PCSK9 and Lipid Metabolism: Genetic Variants, Current Therapies, and Cardiovascular Outcomes.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays a crucial role in the modulation of lipid metabolism as a critical negative regulator of hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) levels and circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) clearance. Numerous gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in PCSK9 have been identified as causing familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) by reducing LDLR levels, and loss-of-function (LOF) mutations associated with a hypercholesterolemia phenotype protective against atherosclerosis. PCSK9 represents an example of successful translational research resulting in the identification of PCSK9 as a major drug target for a lipid-lowering therapy.

Porotic hyperostosis and cribra orbitalia in samples from the Late Hillfort Period sites at Dětkovice - Za zahradama (district Prostějov) and Vídeňská street (district Brno), Czech Republic.

Porotic hyperostosis and cribra orbitalia are pathological changes occurring on the human skull. These changes were observed and evaluated on skeletal remains from Dětkovice - Za zahradama and Vídeňská Street in Brno; both sites are dated back to the 10 to 12 centuries AD. A total of 605 subjects were assessed for age, sex, and the above-stated pathologies using standard methods.

Evaluation of COLIA1 gene rs1107946 polymorphism in relation to bone mineral density and fracture risk in Slovak postmenopausal women.

Objectives: The aim of the study was the evaluation of the rs1107946 polymorphism of the COLIA1 gene impact on bone mineral density and fracture risk in Slovak postmenopausal women.

Methods: One hundred and twenty-seven postmenopausal Slovak women with a diagnosis of osteopenia/osteoporosis were genotyped for rs1107946 polymorphism of the COLIA1 gene. Clinical and anthropometric data were obtained.

Effect of Annona muricata aqueous leaf extract on reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.

Objective: Annona muricata extracts are used in traditional medicine due to their significant biological effects. Verification and elucidation of their mechanisms is beneficial in terms of the usefulness of these extracts in everyday life or in the context of disease treatment or prevention.

Materials And Methods: The effectiveness of the extract was assessed from dried A.

Anthropological analysis of skeletal remains from the site Vyšná Myšľa - Koscelek.

The archaeological site Vyšná Myšľa - Koscelek is located in the southeast of the Slovak Republic, and it is peculiar by its location in the middle of the woods near a thermal spring. Burials could be dated to the 13 to 14 centuries based on the presence of the ruins of the church, albeit the funeral practices could last until the 18 century. A total of 53 individuals were examined, in whom the age at death, sex and stature were morphoscopically and metric estimated by standard anthropological methods, and the presence of non-metric traits and pathological conditions was also recorded.