Impacto de la optimización del tratamiento hipolipemiante en el riesgo cardiovascular residual / Impact of Optimizing Lipid-Lowering Therapy on Residual Cardiovascular Risk

RESUMEN Introducción: el modelo SMART-REACH predice el riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares recurrentes. Objetivos: los objetivos de este estudio fueron: a) evaluar el riesgo residual en una población en prevención secundaria y niveles de colesterol asociado a lipoproteínas de baja densidad (C-LDL) fuera de meta; b) mediante un modelo de simulación, determinar el impacto de optimizar las terapias hipolipemiantes en términos de reducción del riesgo residual. Material y métodos: estudio transversal, descriptivo y multicéntrico. Se incluyeron consecutivamente pacientes con antecedentes cardiovasculares y un C-LDL mayor o igual que 55 mg/dL. El riesgo de eventos recurrentes (infarto agudo de miocardio, accidente cerebrovascular o muerte vascular) a 10 años y a lo largo de la vida se estimó utilizando el modelo SMART-REACH. Mediante una simulación, se optimizó el tratamiento hipolipemiante de cada paciente (utilizando estatinas, ezetimibe o inhibidores de proproteína convertasa subtilisina kexina tipo 9 [iPCSK9]), se estimó el descenso del C-LDL, se verificó el alcance del objetivo lipídico y se calculó la reducción del riesgo cardiovascular y el número necesario a tratar (NNT) correspondiente. Resultados: se incluyeron 187 pacientes (edad media 67,9 ± 9,3 años, 72,7% hombres). Los riesgos residuales calculados a 10 años y a lo largo de la vida fueron 37,1 ± 14,7% y 60,3 ± 10,7%, respectivamente. Globalmente, se pudo optimizar una sola estrategia farmacológica con estatinas, ezetimibe o un iPCSK9 en el 38,5%, el 11,5% y el 5,5% de la población, respectivamente. La optimización basada en dos tratamientos se realizó en el 27,5% (estatinas + ezetimibe), el 7,7% (estatinas + iPCSK9) y el 1,1% (ezetimibe + iPCSK9) de los casos. En 15 pacientes se optimizó el tratamiento considerando los tres fármacos. El 53,9% y el 62,9% de las acciones para optimizar el tratamiento mostraron un NNT menor que 30 para evitar un evento a 10 años o a lo largo de la vida, respectivamente. Conclusión: en este estudio, los pacientes con antecedentes cardiovasculares que no alcanzan la meta de C-LDL mostraron un riesgo residual considerable. La simulación mostró un importante margen para optimizar el tratamiento, con un impacto notable en el riesgo residual.

ABSTRACT Background: The SMART-REACH model predicts the risk or recurrent cardiovascular events. Objectives: The objectives of this study were: a) to evaluate the residual cardiovascular risk in a secondary prevention population with LDL-C levels above the recommended goal, using a simulation model; and b) to determine the impact of optimizing lipid-lowering therapies in terms of residual cardiovascular risk reduction. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and multicenter study. Patient with a history of cardiovascular disease and a LDL-C ≥55 mg/dL were consecutively included. The 10-year and lifetime risk of recurrent events (myocardial infarction, stroke, or vascular death) were estimated using the SMART-REACH model. By means of a simulation, lipid-lowering treatment was optimized for each patient [using statins, ezetimibe and/or PCSK9 (PCSK9) inhibitors], with estimation of LDL-C reduction, checking if lipid-lowering goal was achieved and calculating the reduction in cardiovascular risk and the corresponding number needed to treat (NNT). Results: The cohort was made up of 187 patients; mean age was 67.9 ± 9.3 years and 72.7% were men. The calculated 10-year and lifetime residual risks were 37.1 ± 14.7% and 60.3 ± 10.7%, respectively. Overall, treatment was optimized with a single pharmacological strategy with statins, ezetimibe or PCSK9 inhibitor in 38.5%, 11.5% and 5.5% of the population, respectively. Optimization based on two treatments was performed in 27.5% (statins + ezetimibe), 7.7% (statins + PCSK9 inhibitor) and 1.1% (ezetimibe + PCSK9 inhibitor) of the cases. In 15 patients, treatment was optimized when the three drugs (statins + ezetimibe + PCSK9 inhibitor) were considered. Overall, 53.9% and 62.9% of the actions implemented to optimize treatment showed a 10-year or lifetime NNT < 30 to prevent an event, respectively. Conclusion: In this study, patients with a history of cardiovascular disease who do not reach LDL-C goal showed significant residual cardiovascular risk. The simulation model showed a significant margin for optimizing treatment, with a marked reduction in residual cardiovascular risk.

Development of quality control method for recombinant monoclonal antibodies against proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin 9 / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To develop quality control methods for the key quality properties of recombinant monoclonal antibodies against proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin 9(PCSK9). Methods According to the corresponding requirements of Chinese Pharmacopoeia(Volume Ⅲ,2020 edition)and International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use(ICH),the PCSK9 monoclonal antibody was identified for the identity by reducing trypsin peptide fingerprint mapping analysis,identified for the specificity by ELISA,determined for the charge heterogeneity by imaging capillary isoelectric focusing electrophoresis(icIEF),detected for the variant purity by reducing/non-reducing capillary electrophoresis-sodium dodecyl sulfonate(CE-SDS),measured for the content of monomers,high molecular weight substances and low molecular weight substances by size-exclusion chromatography high performance liquid chromatography(SEC-HPLC),analyzed for the glycotype with N-glycan labeled with 2AB after carbohydrate cutting by Waters ACQUITY UPLC system with fluorescence detector,determined for the biological potency with HepG2 cell line and low-density lipoprotein(LDL),and detected for the content of polysorbate 20 by the liquid phase detection system(CAD detector). Results PCSK9 monoclonal antibody sample had characteristic peptide segments,and the peptide fingerprint was consistent with that of reference substance. The sample contained specific antibodies;The relative area percentages of main peak,acid peak and alkaline peak of the sample were(49. 27 ± 0. 38)%,(46. 44 ± 0. 35)% and(4. 28 ± 0. 04)%,respectively. The relative area percentages of“heavy chain + light chain”peak,non-glycosyl main peak and low molecular weight substance peak were(94. 16 ± 0. 82)%,(4. 11 ± 0. 76)% and(0. 85 ± 0. 20)%,respectively. The relative area percentages of main peak,nonglycosyl main peak and low molecular weight substance peak were(94. 27 ± 0. 22)%,(2. 85 ± 0. 08)% and(2. 88 ± 0. 15)%,respectively. The relative area percentages of monomer,high molecular weight substance and low molecular weight substance were(98. 30 ± 0. 03)%,(0. 75 ± 0. 01)% and(0. 96 ± 0. 02)%,respectively. The relative percentages of G0F,G1F,G2F and non-fucosylated(G0 + G1 + G2 + Man5)were(39. 31 ± 0. 54)%,(34. 69 ± 0. 41)%,(9. 09 ± 0. 14)% and(12. 61 ± 0. 50)%,respectively. The relative biological potency was(101. 64 ± 3. 61)% of the reference. The content of polysorbate 20 was(0. 012 ± 0. 000 3)%. Conclusion According to the key quality attribute of monoclonal antibody against PCSK9,the corresponding key quality control methods have been established,which can ensure the safety,effectiveness and quality controllability of the product.

Development progress and application of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Dyslipidemia is a causal risk factor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD),and lipid-lowering therapies play a major role in preventing and managing ASCVD. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9)promotes atherosclerosis by increasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and inflammatory response,while PCSK9 inhibitors can target to reduce PCSK9 levels and have high lipid lowering efficiency. Especially on the basis of statin or ezetimibe treatment,it can also bring more clinical benefits. With the in-depth study,PCSK9 inhibitor has become the research focus in recent years. This paper reviewed the development progress of PCSK9 inhibitors,in order to provide references for the clinical application of this class of drugs.

Research progress of PCSK9 in the mechanism of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease / 中国医师杂志

Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor has become a new drug for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have shown that the mechanism of PCSK9 in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is very complex, which is closely related to the increase of plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation, foam cell formation and vascular smooth muscle cell calcification, which will help us better understand the " multiple effects" of PCSK9 inhibitors. This review aims to analyze the research status of PCSK9 in molecular structure, cell function and cardiovascular disease treatment, which will further consolidate the success of new treatment strategies for atherosclerosis.

The mechanism of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 in the inflammatory response induced by Helicobacter pylori infection / 中华消化杂志

Objective:To explore the mechanism of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in the inflammatory response induced by Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) infection. Methods:From May 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021, 60 patients with gastritis (30 H. pylori positive and 30 H. pylori negative)and 30 healthy individuals, who initially visited the Department of Gastroenterology, Shiyan Taihe Hospital were collected, and their serum PCSK9 levels were detected. Normal gastric epithelial cell line GES-1 and macrophages induced from THP-1 cells, and GES-1 infected with H. pylori were selected to prepare different supernatant media. Phosphate buffer saline empty medium (negative control group), normal GES-1 cell supernatant medium ( H. pylori-uninfected GES-1 group), H. pylori infected GES-1 cell supernatant medium ( H. pylori infected GES-1 group), H. pylori infected GES-1 cell supernatant + PCSK9 neutralizing antibody medium (anti PCSK9 group), H. pylori infected GES-1 cell supernatant+ human immunoglobulin G medium (isotype control group) were established. The differences between H. pylori infected GES-1 group and H. pylori-uninfected GES-1 group, negative control group, anti PCSK9 group and isotype control group in number of migrated macrophages, relative expression level of CC chemokine receptor ( CCR2), the levels of released interleukin(IL)-6 and cell necrosis factor (TNF)- α, level of CD8 + T cell membrane phosphorylation, and the number of macrophage colonies were determined by Transwell assay, real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, plate colony assay, H. pylori and phagocytosis lysosome co-localization assay. The regulating mechanism of PCSK9 in H. pylori infection induced inflammation was analyzed. Independent sample t test was used for statistical analysis. Results:The serum level of PCSK9 of patients with H. pylori positive gastritis was higher than that of patients with H. pylori negative gastritis and healthy individuals ((384.00±57.57) g/L vs. (208.80±48.89) and (176.10±47.14) g/L), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=12.71 and 15.31; both P<0.001). Compared with negative control group, H. pylori standard strain and 4 isolated H. pylori strains could stimulate GES-1 to secrete PCSK9 ((1 267.00±287.50) g/L vs.(2 717.00±199.20), (4 858.00±302.40), (3 167.00±334.20), (6 075.00±597.30), (4 283.00±331.20) g/L), and the differences were statistically significant( t=10.15, 21.09, 10.56, 17.77, 16.85, all P<0.001). The number of migrated macrophages, CCR2 mRNA expression level in macrophage, expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, and the number of macrophage colonies of H. pylori-infected GES-1 group were all higher than those of H. pylori-uninfected GES-1 group and negative control group (132.20±5.67 vs.84.83±4.62, 39.83±4.12; 8.66±0.94 vs. 6.52±0.47 and 1.00±0.09, (281.00±8.56) ng/L vs. (115.00±7.72) and (64.00±5.44) ng/L, (619.80±18.47) ng/L vs.(373.30±12.85)and (225.70±6.44) ng/L, (357.00±16.31) colony forming unit (CFU) vs. (134.80±8.64) and (74.17±9.68) CFU), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=15.85, 32.27; 4.96, 19.79; 35.28, 52.43; 26.84, 49.37; 29.49, 36.53; all P<0.001). The percentage of co-localization of H. pylori and phagocytosis lysosome, and the expression of cell membrane CD3ζ Tyr142, granzyme B and perforin in CD8 + T cell of H. pylori-infected GES-1 group were lower than that of H. pylori-uninfected GES-1 group ((15.33±1.86)% vs. (34.50±3.72)% and (65.67±3.56)%, 464.20±120.80 vs. 1 924.00±262.10 and 2 390.00±484.10; (6.41±0.42)% vs.(17.37±0.73)% and (26.60±1.57)%; (6.84±1.37)% vs.(14.53±0.48)% and (26.22±1.21)%), and the differences were statistically significant( t=11.27 and 30.70, 12.39 and 9.45, 30.50 and 31.90, 25.96 and 13.00; all P<0.001). The number of migrated macrophages, the relative expression level of CCR2 mRNA, the expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, and the number of macrophage colonies of anti-PCSK9 group were all lower than those of isotype control group (72.50±4.97 vs. 128.30±6.74, 0.82±0.06 vs. 1.00±0.08, (85.50±4.37) ng/L vs. (277.70±8.98) ng/L, (291.80±13.69) ng/L vs. (615.30±12.65) ng/L, (111.50±10.21) CFU vs. (346.20±18.04) CFU), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=16.33, 4.40, 47.13, 42.50 and 27.73, all P<0.001). The percentage of co-localization of H. pylori and phagocytosis lysosome, the expression levels of CD3ζ Tyr142, granzyme B and perforin of anti-PCSK9 group were all higher than those of isotype control group ((51.05±3.03)% vs. (16.71±1.91)%, 2 948.00±384.00 vs. 1 156.00±178.60, (53.88±3.86)% vs. (5.88±0.93)%, (32.80±2.07)% vs. (6.83±0.54)%), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=23.49, 10.36, 29.60 and 29.76, all P<0.001). Conclusions:H. pylori can inhibit CD8 + T activation and cytotoxicity by inducing the release of PCSK9 from gastric epithelial cells, and can also recruit macrophages, activate nuclear factor-κB signal axis to up-regulate the level of released inflammatory factors from macrophages, inhibit the phagocytosis and killing effects of macrophages, so as to regulate the inflammatory response.

Therapeutic effects of gypenosides on hypercholesterolemia and it protective effect on liver injury / 中国药科大学学报

@#In order to explore the therapeutic effects and preliminary mechanism of gypenosides (GP) on hypercholesterolemia, as well as the protective effect on liver injury induced by high-dose simvastatin and high cholesterol diet (HCD), the hypercholesterolemia model of golden hamster was established by high cholesterol diet. The experimental animals were divided into blank group, model group, GP low and high dose groups (60 mg/kg, 120 mg/kg), simvastatin group (10 mg/kg), and GP high dose combined with simvastatin group (120 mg/kg + 10 mg/kg).The efficacy was investigated through dynamic monitoring serum cholesterol and liver function related indexes after drug treatment of 14 and 23 days. The results showed that GP could significantly reduce the levels of serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), increase the level of serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and reduce the secretion of PCSK9. It is suggested that GP has a good therapeutic effect on HCD diet-induced hypercholesterolemia hamsters, which may be related to its inhibition of PCSK9 secretion. In addition, GP can significantly ameliorate liver damage caused by HCD diet and high-dose simvastatin. These findings provide a scientific basis and useful reference for the combination of GP and statins to reduce toxicity and increase efficacy.

Effect of Shuangyu Tiaozhi Decoction on HNF1α/PCSK9/LDLR Signaling Pathway in Liver of Hypercholesterolemic Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1<italic>α</italic> （HNF1<italic>α</italic>）， proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 （PCSK9） and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDLR） in hypercholesterolemia rat liver， and investigate the mechanism of Shuangyu Tiaozhi Decoction regulating cholesterol metabolism and attenuating hypercholesterolemia. Method:After providing a high-fat diet for 4 weeks， 40 SD rats were selected， 8 of which were randomly selected as normal group and fed a normal diet， and the remaining 32 rats were fed a high-fat diet. The rats successfully established as hypercholesterolemic model， were randomized into 4 groups： model group， low dose of Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction group （7.8 g·kg^-1）， high dose of Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction group （15.6 g·kg^-1）， and simvastatin group （4 mg·kg^-1）， with 8 rats in each group. The drugs were continuously given for 8 weeks. Serum total cholesterol （TC）， triglyceride （TG）， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） were measured. The pathomorphological changes in liver were observed by hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining. The immunohistochemistry was used to detect PCSK9 and LDLR expression in liver. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HNF1<italic>α</italic>， PCSK9 and LDLR were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot. Result:Compared with normal group， the TC， TG， LDL-C levels in model group were significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the morphology showed obvious liver steatosis. The mRNA and protein expression of HNF1<italic>α</italic> and PCSK9 were increased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， the mRNA and protein expression of LDLR was decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Compared with model group， the serum TC， TG， LDL-C levels were significantly lowered in the Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction high-dose group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the serum TC， LDL-C levels were significantly lowered in the Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction low-dose group and simvastatin group （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）， while no significant effect was observed on the serum HDL-C levels in each treatment group. The liver steatosis decreased in each treatment group. The mRNA and protein expression of HNF1<italic>α</italic> was obviously decreased in each treatment group （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the mRNA and protein expression of PCSK9 was obviously decreased in Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction low and high-dose groups （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the mRNA expression of PCSK9 was significantly increased in the simvastatin group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， while the protein expression showed a downward trend. The LDLR mRNA levels were significantly increased in each treatment group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the LDLR protein expression was significantly increased in Shuangyu Tiaozhi high-dose group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and showed an upward trend in Shuangyu Tiaozhi low-dose group and simvastatin group. Results of immunohistochemistry showed PCSK9 expression was weakly positive， the expression of LDLR was strongly positive in each treatment group. The therapeutic effect of Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction high-dose group was more remarkable than simvastatin group， while there was no obvious difference between the Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction low-dose group and simvastatin group. Conclusion:Shuangyu Tiaozhi decoction may reduce the blood lipid levels through HNF1<italic>α</italic>/PCSK9/LDLR signaling pathway， play an active role on regulating cholesterol metabolism and alleviating high-fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemia.

Potentiating CD8

Metabolic regulation has been proven to play a critical role in T cell antitumor immunity. However, cholesterol metabolism as a key component of this regulation remains largely unexplored. Herein, we found that the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), which has been previously identified as a transporter for cholesterol, plays a pivotal role in regulating CD8

PCSK9 inhibitory activity of marine-derived compounds, aaptaminoids, and benzamide originated from Aaptos aaptos and Acanthaster planci as a potential treatment for atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disorder of the vasculature and one of the underlying causes of cardiovasculardiseases. Numerous preventative and therapeutic approaches are being explored to limit the morbidity and mortalityof this disease. Nevertheless, some of the treatments cost greatly and contributed to various side effects; for example,statin therapy is associated with substantial residual cardiovascular risk as well as issues such as tolerability and patientdependent efficacy. Currently, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor has been attractinginterests in the drug discovery of atherosclerosis treatment, but ezetimibe, a successful PCSK9 inhibitor, is an expensivemonoclonal antibody. Thus, exploring new PCSK9 inhibitors is crucial in overcoming this constraint. In the previouswork, aaptaminoids and methyl benzoate were isolated from marine sponges Aaptos aaptos and Acanthaster planci,respectively. These compounds enhance the transcription of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARγ) in the luciferase assay. PPARγ agonist was hypothesized to inhibit the expression of the PCSK9 gene becausethe former is a transcription factor toward the latter. The synthesis of three aaptaminoids and 11 methyl benzoatederivative was carried out to address its potential as a PCSK9 inhibitor. The structure of the synthesized compound waselucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance spectral and electron impact mass spectral data. The PCSK9 inhibitoryactivities were determined by luciferase assay. Four aaptaminoids, such as aaptamine, N1,N4-bisbenzylaaptamine,N4-[(3,4,5-trimethoxy)benzyl]aaptamine, and N1-[(3,4,5-trimethoxy)benzyl]aaptamine, and one benzamide derivative,N-(2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl)-2-methoxybenzamide, were found to inhibit the expression of PCSK9 gene.

An Update on Pharmacotherapy of Dyslipidemia for Adults

Dyslipidemia is an important cause of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) worldwide that leads to increased risk of morbidity and mortality; treating dyslipidemia to goal reduces the risks. This article reviews the pharmacological therapy of dyslipidemiawhich is often required in addition to life style intervention to achieve target lipid levels.Currently, there are seven types of approvedlipid modifying drugs which are effective in treating dyslipidemiawhen used singly or in combination. Statins are considered as first line drug and havebeen used extensively in the primary and secondary prevention of ASCVD. Ezetimibe is used as a first line add-on drug for patients already on a statin who have not reached their low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) goals;however,ezetimibe can be used as initial drug in statin intolerant patients. Bile acid sequestrants are a useful alternative to statins or ezetimibe in pregnant women or patients with liver disease. They also lower blood glucose and are useful in diabetes mellitus (DM). The PCSK9 inhibitors are powerful lipid modifying drugs, are expensive, needinjection for delivery, and are used when statin in maximum doses with other drugs cannot lower the LDL-C level to targets in patients with very high CV risk. Fibrates have recently shown to slow the progression of microvascular diseases and are found beneficial for DM with hypertriglyceridemia and microvascular complications. Currently, niacin use is markedly decreased due to development of more effective alternative drugs for managing dyslipidemia andbecause of the adverse effects related to niacin use.Recent trials reveal that, ω-3 fatty acids, when added in pharmacological doses to statin therapy (after controlling LDL-C), are effective in reducing CV events in patientshaving moderate hypertriglyceridemia with high or very high CV risks

Eficacia, seguridad y aplicabilidad clínica de los inhibidores de la PCSK9 / Efficacy, Safety and Clinical Applicability of PCSK9 Inhibitors

RESUMEN Los inhibidores de la proproteína convertasa subtilisina kexina tipo 9 (iPCSK9) representan un nuevo grupo de fármacos hipolipemiantes, que han generado un cambio sustancial en el manejo clínico de los lípidos. En pocos años, una gran cantidad de estudios han evaluado la eficacia antilipídica y la seguridad de estos fármacos. Más recientemente, grandes ensayos clínicos aleatorizados demostraron que el descenso del C-LDL alcanzado con estos fármacos se asoció con una menor incidencia de eventos cardiovasculares. Dicha evidencia dio lugar a la aprobación y comercialización de los iPCSK9 en muchos países. En consecuencia, diversas sociedades científicas y organismos de referencia en salud incorporaron estos fármacos en el arsenal terapéutico de la dislipidemia, con el objetivo de reducir el riesgo cardiovascular residual. En esta revisión describiremos la eficacia y la seguridad de estos fármacos, analizaremos la evidencia disponible acerca del beneficio cardiovascular y discutiremos en qué población podría ser más efectiva su utilización.

SUMMARY Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (iPCSK9) inhibitors represent a new group of lipid-lowering drugs that have generated a substantial change in lipid management. In a few years, a large number of studies have evaluated the lipid efficacy and safety of these drugs. More recently, large randomized clinical trials showed that the decrease in LDL-C achieved with these drugs was associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular events. Such evidence resulted in the approval and commercialization of iPCSK9 in many countries. Consequently, various scientific societies and health reference agencies incorporated these drugs into the therapeutic arsenal of dyslipidemia, with the aim of reducing residual cardiovascular risk. In this review, we will describe the efficacy and safety of these drugs, analyze the available evidence about cardiovascular benefit, and discuss in which population their use might be most effective.

Efficacy and safety of alirocumab versus ezetimibe in high cardiovascular risk Chinese patients with hyperlipidemia: ODYSSEY EAST Study-Chinese sub-population analysis / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety profile of alirocumab (PCSK9 inhibitor) versus ezetimibe on top of maximally tolerated statin dose in high cardiovascular risk Chinese patients with hyperlipidemia. Methods: The ODYSSEY EAST study was a randomized, double-blinded, double dummy, active-control, parallel group, multi-centers clinical trial, the Chinese sub-population included 456 patients with hyperlipidemia and high cardiovascular risk on maximally tolerated statin dose. Patients were randomized (2∶1) to receive the subcutaneous injection of alirocumab (75 mg Q2W; with dose up titration to 150 mg Q2W at week 12 if low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was ≥1.81 mmol/L at week 8) or the oral administration of ezetimibe (10 mg daily) for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was percentage change in calculated LDL-C from baseline to week 24. Key secondary efficacy endpoints included percentage change from baseline to week 12 or 24 in LDL-C (week 12) and other lipid parameters, including apolipoprotein (Apo) B, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), TC, lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), HDL-C, fasting triglycerides (TG), and Apo A1, and the proportion of patients reaching LDL-C<1.81 mmol/L at week 24. Safety profile of therapeutic drugs was also assessed during the treatment period. Results: The mean age of 456 Chinese patients was (59.5±10.9) years, 341(74.8%) patients were male, 303 patients (66.4%) in alirocumab group and 153 patients (33.5%) in ezetimibe group. Demographic characteristics, disease characteristics, and lipid parameters at baseline were similar between the two groups. LDL-C was reduced more from baseline to week 12 and 24 in alirocumab group versus ezetimibe group, the difference of their least-squares mean (standard error) percent change were(-35.2±2.2)% and (-36.9±2.5)% (both P<0.001). At 12 weeks, alirocumab had significant reduction on Lp(a), Apo B, total cholesterol and non HDL-C, the difference of their least-squares mean (standard error) percent change were (-40.3±2.8)%, (-27.7±1.8)%, (-19.6±1.5)% and (-27.7±1.9)%, respectively (all P<0.001). At 24 weeks, the percent of patients who reached LDL-C<1.81 mmol/L and LDL-C<1.42 mmol/L was significantly higher in alirocumab group (85.3% and 70.5%) than in ezetimibe group (42.2% and 17.0%, both P<0.001), and alirocumab use was also associated with significant reduction on Lp(a), Apo B, total cholesterol and non HDL-C, the difference of their least-squares mean (standard error) percent change were (-37.2±2.8)%, (-29.1±2.0)%, (-21.6±1.6)% and (-29.6±2.2)%, respectively (all P<0.001). The incidence of treatment related adverse events was similar between the two treatment groups (223/302 patients (73.8%) in alirocumab group and 109/153 patients (71.2%) in ezetimibe group). Respiratory infection, urinary infection, dizziness and local injection-site reactions were the most frequently reported adverse events. Conclusions: In high cardiovascular risk patients with hyperlipidemia from China on maximally tolerated statin dose, the reduction of LDL-C induced by alirocumab is more significant than that induced by ezetimibe. Both treatments were generally safe during the observation period of study.

The triglyceride-lowering effects of PCSK9 inhibitor differ in patients with different baseline triglyceride levels / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the triglyceride (TG)-lowering effects of PCSK9 inhibitor in patients with in different baseline triglyceride levels.@*METHODS@#Between February, 2019 and March, 2020, a total of 59 patients were treated with PCSK9 inhibitor (Evolocumab) in 5 hospitals, including Nanfang Hospital, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Foshan Nanhai District People's Hospital and Yulin First People's Hospital. According to baseline triglyceride levels, the patients were divided into normal TG group (< 1.70 mmol/L, =24), mild hypertriglyceridemia group (1.70-2.29 mmol/L, =11), moderate hypertriglyceridemia group (2.30-5.63 mmol/L, =13), and severe hypertriglyceridemia group (≥5.64 mmol/L, =11), and the changes in TG level after the treatment were compared among the 4 groups.@*RESULTS@#In the groups with normal and mildly elevated baseline TG level, the patients did not show significant changes in TG levels after the treatment. In patients with moderately and severely elevated baseline TG levels, treatment with PCSK9 inhibitor significantly reduced their TG levels ( < 0.005).@*CONCLUSIONS@#PCSK9 inhibitor has a significant TG-lowering effect in patients with moderate to severe hypertriglyceridemia but not in patients with only mildly elevated baseline TG level.

Inhibidores de la PCSK9: una nueva era en el control del riesgo cardiovascular / PCSK9 inhibitors: a new era in the control of cardiovascular risk / Inibidores da PCSK9: uma nova era no controle do risco cardiovascular

Resumen: Las estatinas constituyen aún la pieza fundamental para el manejo del riesgo cardiovascular. Utilizadas en dosis de alta intensidad logran reducciones de colesterol asociado a lipoproteínas de baja densidad (C-LDL) de 50%-60%. Sin embargo, en pacientes con hipercolesterolemia severa, las estatinas solas o asociadas a ezetimibe pueden no ser suficientes para alcanzar los objetivos de descenso de C-LDL. Tal es el caso de las dislipemias genéticas como la hipercolesterolemia familiar. Lo mismo ocurre en pacientes con intolerancia total o parcial a estatinas, en los que se requiere de alternativas farmacológicas modernas que permitan reducir el riesgo cardiovascular elevado. En este escenario, los inhibidores de la proproteína convertasa subtilisina kexina tipo 9, se han convertido en una piedra angular para lograr no solo una reducción jamás antes vista del C-LDL, sino también del riesgo cardiovascular. La nueva evidencia posiciona a estos fármacos en un lugar de privilegio, siendo eficaces y bien tolerados, con el costo como principal limitante, a pesar de su marcado descenso en los últimos años.

Summary: Statins are still the fundamental piece for cardiovascular risk management. Used in doses of high intensity achieve reductions in cholesterol associated with low density lipoproteins of 50%-60%. However, in patients with severe hypercholesterolemia, statins alone or associated with ezetimibe may not be sufficient to achieve cholesterol associated with low density lipoproteins decrease targets. Such is the case of genetic dyslipidemias as familial hypercholesterolemia. Also in patients with total or partial statin intolerance, a modern pharmacological alternative is required to reduce high cardiovascular risk. In this scenario, proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 inhibitors have become a cornerstone to achieve not only a reduction never seen before of cholesterol associated with low density lipoproteins levels, but also of cardiovascular risk. These drugs are in a privilege position due to the new evidence, being effective and well tolerated, with cost as its main limitation despite its marked decline in recent years.

Resumo: As estatinas ainda são a peça fundamental da gestão de risco cardiovascular. Utilizada em dose de alta intensidade atinge reduções associadas com colesterol da lipoproteína de baixa densidade de 50%-60%. No entanto em pacientes com hipercolesterolemia grave, estatinas, sozinhas ou associadas a ezetimiba podem não ser suficientes para alcançar os objetivos de redução de colesterol da lipoproteína de baixa densidade. Tal é o caso das dislipidemias genéticas como a hipercolesterolemia familiar. O mesmo ocorre em pacientes com intolerância total ou parcial de estatinas, que exige modernas alternativas farmacológicas que permitem reduzir o risco cardiovascular alto. Neste panorama, os inibidores da pró-proteína convertasa subtilisina kexina tipo 9, se tornaram uma pedra angular para alcançar não apenas uma redução em nunca antes visto colesterol da lipoproteína de baixa densidade, mas de risco cardiovascular. Novas provas colocam essas drogas em um lugar de privilégio, por ser eficaz e bem tolerado, com o custo como sua principal limitante a pesar do seu grande declínio nos últimos anos.

Elegibilidad para la indicación de inhibidores de PCSK9 según las recomendaciones de diferentes sociedades científicas / Eligibility for the indication of PCSK9 inhibitors according to the recommendations of different scientific societies

La reducción del colesterol-LDL (C-LDL) es un objetivo primordial en prevención cardiovascular. Estudios recientes demostraron beneficio clínico al administrar inhibidores de la proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-9 (iPCSK9) a pacientes que no habían logrado la meta de C-LDL con estatinas de alta intensidad y ezetimibe, sin embargo el uso de estos fármacos está limitado por su costo. El American College of Cardiology, la Sociedad Argentina de Cardiología y la European Society of Cardiology recomiendan una meta de C-LDL menor a 70 mg/dl en prevención secundaria, determinando umbrales de C-LDL de 70, 100 o 140 mg/dl respectivamente, para iniciar el tratamiento con iPCSK9. Con el objetivo de evaluar el esquema hipolipemiante prescripto en internados por síndrome coronario agudo o revascularización coronaria y analizar la proporción de elegibles para ser tratados con iPCSK9 en un escenario real y simulado, realizamos un estudio que incluyó 351 pacientes con enfermedad coronaria, tomados de una base de datos electrónica de un hospital universitario. El 48.4% recibió estatinas de elevada intensidad, 11.4% ezetimibe y 54.7% no logró la meta de C-LDL menor a 70 mg/dl. Utilizando un modelo de simulación en el que todos serían medicados con estatinas de elevada intensidad y ezetimibe, la elegibilidad para prescribir iPCSK9 fue de 31.1%, 12.8% y 9.1% según los umbrales de C-LDL determinados por las tres sociedades científicas. Nuestro estudio demostró una brecha entre las recomendaciones de los consensos para reducir el colesterol y la práctica habitual que debería ser minimizada para optimizar la relación costo/efectividad en prevención secundaria.

LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering is a primary objective in cardiovascular prevention. Recent studies demonstrated clinical benefit when proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) were added to the treatment in patients who had not achieved the LDL-C goal despite being treated with high intensity statins and ezetimibe, however the use of these drugs is limited by their cost. The American College of Cardiology, the Argentine Society of Cardiology and the European Society of Cardiology recommend an LDL-C goal less than 70 mg/dl in secondary prevention, determining thresholds of LDL-C to start treatment with PCSK9i of 70, 100 or 140 mg/dl respectively. In order to evaluate the lipid-lowering regimen prescribed in patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome or coronary revascularization and analyze the proportion of eligible to be treated with PCSK9i in a real and simulated scenario, we conducted a study that included 351 patients with coronary disease collected from an electronic database of a university hospital. The 48.4% received high intensity statins, 11.4% ezetimibe and 54.7% did not achieve the LDL-C goal of less than 70 mg/dL. Using a simulation model in which all would be treated with high intensity statins and ezetimibe, the eligibility to prescribe PCSK9i was 31.1%, 12.8% and 9.1% according to the C- LDL thresholds determined by the three scientific societies. Our study demonstrated a gap between the consensus recommendations for LDL-C lowering and the current practice that should be minimized to optimize the cost/effectiveness ratio in secondary prevention.

Caracterização funcional in vitro de variantes no gene PCSK9 identificadas em pacientes com Hipercolesterolemia Familial / In vitro functional characterization of PCSK9 variants identified in patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia

A Hipercolesterolemia Familial (HF) é uma doença genética do metabolismo das lipoproteínas, caracterizada pelo aumento do colesterol plasmático, transportado principalmente pela lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL). A HF é causada principalmente por mutações nos genes LDLR, APOB e PCSK9. As mutações conhecidas na PCSK9 podem levar ao aumento ou diminuição da função proteolítica da proteína, as quais são associadas ao aumento ou diminuição da LDL-c plasmática, respectivamente. Com o projeto genoma humano surgiram novos métodos de sequenciamento, o que resultou em um grande número de novas variantes genéticas relacionadas à HF. Entretanto, os mecanismos pelos quais essas variantes influenciam na concentração do colesterol e sua interferência na resposta terapêutica não estão totalmente elucidados. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar in vitro o efeito de variantes na região codificadora e reguladora do gene PCSK9 identificadas em pacientes HF utilizando sequenciamento de nova geração. Para a caracterização funcional das variantes na região codificadora da PCSK9, primeiramente foi avaliado o impacto dessas variantes na interação PCSK9-LDLR via Docking molecular. Células HEK293FT foram transfectadas com as diferentes construções da PCSK9, e posteriormente, foram utilizadas em ensaios para avaliar a atividade do LDLR e a internalização de LDL por citometria de fluxo. Para as variantes na região reguladora da PCSK9, foi realizado uma predição in silico do possível efeito de variantes na região 3UTR na ligação de miRNAs. A avalição da interação entre os miRNAs preditos, e a região 3UTR da PCSK9, e o possível impacto nessa interação na presença de variantes na região 3UTR, foi realizada em células HEK293FT transfectadas com um plasmídeo contendo a 3UTR da PCSK9 e um gene repórter da Gaussia luciferase, juntamente com um plasmídeo de expressão contendo os miRNAs de interesse. Foi também estudado o efeito dos miRNAs preditos sobre a expressão, RNAm e proteína, da PCSK9 via RT-qPCR e Western blot, em células HepG2. Foram identificadas 9 variantes na região codificadora da PCSK9, e duas, E32K e R469W, foram selecionadas para os ensaios posteriores. Para a R469W foi observada uma possível alteração conformacional a qual poderia aumentar a afinidade da PCSK9 pelo LDLR. Para a E32K, uma possível associação com HF foi observada em uma família brasileira com ascendência japonesa. As variantes E32K e R469W apresentaram uma redução na atividade do LDLR de 5 e 11%, respectivamente em comparação a PCSK9-WT. Entretanto, não foram observadas reduções estaticamente significativas na atividade do LDLR e na internalização da LDL em células transfectadas com ambas as variantes. Dez variantes foram encontradas na região 3UTR da PCSK9, entre elas três foram selecionadas por impactar a ligação de quatro miRNAs. Nossos dados demonstraram uma redução significativa na expressão da PCSK9 em células HepG2 transfectadas com os miR-4721 e miR-564 (p=0,036 e p=0,010, respectivamente). Porém, não foi observada diferenças na expressão da luciferase em células transfectadas com esses miRNAs, não sendo possível validar a interação miRNA-RNAm. As variantes no gene PCSK9 identificadas no nosso estudo podem não explicar individualmente o fenótipo HF, mas podem contribuir para a severidade da doença juntamente com outras variantes em outros genes

Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder of lipoprotein metabolism, characterized by elevated plasma cholesterol levels, mostly carried by low-density lipoprotein (LDL). FH is mainly caused by mutations in three genes, LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9. Gain-of-function mutations in PCSK9 reduce LDL receptor levels, resulting in high levels of LDL cholesterol in the plasma. Loss-of-function mutations lead to higher levels of the LDL receptor, resulting in lower LDL cholesterol levels. The Human Genome Project led to a faster technological development related to sequencing methods, which allowed identifying many novel variants associated with FH. However, the mechanisms by which these variants influence cholesterol levels and their interference in therapeutic response are not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to perform an in vitro characterization of the effect of PCSK9 variants identified in FH patients using Next-Generation Sequencing. For the functional characterization of variants in the coding region of PCSK9, the impact of these variants on PCSK9-LDLR interaction was evaluated by molecular docking. HEK293FT cells were transiently transfected with different PCSK9 constructs, and the amount of cell surface LDLR and LDL internalization were determined by flow cytometry. For the variants in PCSK9 3UTR region, an in silico prediction of PCSK9 3UTR variants in miRNA seed regions and target sites was performed. To determine whether the predicted miRNAs directly interact with PCSK9 3UTR region, HEK293FT cells were co-transfected with a vector containing a PCSK9 3'UTR region and a Gaussia luciferase reporter gene, together with an expression plasmid containing the miRNAs of interest. The effect of the predicted miRNAs on the expression of PCSK9 was evaluated using RT-qPCR and Western blot in HepG2 cells transiently transfected with miRNA mimics. Nine missense variants were identified in PCSK9 gene. E32K e R469W were chosen for further analysis. For R469W, a possible conformational change was observed that could increase the affinity of PCSK9 for LDLR, when compared to the wild-type. For E32K, a possible association with FH in a Brazilian family with Japanese ancestry was observed. E32K and R469W had a 5% and 11% decreased level of cell surface LDLR, respectively, as compared with WT-PCSK9. However, no significant reduction in the number of cell surface LDLR and LDL internalization was observed in transfected cells for both variants. Ten variants were found in PCSK9 3'UTR region, of which three were selected for affecting the binding of four miRNAs. Our data demonstrated a significant downregulation of PCSK9 in cells transfected with miR-4721 and miR-564 miRNA mimics, compared to cells transfected with a scramble control (p=0,036 and p=0,010, respectively). However, no differences in luciferase expression were observed in cells transfected with these miRNAs, therefore, it was not possible to experimentally validate miRNA-mRNA interaction. PCSK9 variants found in our study may not fully explain FH phenotype but may contribute to the severity of the disease together with other variants in other genes

Ultrassequenciamento exômico dos principais genes relacionados com a hipercolesterolemia familial / Ultrasequensing exomic of the main genes related to familial hypercholesterolemia

A frequência de Hipercolesterolemia Familial (HF) ainda é desconhecida no Brasil, principalmente pela ausência de estudos com caracterização genotípica associada à fenotípica. Os dados epidemiológicos existentes se baseiam apenas no fenótipos e carecem do diagnóstico molecular confirmatório. O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar as principais causas genéticas da HF em pacientes diagnosticados fenotipicamente através de um painel exômico com 61 genes a fim de contribuir para um sistema de confirmação do diagnostico molecular em uma amostra da população brasileira. Para isso foram incluídos 141 pacientes, não aparentados, portadores de HF atendidos pelo setor de dislipidemias do Instituto Dante Pazzanese de Cardiologia, Laboratório de Analises Clinicas da Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte e do Programa Hipercol Brasil do Instituto do Coração. As amostras de sangue periférico foram obtidas para determinações fenotípicas laboratoriais e extração de DNA genômico. A biblioteca de DNA foi construída utilizando o kit Nextera® Rapid Capture Enrichment Custom enriquecendo os éxons de 61 genes que direta ou indiretamente estão relacionados com metabolismo do colesterol. O ultrassequenciamento foi realizado utilizando kit MiSeq Reagent (300 a 500 ciclos) na plataforma MiSeq (Illumina). Os resultados de sequenciamento foram inicialmente alinhados a uma sequência referência e analisados para eliminação de falsos positivos, segundo os parâmetros de qualidade, tais como: cobertura mínima de 30x, frequência do alelo alterado maior que 20% e diferença da distribuição das leituras entre as sequências nucleotídicas menor que 15%. Foram identificadas 472 diferentes variantes em 56 dos genes presentes no painel, sendo 45 consideradas como não descritas. Nos genes APOA1, APOA2, LIPC, RBP4 e TIMP1 não foram observadas variantes dentro dos critérios estabelecidos. Das variantes observadas 25 identificadas em 30 (21,2%) pacientes já tinha sido publicadas em relação à HF nos três principais genes (LDLR, APOB e PCSK9), confirmando o diagnóstico. Foi caracterizado genotipicamente outras dislipidemias primárias em 7 pacientes, sem diagnóstico molecular de HF, através de variantes identificadas no ultrassequenciamento em outros genes. Dos 104 pacientes que não possuíam nenhuma variante já previamente caracterizada, 69 possuíam variantes relacionados com o metabolismo do colesterol. As variantes sem patogenicidade conhecida foram avaliadas através de ferramentas de predição in silico e 22 delas possuíam características sugestivas de patogenicidade em pelo menos 4 das ferramentas utilizadas, duas delas também mostraram alterar a estrutura da proteína segundo análises de docking molecular. Foram identificadas também 223 variantes em região não transcritas (UTR). Quando realizada as análises estatística de todas as variantes identificadas, observamos associação de 13 variantes com concentrações mais elevadas de colesterol da LDL, 5 com concentrações mais elevadas de apolipoproteina B-100, 5 com concentrações mais elevadas de colesterol total, 6 com presença de arco córneo, 2 com manifestação de xantelasmas, 2 com ausência de xantomas e 3 com a presença de doença arterial coronariana. Dessas 6 variantes já haviam sido previamente descritas com HF ou algum outro fenótipo associado e 2 não tinham citação na literatura pesquisada, mas possuíam característica patogênica para a proteína segundo as ferramentas de predição in silico. Este estudo permitiu a identificação das causas genéticas da HF em pacientes brasileiros diagnosticados fenotipicamente, mostrando que a técnica escolhida permitiu caracterizar 21,2% dos pacientes. Além disso, foi possível identificar outras dislipidemias primárias e caracterizar algumas variantes que, apesar de necessitarem serem validadas, indicam uma possível associação com a HF, aumentando o esclarecimento do fenótipo com o genótipo para 74,5%. Este estudo também possibilitou a identificação de novas variantes que devem ser avaliadas para confirmar associação com a doença e utilizar para o diagnóstico propondo um novo painel poligênico

The frequency of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is still unknown in Brazil, mainly due to the absence of studies with genotypic characterization associated with phenotype. Existing epidemiological data are based only on the phenotypes and lack the confirmatory molecular diagnosis. The aim of the present study was to identify main genetic causes of FH in patients diagnosed phenotypically through an exomic panel with 61 genes in order to contribute to a system of confirmation molecular diagnosis in a sample of the Brazilian population. To this end, 141 non-related patients with FH treated by the dyslipidemia sector of the Institute Dante Pazzanese of Cardiology, Clinical Analysis Laboratory of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University Federal of Rio Grande do Norte and the Hipercol Brazil Program of the Heart Institute. Peripheral blood samples were obtained for laboratory phenotypic determinations and extraction of genomic DNA. The DNA library was constructed using the Nextera® Rapid Capture Enrichment Custom kit, enriching with éxons of 61 genes that are directly or indirectly related to cholesterol metabolism. Ultrasequencing was performed using MiSeq Reagent kit (300 to 500 cycles) on the MiSeq platform (Illumina). The sequencing results were initially aligned to a reference sequence and analyzed for false positive elimination according to quality parameters such as: minimum coverage of 30x, altered allele frequency greater than 20%, and difference in the distribution of reads between sequences nucleotides less than 15%. 472 different variants were identified in 56 of the genes present in the panel, of which 45 were considered not described. In the APOA1, APOA2, LIPC, RBP4 and TIMP1 genes no variants were observed within the established criteria. In 25 of the variants observed presents in 30 (21.2%) patients had already been published in relation to FH in the three main genes (LDLR, APOB and PCSK9), confirming the diagnosis. Other primary dyslipidemias were caracterized genotypically in 7 patients, without molecular diagnosis of HF, through variants identified in ultrasequencing in other genes. Of the 104 patients who did not have any previously characterized variant, 69 had variants related to cholesterol metabolism. The variants without known pathogenicity were evaluated using in silico prediction tools and 22 of them had characteristics suggestive of pathogenicity at least 4 of the tools used, two of them also showed to alter the structure of the protein according to molecular docking analyzes. Were also identified 223 non-transcribed region (UTR) variants. Statistical analysis of all the variants identified showed association of 13 variants with higher concentrations of LDL cholesterol, 5 with higher concentrations of apolipoprotein B-100, 5 with higher concentrations of total cholesterol, 6 with presence of an arc corneal, 2 with manifestation of xanthelasms, 2 with absence of xanthomas and 3 with the presence of coronary artery disease. Of these 6 variants had previously been described with HF or some other associated phenotype and 2 had no citation in the researched literature, but had a pathogenic characteristic for the protein according to in silico prediction tools. This study allowed the identification of the genetic causes of FH in Brazilian patients diagnosed phenotypically, showing that the technique chosen allowed to characterize 21.2% of the patients. In addition, it was possible to identify other primary dyslipidemias and to characterize some variants that, although they need to be validated, indicate a possible association with HF, increasing the clarification of the phenotype with the genotype to 74.5%. This study also allowed the identification of new variants that should be evaluated to confirm association with the disease and to use for the diagnosis proposing a new polygenic panel

Advances in natural products with function of PCSK9 regulation and their action mechanism / 中草药

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is the highligh of lipid-lowering therapy due to its effect on LDL-C in the cardiovascular field. PCSK9 inhibitor has become the hot spot in biological preparations in these years, but the properties of adverse reaction, high price and injection-methods of biologicals limit its development. Currently, it was reported that many traditional Chinese medicine and natural products had the functions of regulating PCSK9. This paper summarized the regulation and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine monomers, active ingredients, compounds and natural products on PCSK9 so as to provide references for the development of small-molecule inhibitors of PCSK9.

Bibliometrics study of the foreign PCSK9 research trend and its implications / 中华医学科研管理杂志

Objective Conducting Metrology study on the literature of foreign "proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9)",combing the development process of the discipline,and predicting its future development trend,hope this research methodology could be generalized in research management.Methods PCSK9 related literature from 2003 to 2016 were searched and retrieved from Web of Science and PUBMED platform database.After data cleaning,the metrology tools are used to analyze the situation of the subject,the social network analysis of the authors,meanwhile,the scientific research management related information is also analyzed.Results After data cleaning,1 593 valid records were obtained;the calculation results generated 30 nodes of PCSK9 research and development citation map;the statistical searched literature had a total of 3,820 authors,and based on Price's theory,163 high-yield core authors were calculated.Conclusions The international research on PCSK9 is fast increasing currently,both its literature and patents are showing rapid growth,which is closely related to the management level of scientific research projects.United States,France and other countries are at the forefront of research,formed a global research cooperation.It is urging that good scientific research management and communication play an important role which we should learn and make references.

A Critical Role of PCSK9 in Mediating IL-17-Producing T Cell Responses in Hyperlipidemia

We previously demonstrated that atherogenic Ldlr(−/−)Apobec1(−/−) (LDb) double knockout mice lacking both low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing catalytic polypeptide-1 (Apobec1) had increased serum IL-17 levels, with T cell programming shifted towards Th17 cells. In this study, we assessed the role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in T cell programming and atherogenesis. We deleted the Pcsk9 gene from LDb mice to generate Ldlr(−/−)Apobec1(−/−)Pcsk9(−/−) (LTp) triple knockout mice. Atherosclerosis in the aortic sinus and aorta were quantitated. Lymphoid cells were analyzed by flow cytometry, ELISA and real-time PCR. Despite of dyslipidemia, LTp mice developed barely detectable atherosclerotic lesions. The IL-17, was very low in plasma and barely detectable in the aortic sinus in the LTp mice. In the spleen, the number of CD4⁺CD8⁻ cells and splenocytes were much lower in the LDb mice than LTp mice, whereas, the IL-17-producing cells of γδTCR⁺ T cells and effector memory CD4⁺ T cells (CD44(hi)CD4⁺) in the spleen were significantly higher in the LDb mice than in the LTp mice. The Rorc mRNA expression levels were elevated in LDb mice compared to LTp mice. When re-stimulated with an anti-CD3 Ab, CD44(hi)CD4⁺ T cells from LDb mice secreted more IL-17 than those from LTp mice. T cells from LDb mice (with PCSK9) produce more IL-17 at basal and stimulated conditions when compared with LTp mice (without PCSK9). Despite the dyslipidemic profile and the lack of LDLR, atherogenesis is markedly reduced in LTp mice. These results suggest that PCSK9 is associated with changes in T cell programming that contributes to the development of atherosclerosis.