Research Progress on the Multifunctional Effects of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 in Atherosclerosis
Abstract：Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of large arteries and is the main cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and stroke [1]. The accumulation and transformation of lipids, inflammatory cells, foam cells, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), and necrotic cell debris beneath the single-layer endothelium in the intima space lead to atherosclerotic lesions, which are a major cause of death worldwide with high incidence and mortality rates [2-4]. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease primarily secreted by hepatocytes, but can also be secreted by the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, kidney, adipocytes, VSMC, and central nervous system cells. It degrades the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), reducing the uptake of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by hepatocytes, thereby increasing LDL-C levels in the bloodstream and promoting the development of atherosclerosis [5-7].
Keywords：AtherosclerosisCardiovascular DiseasesStrokeProprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9
Publication Date：2025-02-14
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：3( 245-247 )