations, as well as the major randomised controlled trials investigating their use in coronary prevention.

Lipid-Lowering Effects of Medium-Chain Triglyceride-Enriched Coconut Oil in Combination with Licorice Extracts in Experimental Hyperlipidemic Mice

Coconut oil has gained in popularity over recent years as a healthy oil due to its potential cardiovascular benefits. Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides (MCT) including lauric acid and capric acid that display beneficial properties in human health. Licorice ( Glycyrrhiza uralensis) is used as a sweetener and in traditional Chinese medicine with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. This study investigated the in vivo effects of medium chain-triglycerides (MCT)-coconut oil (MCO) and its combination with licorice extract (LE-MCO) on serum lipid profile, hepatic steatosis, and local fat pad proteins in diet-induced obese mice. No liver toxicity was observed in 45% fat diet (HFD)-fed mice orally treated with LE, MCO, and LE-MCO for 12 weeks. Their supplementation reduced HFD-enhanced body weight, blood glucose, and insulin in mice. Plasma levels of both PLTP and LCAT were boosted in LE-MCO-administered mice. Supplementation of LE-MCO diminished plasma levels of TG and TC with concomitant reduction of the LDL-C level and tended to raise blood HDL-C level compared to that of HFD alone-mice. Treatment of LE-MCO encumbered the hepatic induction of hepatosteatosis-related proteins of SREBP2, SREBP1c, FAS, ACC, and CD36 in HFD-fed mice. Substantial suppression of this induction was also observed in the liver of mice treated with MCO. Oral administration of LE-MCO to HFD mice boosted hepatic activation of AMPK and the induction of UCP-1 and FATP1 in brown fat. Conversely, LE-MCO disturbed hepatic PPAR-LXR-RXR signaling in HFD-fed animals and reversed HFD-elevated epididymal PPARγ. Collectively, oral administration of LE-MCO may impede hyperlipidemia and hepatosteatosis through curtailing hepatic lipid synthesis.