Purpose: Proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) promotes low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor degradation, thereby providing a key pathway for LDL metabolism. PCSK9 mRNA expression may be upregulated by insulin in murine models. Here we examined effects of exogenous hyperinsulinemia on plasma PCSK9 levels in humans without and with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: A 24h moderately hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp (30 mU/kg/h) was performed in 8 healthy men and 8 male type 2 diabetic patients. Plasma PCSK9 was measured using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Plasma LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B were lowered by insulin in healthy subjects and diabetic patients (P < 0.01 for all), whereas triglycerides were also decreased in healthy subjects (P < 0.01). Plasma PCSK9 levels remained unchanged in healthy subjects (median (interquartile range) change, -23 (-63 to 25) %, P = 0.50) and in diabetic patients (change, 4 (-17 to 44) %, P = 0.20). Individual absolute and relative changes in LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and triglycerides after 24h of insulin were unrelated to changes in PCSK9 (P > 0.15 for all).

Conclusion: Plasma PCSK9 levels are not increased by exposure to moderate 24h hyperinsulinemia in healthy and type 2 diabetic individuals.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2010.10.028DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

healthy subjects
16
diabetic patients
16
plasma pcsk9
16
type diabetic
12
pcsk9 levels
12
proprotein convertase
8
convertase subtilisin-kexin
8
subtilisin-kexin type
8
24h insulin
8
ldl cholesterol
8

Similar Publications

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!