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Wang WZ, Liu C, Luo JQ, Lei LJ, Chen MH, Zhang YY, Sheng R, Li YN, Wang L, Jiang XH, Xiao TM, Zhang YH, Li SW, Wu YX, Xu Y, Xu YN, Si SY. A novel small-molecule PCSK9 inhibitor E28362 ameliorates hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024:10.1038/s41401-024-01305-9. [PMID: 38811775 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01305-9] [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: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) binds to the epidermal growth factor precursor homologous domain A (EGF-A) of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in the liver and triggers the degradation of LDLR via the lysosomal pathway, consequently leading to an elevation in plasma LDL-C levels. Inhibiting PCSK9 prolongs the lifespan of LDLR and maintains cholesterol homeostasis in the body. Thus, PCSK9 is an innovative pharmacological target for treating hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. In this study, we discovered that E28362 was a novel small-molecule PCSK9 inhibitor by conducting a virtual screening of a library containing 40,000 compounds. E28362 (5, 10, 20 μM) dose-dependently increased the protein levels of LDLR in both total protein and the membrane fraction in both HepG2 and AML12 cells, and enhanced the uptake of DiI-LDL in AML12 cells. MTT assay showed that E28362 up to 80 μM had no obvious toxicity in HepG2, AML12, and HEK293a cells. The effects of E28362 on hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis were evaluated in three different animal models. In high-fat diet-fed golden hamsters, administration of E28362 (6.7, 20, 60 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g.) for 4 weeks significantly reduced plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and PCSK9 levels, and reduced liver TC and TG contents. In Western diet-fed ApoE-/- mice (20, 60 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g.) and human PCSK9 D374Y overexpression mice (60 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g.), administration of E28362 for 12 weeks significantly decreased plasma LDL-C levels and the area of atherosclerotic lesions in en face aortas and aortic roots. Moreover, E28362 significantly increased the protein expression level of LDLR in the liver. We revealed that E28362 selectively bound to PCSK9 in HepG2 and AML12 cells, blocked the interaction between LDLR and PCSK9, and induced the degradation of PCSK9 through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, which finally resulted in increased LDLR protein levels. In conclusion, E28362 can block the interaction between PCSK9 and LDLR, induce the degradation of PCSK9, increase LDLR protein levels, and alleviate hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis in three distinct animal models, suggesting that E28362 is a promising lead compound for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Zhi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, National Center for New Microbial Drug Screening, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, National Center for New Microbial Drug Screening, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Jin-Que Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, National Center for New Microbial Drug Screening, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100050, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of the Research and Development of Novel Pharmaceutical Preparations, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, 410219, China
| | - Li-Juan Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, National Center for New Microbial Drug Screening, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Ming-Hua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, National Center for New Microbial Drug Screening, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100050, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Uighur Medicine, Xinjiang Institute of Materia Medica, Urumqi, 830002, China
| | - Yu-Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, National Center for New Microbial Drug Screening, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Ren Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, National Center for New Microbial Drug Screening, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yi-Ning Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, National Center for New Microbial Drug Screening, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, National Center for New Microbial Drug Screening, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Xin-Hai Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, National Center for New Microbial Drug Screening, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Tong-Mei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, National Center for New Microbial Drug Screening, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yu-Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, National Center for New Microbial Drug Screening, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Shun-Wang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, National Center for New Microbial Drug Screening, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Ye-Xiang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, National Center for New Microbial Drug Screening, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, National Center for New Microbial Drug Screening, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yan-Ni Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, National Center for New Microbial Drug Screening, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Shu-Yi Si
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Microbial Drugs, National Center for New Microbial Drug Screening, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing, 100050, China.
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Afanasieva OI, Tyurina AV, Ezhov MV, Razova OA, Klesareva EA, Pokrovsky SN. Lipoprotein(a) and Low-Molecular-Weight Apo(a) Phenotype as Determinants of New Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Premature Coronary Heart Disease. Diseases 2023; 11:145. [PMID: 37873789 PMCID: PMC10594435 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11040145] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a genetic risk factor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs). Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is related to vascular inflammation and detected in atherosclerotic plaques. A temporary increase in the circulating concentration of PCSK9 and Lp(a) was shown in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the apo(a) phenotype and the Lp(a) concentration as well as its complex with PCSK9 in the development of cardiac events and MI in patients with a premature manifestation of coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS In a prospective study with retrospective data collection, we included 116 patients with premature CHD who were followed for a median of 14 years. The medical history and information on cardiovascular events after an initial exam as well as data on the levels of lipids, Lp(a), PCSK9, PCSK9-Lp(a) complex, and apo(a) phenotype were obtained. RESULTS The patients were divided into two groups depending on the presence of a low- (LMW, n = 52) or high-molecular weight (HMW, n = 64) apo(a) phenotype. LMW apo(a) phenotype (odds ratio 2.3 (1.1 to 4.8), p = 0.03), but not elevated Lp(a) (1.9 (0.8-4.6), p = 0.13), was an independent predictor for the development of MI after adjustment for sex, age of CHD debut, initial lipids levels, and lipid-lowering treatment. The apo(a) phenotype also determined the relationship between Lp(a) and PCSK9 concentrations. The level of the PCSK9-Lp(a) complex was higher in LMW apo(a) patients. CONCLUSION The LMW apo(a) phenotype is a risk factor for non-fatal MI in a long-term prospective follow-up of patients with premature CHD, and this link could be mediated via PCSK9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga I. Afanasieva
- Institute of Experimental Cardiology, National Medical Research Center of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Academician Chazov str., 15a, 121552 Moscow, Russia; (O.I.A.); (O.A.R.); (E.A.K.); (S.N.P.)
| | - Alexandra V. Tyurina
- A.L. Myasnikov Institute of Clinical Cardiology, National Medical Research Center of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Academician Chazov str., 15a, 121552 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Marat V. Ezhov
- A.L. Myasnikov Institute of Clinical Cardiology, National Medical Research Center of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Academician Chazov str., 15a, 121552 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Oxana A. Razova
- Institute of Experimental Cardiology, National Medical Research Center of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Academician Chazov str., 15a, 121552 Moscow, Russia; (O.I.A.); (O.A.R.); (E.A.K.); (S.N.P.)
| | - Elena A. Klesareva
- Institute of Experimental Cardiology, National Medical Research Center of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Academician Chazov str., 15a, 121552 Moscow, Russia; (O.I.A.); (O.A.R.); (E.A.K.); (S.N.P.)
| | - Sergei N. Pokrovsky
- Institute of Experimental Cardiology, National Medical Research Center of Cardiology Named after Academician E.I. Chazov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Academician Chazov str., 15a, 121552 Moscow, Russia; (O.I.A.); (O.A.R.); (E.A.K.); (S.N.P.)
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Lankin VZ, Konovalova GG, Domogatsky SP, Tikhaze AK, Klots IN, Ezhov MV. Clearance and Utilization of Dicarbonyl-Modified LDL in Monkeys and Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10471. [PMID: 37445648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The kinetics of elimination of various dicarbonyl-modified low-density lipoproteins from the bloodstream of Macaca mulatta monkeys were investigated. The low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in the monkey blood plasma were isolated by density gradient ultracentrifugation and labeled in vitro with the fluorescent dye FITC; thereupon, they were modified with different natural low molecular-weight dicarbonyls: malondialdehyde (MDA), glyoxal, or methylglyoxal. The control native FITC-labeled LDL and dicarbonyl-modified FITC-labeled LDL were injected into the monkey's ulnar vein; thereafter, blood samples were taken at fixed time intervals during 24 h. The plasma level of FITC-labeled LDL was determined with spectrofluorimetry. The study established that glyoxal- and monkeysglyoxal-labeled LDL circulated in monkey virtually at the same time as native (non-modified) LDL. In contrast, MDA-modified LDL disappeared from the blood extremely rapidly. Administration of the PCSK9 inhibitor involocumab (which increases LDL utilization) to patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) was found to significantly reduce levels of MDA-modified LDL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Z Lankin
- Department for Free Radical Biochemistry, E.I. Chazov' National Medical Research Center of Cardiology, Russian Ministry of Health, Moscow 121552, Russia
| | - Galina G Konovalova
- Department for Free Radical Biochemistry, E.I. Chazov' National Medical Research Center of Cardiology, Russian Ministry of Health, Moscow 121552, Russia
| | - Sergey P Domogatsky
- Department for Free Radical Biochemistry, E.I. Chazov' National Medical Research Center of Cardiology, Russian Ministry of Health, Moscow 121552, Russia
| | - Alla K Tikhaze
- Department for Free Radical Biochemistry, E.I. Chazov' National Medical Research Center of Cardiology, Russian Ministry of Health, Moscow 121552, Russia
| | - Igor N Klots
- Research Institute of Medical Primatology, National Research Center "Kurchatov' Institute", Sochi 354376, Russia
| | - Marat V Ezhov
- Laboratory of Lipid Disorders, E.I. Chazov' National Medical Research Center of Cardiology, Russian Ministry of Health, Moscow 121552, Russia
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Levstek T, Karun T, Rehberger Likozar A, Šebeštjen M, Trebušak Podkrajšek K. Interplay between microRNAs, Serum Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9), and Lipid Parameters in Patients with Very High Lipoprotein(a) Treated with PCSK9 Inhibitors. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030632. [PMID: 36980904 PMCID: PMC10048228 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has an important function in the regulation of lipid metabolism. PCSK9 reduces hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptors, thereby increasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. However, its regulation remains to be elucidated, including post-transcriptional regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs). We aimed to explore the interplay between miRNAs, total serum PCSK9, and lipids during treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors. A total of 64 patients with stable coronary artery disease and very high lipoprotein(a) levels and 16 sex- and age-matched control subjects were enrolled. Patients received a PCSK9 inhibitor (evolocumab or alirocumab). Total serum PCSK9 levels were measured by immunoassay. RNA was isolated from plasma using magnetic beads, and expression of selected miRNAs was analyzed by quantitative PCR. Total serum PCSK9 levels were significantly higher in control subjects compared with patients. After 6 months of treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors, total serum PCSK9 levels increased significantly. The expression of miR-191-5p was significantly lower, and the expression of miR-224-5p and miR-483-5p was significantly higher in patients compared with control subjects. Using linear regression, the expression of miR-483-5p significantly predicted the serum PCSK9 level at baseline. After the 6-month period of therapy, the expression of miR-191-5p and miR-483-5p significantly increased. Our results support a role for miR-483-5p in regulating circulating PCSK9 in vivo. The difference in expression of miR-191-5p, miR-224-5p, and miR-337-3p between patients and control subjects suggests their possible role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Levstek
- Laboratory for Translational Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Clinical Institute for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Karun
- Laboratory for Translational Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andreja Rehberger Likozar
- Department of Vascular Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miran Šebeštjen
- Department of Vascular Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katarina Trebušak Podkrajšek
- Laboratory for Translational Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Clinical Institute for Special Laboratory Diagnostics, University Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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Inclisiran-Safety and Effectiveness of Small Interfering RNA in Inhibition of PCSK-9. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020323. [PMID: 36839644 PMCID: PMC9965021 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020323] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Dyslipidemia is listed among important cardiovascular disease risk factors. Treating lipid disorders is difficult, and achieving desirable levels of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) is essential in both the secondary and primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. For many years, statins became the basis of lipid-lowering therapy. Nevertheless, these drugs are often insufficient due to their side effects and restrictive criteria for achieving the recommended LDL-C values. Even the addition of other drugs, i.e., ezetimibe, does not help one achieve the target LDL-C. The discovery of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) discovery has triggered intensive research on a new class of protein-based drugs. The protein PCSK9 is located mainly in hepatocytes and is involved in the metabolism of LDL-C. In the beginning, antibodies against the PCSK9 protein, such as evolocumab, were invented. The next step was inclisiran. Inclisiran is a small interfering RNA (siRNA) that inhibits the expression of PCSK9 by binding specifically to the mRNA precursor of PCSK9 protein and causing its degradation. It has been noticed in recent years that siRNA is a powerful tool for biomedical research and drug discovery. The purpose of this work is to summarize the molecular mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics of inclisiran and to review the latest research.
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Toscano A, Cinquegrani M, Scuruchi M, Di Pino A, Piro S, Ferrara V, Morace C, Lo Gullo A, Imbalzano E, Purrello F, Squadrito G, Scicali R, Mandraffino G. PCSK9 Plasma Levels Are Associated with Mechanical Vascular Impairment in Familial Hypercholesterolemia Subjects without a History of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Results of Six-Month Add-On PCSK9 Inhibitor Therapy. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040562. [PMID: 35454151 PMCID: PMC9033040 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9) is a key regulator of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) metabolism involved in the degradation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) through complex mechanisms. The PCSK9 plasma levels change according to lipid lowering therapy (LLT). Few data exist regarding the role of PCSK9 in vascular damage. We aimed to evaluate the impact of PCSK9 plasma levels on pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the effect of PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9-i) on circulating PCSK9 and PWV in a cohort of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) subjects. In a previous step, HeFH patients were enrolled and LLT was prescribed according to guidelines. Biochemical analyses and PWV assessment were performed at baseline (T0), after 6 months of high-efficacy statin plus ezetimibe (T1) and after 6 months of PCSK9-i (T2). The PCSK9 levels were evaluated in 26 selected HeFH subjects at the three time points and 26 healthy subjects served as controls for the reference value for PCSK9 plasma levels. The PWV values decreased at each time point in HeFH subjects after LLT starting (8.61 ± 2.4 m/s, −8.7%; p < 0.001 vs. baseline at T1, and 7.9 ± 2.1 m/s, −9.3%; p < 0.001 vs. both T1 and baseline) and it was correlated to PCSK9 (r = 0.411, p = 0.03). The PCSK9 levels increased on statin/EZE therapy (+42.8% at T1) while it decreased after PCSK9-i was started (−34.4% at T2). We noted a significant relationship between PCSK9 levels and PWV changes at T1 and T2. In conclusion, PCSK9 levels were associated with baseline PWV values in HeFH subjects; moreover, we found that PCSK9 level variations seemed to be correlated with PWV changes on LLT. A longer observation time and wider sample size are needed to assess the potential role of PCSK9 plasma levels on the vascular function and remodelling, and to clarify the effects of PCSK9-i in these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Toscano
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Lipid Center, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.T.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (C.M.); (E.I.); (G.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Maria Cinquegrani
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Lipid Center, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.T.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (C.M.); (E.I.); (G.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Michele Scuruchi
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Lipid Center, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.T.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (C.M.); (E.I.); (G.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Antonino Di Pino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (A.D.P.); (S.P.); (V.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Salvatore Piro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (A.D.P.); (S.P.); (V.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Viviana Ferrara
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (A.D.P.); (S.P.); (V.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Carmela Morace
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Lipid Center, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.T.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (C.M.); (E.I.); (G.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Alberto Lo Gullo
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy;
| | - Egidio Imbalzano
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Lipid Center, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.T.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (C.M.); (E.I.); (G.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Francesco Purrello
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (A.D.P.); (S.P.); (V.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Giovanni Squadrito
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Lipid Center, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.T.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (C.M.); (E.I.); (G.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Roberto Scicali
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy; (A.D.P.); (S.P.); (V.F.); (F.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giuseppe Mandraffino
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Lipid Center, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.T.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (C.M.); (E.I.); (G.S.); (G.M.)
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Bicciato G, Arnold M, Gebhardt A, Katan M. Precision medicine in secondary prevention of ischemic stroke: how may blood-based biomarkers help in clinical routine? An expert opinion. Curr Opin Neurol 2022; 35:45-54. [PMID: 34839341 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW One in eight patients unfortunately suffers a new stroke within 5 years of their first stroke, even today. Research in precision medicine could lead to a more individualized treatment allocation, possibly achieving lower recurrence rates of ischemic stroke. In this narrative review, we aim to discuss potential clinical implementation of several promising candidate blood biomarkers. RECENT FINDINGS We discuss specifically some promising blood-based biomarkers, which may improve the identification of underlying causes as well as risk stratification of patients according to their specific cerebrovascular risk factor pattern. SUMMARY Multimodal profiling of ischemic stroke patients by means of blood biomarkers, in addition to established clinical and neuroradiological data, may allow in the future a refinement of decision algorithms for treatment allocation in secondary ischemic stroke prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Bicciato
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexin Type 9 Inhibitors Reduce Platelet Activation Modulating ox-LDL Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137193. [PMID: 34281247 PMCID: PMC8267646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) lower LDL-cholesterol and slow atherosclerosis preventing cardiovascular events. While it is known that circulating PCSK9 enhances platelet activation (PA) and that PCSK9i reduce it, the underlying mechanism is not still clarified. Methods: In a multicenter before–after study in 80 heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) patients on treatment with maximum tolerated statin dose ± ezetimibe, PA, soluble-NOX2-derived peptide (sNOX2-dp), and oxidized-LDL (ox-LDL) were measured before and after six months of PCSK9i treatment. In vitro study investigates the effects of plasma from HeFH patients before and after PCK9i on PA in washed platelets (wPLTs) from healthy subjects. Results: Compared to baseline, PCSK9i reduced the serum levels of LDL-c, ox-LDL, Thromboxane (Tx) B2, sNOX2-dp, and PCSK9 (p < 0.001). The decrease of TxB2 correlates with that of ox-LDL, while ox-LDL reduction correlated with PCSK9 and sNOX2-dp delta. In vitro study demonstrated that wPLTs resuspended in plasma from HeFH after PCSK9i treatment induced lower PA and sNOX2-dp release than those obtained using plasma before PCSK9i treatment. This reduction was vanished by adding ox-LDL. ox-LDL-induced PA was blunted by CD36, LOX1, and NOX2 inhibition. Conclusions: PCSK9i treatment reduces PA modulating NOX2 activity and in turn ox-LDL formation in HeFH patients.
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