PCSK9 increases vulnerability of carotid plaque by promoting mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has been recognized as a novel lipid-lowing target. Recent clinical studies suggested the value of inhibiting PCSK9 in decreasing the vulnerability of coronary plaques. However, the evidence of PCSK9-regulated evolution of unstable carotid plaques is unclear, which has limited the use of PCSK9 inhibitor in carotid plaques. This study aimed to determine the effect and molecular mechanisms of PCSK9 on vulnerability of carotid plaques, to provide potential therapeutic targets for stabilizing carotid plaques.

Methods

The expression of PCSK9 in stable and unstable carotid plaques were examined in tissue and plasma. Human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and carotid VSMCs were employed to transfect lentivi

SUBMITTER: Xu R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10894644 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature