Atorvastatin enhances LDL receptor-mediated LDL-C uptake and modulates PCSK9 protein expression in pancreatic β-cells.

ABSTRACT: Statins are widely used to treat hyperlipidemia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ACVD) by significantly lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. However, their use has been associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), a paradox given their lipid-lowering benefits. This study investigates the role of LDL receptors (LDLR) and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in the diabetogenic effects of atorvastatin on pancreatic β-cells. Using the MIN6 pancreatic β-cell line, we assessed the impact of atorvastatin on LDL-C uptake, PCSK9 expression, glucose-stimulated insulin release (GSIR), and cell proliferation. Cellular cholesterol assays, EdU labeling, Dil-LDL uptake, western blot analysis, reverse transcription-quantitative polymeras

SUBMITTER: Zhang Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11913382 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature