PCSK9 inhibitors for acute coronary syndrome: the era of early implementation

The Effect of PCSK9 Monoclonal Antibodies on Platelet Reactivity and Cardiovascular Events in Patients Receiving Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have demonstrated promising effects in lowering cardiovascular incidents among patients with acute coronary syndrome. However, their influence on early platelet reactivity after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This research sought to investigate the effects of entirely human anti-PCSK9 antibodies on platelet function as measured by thrombelastography and 12-month postoperative results in patients receiving PPCI and treated with ticagrelor-based dual antiplatelet therapy.

METHODS

This single-center prospective study was conducted at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, China, between January 2021 and June 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: those receiving standard statin therapy (statin-only group) and those receiving additional PCSK9 mAbs (either evolocumab 140 mg or alirocumab 75 mg, subcutaneously, every 2 weeks; PCSK9 mAb group). A total of 1250 eligible patients were enrolled. To equalize baseline characteristics, propensity score matching was conducted in a 1:1 ratio, resulting in 310 patients per group. Platelet activity was measured using thrombelastography 5 days after PPCI, presented as adenosine diphosphate-induced maximal amplitude (MAADP). The primary clinical outcome was the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events, which included cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for unstable angina, and coronary revascularization, measured over a 12-month period.

RESULTS

At 5 days after PPCI, the PCSK9 mAb group exhibited levels of MAADP that were significantly lower than those in the statin-only group (17.10 ± 9.52 mm vs. 20.73 ± 12.07 mm, P < 0.001). The use of PCSK9 mAbs was significantly correlated with reduced MAADP (β - 0.166, P < 0.001). The occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events in the PCSK9 mAb group was significantly lower than in the statin-only group. Furthermore, individuals in the top MAADP tertile (MAADP > 21.7 mm) plus statin-only subgroup exhibited the lowest rate of cumulative event-free survival.

CONCLUSION

Incorporating PCSK9 mAbs into ticagrelor-based dual antiplatelet therapy significantly reduced platelet reactivity and correlated with better cardiovascular results over a 12-month period. These findings support the use of PCSK9 mAbs as an effective adjunctive therapy in the management of acute coronary syndrome.

Safety and efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors and effect on coronary plaque phenotype in statin-treated patients following acute coronary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Acute coronary syndrome continues to be a significant cardiovascular issue. Statins are commonly acknowledged as medications that reduce LDL-C levels and stabilize plaques. Nevertheless, their efficacy is limited. Presently, PCSK9 inhibitors are suggested to be advantageous in patients who are already receiving statin treatment. The study seeks to assess the safety and effectiveness of PCSK9 inhibitors in individuals who have been treated with statins after experiencing acute coronary syndrome (ACS), as well as investigate the impact on the characteristics of coronary plaque.

METHODS

Articles were identified from PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ProQuest. Our analysis comprised trials and observational studies that compared the plaque phenotype, lipid profile, and safety outcomes between PCSK9 inhibitors and a control group in patients with acute coronary syndrome who were already being treated with statins. The random-effect model was used to measure the pooled effect, which was presented in terms of mean difference, standardized mean difference, and risk ratio.

RESULTS

Acquired 12 studies that fulfilled our criteria. The addition of PCSK9 inhibitors ameliorates the plaque phenotype significantly in terms of percent atheroma volume (P = 0.02), total atheroma volume (P < 0.010), fibrous cap thickness (P < 0.00001), lipid arc (P < 0.00001), quantitative flow ratio (P = 0.003), and diameter of stenosis (P = 0.0003) but not in lipid/lesion length (P = 0.17). The administration of PCSK9 inhibitors led to a considerable improvement in all lipid profiles (P < 0.00001). Regarding safety analysis, there is no substantial disparity in the likelihood of non-serious side events (RR 1.21; P = 0.2), however, a significant reduction in the risk of serious adverse effects (RR 0.77; P = 0.04) in the PCSK9 inhibitor group.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of PCSK9 inhibitors compared to statin-only treatment led to a majority of patients experiencing significant benefits in terms of safety and efficacy following ACS.

Sex differences in pathogenesis and treatment of dyslipidemia in patients with type 2 diabetes and steatotic liver disease

Previously published studies have shown that women with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease than men with type 2 diabetes. The exact reason for this is not yet known. The association between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and type 2 diabetes appears to be bidirectional, meaning that the onset of one may increase the risk of the onset and progression of the other. Dyslipidemia is common in both diseases. Our aim was therefore to investigate whether there is a sex difference in the pathogenesis and management of dyslipidemia in patients with type 2 diabetes and steatotic liver disease with metabolic dysfunction. While the majority of published studies to date have found no difference between men and women in statin treatment, some studies have shown reduced effectiveness in women compared to men. Statin treatment is under-prescribed for both type 2 diabetics and patients with dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. No sex differences were found for ezetimibe treatment. However, to the best of our knowledge, no such study was found for fibrate treatment. Conflicting results on the efficacy of newer cholesterol-lowering PCSK9 inhibitors have been reported in women and men. Results from two real-world studies suggest that up-titration of statin dose improves the efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors in women. Bempedoic acid treatment has been shown to be effective and safe in patients with type 2 diabetes and more effective in lipid lowering in women compared to men, based on phase 3 results published to date. Further research is needed to clarify whether the sex difference in dyslipidemia management shown in some studies plays a role in the risk of ASCVD in patients with type 2 diabetes and steatotic liver disease with metabolic dysfunction.

Early administration of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

High-intensity statin therapy is currently recommended initial guideline therapy in ACS treatment. However, only a minority of patients are achieving LDL-C attainment goal at 6 months. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are on recommended guideline therapy post-ACS if LDL-C goal attainment is not achieved after high-intensity statin (4-6 weeks) and after the addition of ezetimibe if guideline goal attainment is not achieved after an additional 4-6 weeks. Thus, it has been recommended that PCSK9 inhibitors be considered earlier post-ACS. However, the efficacy of early PCSK9 inhibitors initiation in ACS patients remains uncertain.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies involving ACS patients who received PCSK9 inhibitors within 48 h of hospitalization were included. Common and random effects models were used to evaluate the pooled effect of early PCSK9 inhibitor administration. Nine RCTs and three cohort studies were included.

RESULTS

Early PCSK9 inhibitor administration reduced the incidence of MI, ACS hospitalization, and revascularization at 6-18 months post-ACS. Although there was a drift towards reduced stroke, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular death, no statistically significant reduction was observed. Additionally, PCSK9 inhibitors significantly enhanced lipid control at 4-12 weeks after index hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

Early PCSK9 inhibitors initiation in ACS patients reduces MACE and improves lipid profiles. While the results propose promising benefits in terms of stroke and mortality, further research with longer follow-up is required for more decisive evidence.

The multifaceted role of PCSK9 in cancer pathogenesis, tumor immunity, and immunotherapy

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a well-known regulator of cholesterol metabolism and cardiovascular diseases, has recently garnered attention for its emerging involvement in cancer biology. The multifunctional nature of PCSK9 extends beyond lipid regulation and encompasses a wide range of cellular processes that can influence cancer progression. Studies have revealed that PCSK9 can modulate signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and Wnt/β-catenin, thereby influencing cellular proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis. Additionally, the interplay between PCSK9 and cholesterol homeostasis may impact membrane dynamics and cellular migration, further influencing tumor aggressiveness. The central role of the immune system in monitoring and controlling cancer is increasingly recognized. Recent research has demonstrated the ability of PCSK9 to modulate immune responses through interactions with immune cells and components of the tumor microenvironment. This includes effects on dendritic cell maturation, T cell activation, and cytokine production, suggesting a role in shaping antitumor immune responses. Moreover, the potential influence of PCSK9 on immune checkpoints such as PD1/PD-L1 lends an additional layer of complexity to its immunomodulatory functions. The growing interest in cancer immunotherapy has prompted exploration into the potential of targeting PCSK9 for therapeutic benefits. Preclinical studies have demonstrated synergistic effects between PCSK9 inhibitors and established immunotherapies, offering a novel avenue for combination treatments. The strategic manipulation of PCSK9 to enhance tumor immunity and improve therapeutic outcomes presents an exciting area for further investigations. Understanding the mechanisms by which PCSK9 influences cancer biology and immunity holds promise for the development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the intricate connections between PCSK9, cancer pathogenesis, tumor immunity, and the potential implications for immunotherapeutic interventions.

PCSK9 inhibitor in acute ischemic stroke patient receiving mechanical thrombectomy: early outcomes and safety

Background

Lipid-lowering therapies are mainstays in reducing recurrence after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Evolocumab, a Proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor, is a promising lipid-lowering agent known to decrease LDL cholesterol and mitigate vascular events alongside statins. However, its effects on the early functional outcomes post-mechanical thrombectomy (MT) remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the short-term effects and incidence of bleeding events after the early, off-label use of PCSK9 inhibitors in AIS patients undergoing MT.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients who had MT at a Regional Stroke Center from December 2018 to April 2023. Our primary outcome was discharge functional outcomes. Secondary outcomes included early neurologic deterioration (END), symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), 3-month functional outcomes, 3-month recurrence rate, and lipid profiles.

Results

Of 261 patients (mean age 69.2 ± 11.7, men 42.9%), 42 were administered evolocumab peri-procedurally. While baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups, evolocumab group demonstrated improved discharge outcomes, with a lower mean NIHSS (8.8 ± 6.8 vs. 12.4 ± 9.8, p = 0.02) and a higher percentage of patients with discharge mRS ≤ 3 (52.4% vs. 35.6%, p = 0.041). The 3-month follow-up show a non-significant trend toward an improved outcome in the evolocumab group. Multivariable analysis indicated that evolocumab had a potential impact on favorable discharge outcomes (aOR 1.98[0.94-4.22] for mRS ≤ 3 and 0.47[0.27-0.84] for lower ordinal mRS). Notably, evolocuamb users exhibited fewer instances of END and sICH, although they do not reach statistical significance. Additionally, the evolocumab group demonstrated potential benefits in LDL cholesterol reduction over time.

Conclusion

Early use of evolocumab in AIS patients undergoing MT appeared to be safe and associated with better early functional outcomes. The potential benefit of the PCSK9 inhibitor shown here warrants further prospective studies.

Novel PCSK9 Inhibitors for Treating Cardiovascular Diseases

Provided herein are novel PCSK9 inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions, use of such compounds in treating cardiovascular diseases, and processes for preparing such compounds.

The Link between miRNAs and PCKS9 in Atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular disease (CDV) represents the major cause of death globally. Atherosclerosis, as the primary cause of CVD, is a chronic immune-inflammatory disorder with complex multifactorial pathophysiology encompassing oxidative stress, enhanced immune-inflammatory cascade, endothelial dysfunction, and thrombosis. An initiating event in atherosclerosis is the subendothelial accumulation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), followed by the localization of macrophages to fatty deposits on blood vessel walls, forming lipid-laden macrophages (foam cells) that secrete compounds involved in plaque formation. Given the fact that foam cells are one of the key culprits that underlie the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, special attention has been paid to the investigation of the efficient therapeutic approach to overcome the dysregulation of metabolism of cholesterol in macrophages, decrease the foam cell formation and/or to force its degradation. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a secretory serine proteinase that has emerged as a significant regulator of the lipid metabolism pathway. PCSK9 activation leads to the degradation of LDL receptors (LDLRs), increasing LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the circulation. PCSK9 pathway dysregulation has been identified as one of the mechanisms involved in atherosclerosis. In addition, microRNAs (miRNAs) are investigated as important epigenetic factors in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and dysregulation of lipid metabolism. This review article summarizes the recent findings connecting the role of PCSK9 in atherosclerosis and the involvement of various miRNAs in regulating the expression of PCSK9-related genes. We also discuss PCSK9 pathway-targeting therapeutic interventions based on PCSK9 inhibition, and miRNA levels manipulation by therapeutic agents.

The role of atherogenic lipoproteins in diabetes: Molecular aspects and clinical significance

Dyslipidaemia plays a prominent role in the genesis of atherosclerotic plaque and the increased cardiovascular risk in diabetes. Macrophages readily take up atherogenic lipoproteins, transforming into foam cells and amplifying vascular damage in the presence of endothelial dysfunction. We discuss the importance of distinct lipoprotein subclasses in atherogenic diabetic dyslipidaemia as well as the effects of novel anti-diabetic agents on lipoprotein fractions and ultimately on cardiovascular risk prevention. In patients with diabetes, lipid abnormalities should be aggressively identified and treated in conjunction with therapeutical agents used to prevent cardiovascular disease. The use of drugs that improve diabetic dyslipidaemia plays a prominent role in conferring cardiovascular benefit in individuals with diabetes.