Background And Aims: Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) is an endogenous inhibitor of the LDL receptor (LDLR). Mendelian randomization studies suggest that PCSK9 deficiency increases diabetes risk, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The aim of our study was to investigate whether PCSK9 or its inhibition may modulate beta cell function.
Methods: We assessed PCSK9 and insulin colocalization in human pancreatic sections by epifluorescent and confocal microscopy. We also investigated the expression and the function of PCSK9 in the human EndoC-βH1 beta cell line, by ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. PCSK9 was inhibited with Alirocumab or siRNA. LDLR expression and LDL uptake were assessed by flow cytometry.
Results: PCSK9 was expressed and secreted from beta cells isolated from human pancreas as well as from EndoC-βH1 cells. PCSK9 secretion was enhanced by statin treatment. Recombinant PCSK9 decreased LDLR abundance at the surface of these cells, an effect abrogated by Alirocumab. Alirocumab as well as PCSK9 silencing increased LDLR expression at the surface of EndoC-βH1 cells. Neither exogenous PCSK9, nor Alirocumab, nor PCSK9 silencing significantly altered glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) from these cells. High-low density lipoproteins (LDL) concentrations decreased GSIS, but the addition of PCSK9 or its inhibition did not modulate this phenomenon.
Conclusions: While PCSK9 regulates LDLR abundance in beta cells, inhibition of exogenous or endogenous PCSK9 does not appear to significantly impact insulin secretion. This is reassuring for the safety of PCSK9 inhibitors in terms of beta cell function.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2021.03.044 | DOI Listing |
Sex Med
December 2024
Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, United States.
Background: Erectile dysfunction is a condition with a rapidly increasing prevalence globally with a strong correlation to the increase in obesity and cardiovascular disease rates.
Aim: The aim of the current study is to investigate the potential role of tubacin, a histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) inhibitor, in restoring erectile function in a hypercholesterolemia-induced endothelial dysfunction model.
Methods: Thirty-nine male C57Bl/6 J mice were divided into 3 groups.
Cardiovasc Diagn Ther
December 2024
Department of Cardiology, Beijing An Zhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing Engineering Research Center of Cardiovascular Wisdom Diagnosis and Treatment, Beijing, China.
Background: The prevalence of very high-risk atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is significant in China, with suboptimal rates of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) compliance exacerbating plaque instability and causing a higher incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) are effective in reducing LDL-C levels, increase the stability of vulnerable plaque, and influence the progression of atherosclerosis through multiple mechanisms as demonstrated in animal studies. However, there is currently a lack of evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of high-intensity statin therapy combined with PCSK9i in the secondary prevention of ASCVD in the Chinese population.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPLoS One
January 2025
Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a multigenic condition influenced by both nature and nurture (60% to 40%). Prognosis of CAD is based on familial patterns. This study examined and analyzed the susceptibility of CAD to genetic variants in various Pakistani families.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCurr Atheroscler Rep
January 2025
Unitat de Medicina Vascular I Metabolismo, Hospital Universitario Sant Joan, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, IISPV, CIBERDEM, Reus, Spain.
Purpose Of The Review: A significant number of patients fail to achieve target LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. This review aims to explore why inclisiran, a novel class of LLT, should be considered a valuable addition to the current treatment options.
Recent Findings: Inclisiran is a small interfering RNA (siRNA) that targets PCSK9 synthesis specifically in the hepatocytes.
Aim: To identify predictors and construct a model for predicting left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
Material And Methods: This was a prospective registry study of patients with STEMI admitted within the first 24 hours of the disease onset. Patients were evaluated and treated according to the current clinical guidelines.
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