1
|
Han X, Gao Y, He M, Luo Y, Wei Y, Duan Y, Zhang S, Yu H, Kan J, Hou T, Zhang Y, Li Y. Evolocumab prevents atrial fibrillation in rheumatoid arthritis rats through restraint of PCSK9 induced atrial remodeling. J Adv Res 2024; 61:211-221. [PMID: 37709197 PMCID: PMC11258665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of autoimmune disease. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at high risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF), while whether PCSK9 is involved in the onset of AF among RA patients remains unclear. OBJECTIVES To explore the role of PCSK9 in the occurrence of AF in RA patients and decipher the underlying mechanism. METHODS We established a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) by immunization with type II collagen in Freund's incomplete adjuvant. Atrial electrophysiological test was used to evaluate AF susceptibility. We performed a clinical study to examine the correlation between PCSK9 level and AF, which recruited healthy control, RA patients and RA patients complicated with AF. Evolocumab (a monoclonal antibody of PCSK9) is administered via intraperitoneal injection in CIA rats to assess the role of PCSK9 in RA-related AF. LPS-RS (LPS inhibitor), clodronate liposomes (depletion of macrophages), and cell co-culture model were used to dissect the mechanism underlying PCSK9 promotes AF. RESULTS AF inducibility and duration were higher in CIA rats, accompanied by elevated plasma and atrial PCSK9. Interestingly, compared with healthy control subjects, patients with RA showed an increase in PCSK9, and the PCSK9 is much higher in RA patients complicated with AF. The level of PCSK9 was independently associated with AF risk in RA patients. In the in vivo experiment, evolocumab reduced AF susceptibility, and ameliorated atrial structural remodeling of CIA rats. Mechanistically, augmented LPS in CIA rats led to an increase in PCSK9, which exacerbated fibrosis of cardiac fibroblasts and apoptosis of cardiac myocytes by enhancement of M1 macrophages polarization and inflammation, thereby contributing to AF. CONCLUSION This study suggests that elevated PCSK9 causes atrial structural remodeling by enhancement of M1 macrophages polarization in atria, and evolocumab can effectively protects CIA rats from AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuejie Han
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yunlong Gao
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Meijiao He
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yingchun Luo
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Ying Wei
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yu Duan
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Jiuxu Kan
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Te Hou
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China.
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Translation, Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang 150001, China; Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Harbin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150001, China; Key Laboratory of Cardiac Diseases and Heart Failure, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Metabolic Disorder & Cancer Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Harbin 150081, China; Institute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Harbin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen L, Du Y, Qiao H, Yang L, Zhang P, Wang J, Zhang C, Jiang W, Xu R, Zhang X. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor ameliorates cerebral ischemia in mice by inhibiting inflammation. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2024; 33:107517. [PMID: 38056113 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2023.107517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the potential protective effects of evolocumab, a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor, on ischemic stroke and its underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS We established a mouse model with distal middle cerebral artery occlusion. We evaluated the therapeutic effects through neurological function and infarct size, while the underlying mechanisms were elucidated using western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Evolocumab improved neurological recovery, reduced the infarct volume, suppressed the activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and attenuated the increased levels of IL-1β and TNF-α after cerebral ischemia. CONCLUSION Evolocumab protects against cerebral ischemic injury by inhibiting inflammation. Therefore, the TLR4/NF-кB pathway may represent a major mechanism in ischemic stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linyu Chen
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Yuanyuan Du
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Huimin Qiao
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Lan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Renhao Xu
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Xiangjian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, 215 Hepingxi Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China; The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Syed-Abdul MM. Lipid Metabolism in Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). Metabolites 2023; 14:12. [PMID: 38248815 PMCID: PMC10818604 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a cluster of pathological conditions primarily developed due to the accumulation of ectopic fat in the hepatocytes. During the severe form of the disease, i.e., metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), accumulated lipids promote lipotoxicity, resulting in cellular inflammation, oxidative stress, and hepatocellular ballooning. If left untreated, the advanced form of the disease progresses to fibrosis of the tissue, resulting in irreversible hepatic cirrhosis or the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Although numerous mechanisms have been identified as significant contributors to the development and advancement of MASLD, altered lipid metabolism continues to stand out as a major factor contributing to the disease. This paper briefly discusses the dysregulation in lipid metabolism during various stages of MASLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Majid Mufaqam Syed-Abdul
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ning L, Zou Y, Li S, Cao Y, Xu B, Zhang S, Cai Y. Anti-PCSK9 Treatment Attenuates Liver Fibrosis via Inhibiting Hypoxia-Induced Autophagy in Hepatocytes. Inflammation 2023; 46:2102-2119. [PMID: 37466835 PMCID: PMC10673768 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01865-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia and its induced autophagy are involved in the initiation and progression of liver fibrosis. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has been recognized as a potential regulator of autophagy. Our previously reported study found that PCSK9 expression increased in liver fibrosis and that anti-PCSK9 treatment alleviated liver injury. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of anti-PCSK9 treatment on liver fibrosis by inhibiting hypoxia-induced autophagy. Carbon tetrachloride-induced mouse liver fibrosis and mouse hepatocyte line AML12, cultured under the hypoxic condition, were established to undergo PCSK9 inhibition. The degree of liver fibrosis was shown with histological staining. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of PCSK9, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and autophagy-related proteins was examined using Western blot. The autophagic flux was assessed under immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscope. The mouse liver samples were investigated via RNA-sequencing to explore the underlying signaling pathway. The results showed that PCSK9 expression was upregulated with the development of liver fibrosis, which was accompanied by enhanced autophagy. In vitro data verified that PCSK9 increased via hypoxia and inflammation, accompanied by the hypoxia-induced autophagy increased. Then, the validation was acquired of the bidirectional interaction of hypoxia-ROS and PCSK9. The hypoxia reversal attenuated PCSK9 expression and autophagy. Additionally, anti-PCSK9 treatment alleviated liver inflammation and fibrosis, reducing hypoxia and autophagy in vivo. In mechanism, the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway was identified as a target for anti-PCSK9 therapy. In conclusion, anti-PCSK9 treatment could alleviate liver inflammation and fibrosis by regulating AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway to reduce hypoxia-induced autophagy in hepatocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liuxin Ning
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yanting Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shuyu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yue Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Beili Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shuncai Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yu Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jia F, Fei SF, Tong DB, Xue C, Li JJ. Sex difference in circulating PCSK9 and its clinical implications. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:953845. [PMID: 36160427 PMCID: PMC9490038 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.953845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a proprotein convertase that increases plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels by triggering the degradation of LDL receptors (LDLRs). Beyond the regulation of circulating LDL-C, PCSK9 also has direct atherosclerotic effects on the vascular wall and is associated with coronary plaque inflammation. Interestingly, emerging data show that women have higher circulating PCSK9 concentrations than men, suggesting that the potential roles of PCSK9 may have different impacts according to sex. In this review, we summarize the studies concerning sex difference in circulating levels of PCSK9. In addition, we report on the sex differences in the relations of elevated circulating PCSK9 levels to the severity and prognosis of coronary artery disease, the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and neurological damage after cardiac arrest and liver injury, as well as inflammatory biomarkers and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Moreover, sex difference in the clinical efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors application are reviewed. Finally, the underlying mechanisms of sex difference in circulating PCSK9 concentrations and the clinical implications are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Jia
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Si-Fan Fei
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - De-Bing Tong
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Cong Xue
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Cong Xue, ; Jian-Jun Li,
| | - Jian-Jun Li
- Cardio-Metabolic Center, Fu Wai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Cong Xue, ; Jian-Jun Li,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang T, Li XJ, Qin LH, Liang X, Xue HH, Guo J, Li SF, Zhang LW. Better detoxifying effect of ripe forsythiae fructus over green forsythiae fructus and the potential mechanisms involving bile acids metabolism and gut microbiota. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:987695. [PMID: 36034807 PMCID: PMC9417252 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.987695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Forsythiae Fructus (FF), the fruit of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl. (Lianqiao), is one of the most fundamental herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM), mainly due to its heat-clearing and detoxifying effects. There are two types of FF, the greenish fruits that start to ripen (GF) and the yellow fruits that are fully ripe (RF), called “Qingqiao” and “Laoqiao” referred to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, respectively. It undergoes a complex series of changes during the maturation of FF. However, the clinical uses and preparation of phytopharmaceuticals of FF have not been distinguished to date. Moreover, there is limited information on the study of the difference in pharmacological activity between RF and GF. In this study, a rat model of bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced cholestasis was used to compare the differences in their effects. RF was found to have better results than GF in addressing toxic bile acids (BAs) accumulation and related pathological conditions caused by BDL. The underlying mechanism may be related to the interventions of gut microbiota. The results of the present study suggest that the better detoxifying effect of RF than GF may be indirectly exerted through the regulation of gut microbiota and thus the improvement of BAs metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Institute of Molecule Science, Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Xu-Jiong Li
- Department of Physiology, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
- *Correspondence: Xu-Jiong Li, ; Li-Wei Zhang,
| | - Ling-Hao Qin
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue Liang
- Institute of Molecule Science, Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Huan-Huan Xue
- Institute of Molecule Science, Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Institute of Molecule Science, Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shi-Fei Li
- Institute of Molecule Science, Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Li-Wei Zhang
- Institute of Molecule Science, Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- *Correspondence: Xu-Jiong Li, ; Li-Wei Zhang,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lee JS, O’Connell EM, Pacher P, Lohoff FW. PCSK9 and the Gut-Liver-Brain Axis: A Novel Therapeutic Target for Immune Regulation in Alcohol Use Disorder. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1758. [PMID: 33919550 PMCID: PMC8074019 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10081758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing disorder characterized by an impaired ability to control or stop alcohol intake and is associated with organ damage including alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and progressive neurodegeneration. The etiology of AUD is complex, but organ injury due to chronic alcohol use can be partially attributed to systemic and local inflammation along the gut-liver-brain axis. Excessive alcohol use can result in translocation of bacterial products into circulation, increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and activation of immune cells, including macrophages and/or microglia in the liver and brain. One potential mediator of this alcohol-induced inflammation is proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). PCSK9 is primarily known for its regulation of plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol but has more recently been shown to influence inflammatory responses in the liver and brain. In rodent and post-mortem brain studies, chronic alcohol use altered methylation of the PCSK9 gene and increased expression of PCSK9 in the liver and cerebral spinal fluid. Additionally, PCSK9 inhibition in a rat model of ALD attenuated liver inflammation and steatosis. PCSK9 may play an important role in alcohol-induced pathologies along the gut-liver-brain axis and may be a novel therapeutic target for AUD-related liver and brain inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji Soo Lee
- Section on Clinical Genomics and Experimental Therapeutics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (J.S.L.)
| | - Emma M. O’Connell
- Section on Clinical Genomics and Experimental Therapeutics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (J.S.L.)
| | - Pal Pacher
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Tissue Injury, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA;
| | - Falk W. Lohoff
- Section on Clinical Genomics and Experimental Therapeutics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (J.S.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Grimm J, Peschel G, Müller M, Schacherer D, Wiest R, Weigand K, Buechler C. Rapid Decline of Serum Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin 9 (PCSK9) in Non-Cirrhotic Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection Receiving Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1621. [PMID: 33920491 PMCID: PMC8069657 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10081621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) efficiently eradicate the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels increase rapidly upon DAA treatment. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) induces degradation of the hepatic LDL receptor and thereby elevates serum LDL. The aim of this study was to determine serum PCSK9 concentrations during and after DAA therapy to identify associations with LDL levels. Serum PCSK9 was increased in 82 chronic HCV-infected patients compared to 55 patients not infected with HCV. Serum PCSK9 was low in HCV patients with liver cirrhosis, but patients with HCV-induced liver cirrhosis still exhibited higher serum PCSK9 than patients with non-viral liver cirrhosis. Serum PCSK9 correlated with measures of liver injury and inflammation in cirrhotic HCV patients. In patients without liver cirrhosis, a positive association of serum PCSK9 with viral load existed. Serum PCSK9 was not different between viral genotypes. Serum PCSK9 did not correlate with LDL levels in HCV patients irrespective of cirrhotic status. Serum PCSK9 was reduced, and LDL was increased at four weeks after DAA therapy start in non-cirrhotic HCV patients. Serum PCSK9 and LDL did not change upon DAA treatment in the cirrhotic group. The rapid decline of PCSK9 after the start of DAA therapy in conjunction with raised LDL levels in non-cirrhotic HCV patients shows that these changes are not functionally related.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Grimm
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (J.G.); (G.P.); (M.M.); (D.S.); (K.W.)
| | - Georg Peschel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (J.G.); (G.P.); (M.M.); (D.S.); (K.W.)
| | - Martina Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (J.G.); (G.P.); (M.M.); (D.S.); (K.W.)
| | - Doris Schacherer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (J.G.); (G.P.); (M.M.); (D.S.); (K.W.)
| | - Reiner Wiest
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University Inselspital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Kilian Weigand
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (J.G.); (G.P.); (M.M.); (D.S.); (K.W.)
| | - Christa Buechler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (J.G.); (G.P.); (M.M.); (D.S.); (K.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Feder S, Wiest R, Weiss TS, Aslanidis C, Schacherer D, Krautbauer S, Liebisch G, Buechler C. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels are not associated with severity of liver disease and are inversely related to cholesterol in a cohort of thirty eight patients with liver cirrhosis. Lipids Health Dis 2021; 20:6. [PMID: 33461570 PMCID: PMC7814535 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-021-01431-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is of particular importance in cholesterol metabolism with high levels contributing to hypercholesterolemia. Cholesterol and sphingolipids are low in patients with liver cirrhosis. Purpose of this study was to find associations of plasma PCSK9 with circulating cholesterol and sphingolipid species and measures of liver disease severity in patients with liver cirrhosis. METHODS PCSK9 protein levels were determined by ELISA in systemic vein (SVP), hepatic vein (HVP) and portal vein plasma of patients with mostly alcoholic liver cirrhosis. PCSK9 and LDL-receptor protein expression were analysed in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic liver tissues. RESULTS Serum PCSK9 was reduced in patients with liver cirrhosis in comparison to non-cirrhotic patients. In liver cirrhosis, plasma PCSK9 was not correlated with Child-Pugh score, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, bilirubin or aminotransferases. A negative association of SVP PCSK9 with albumin existed. PCSK9 protein in the liver did not change with fibrosis stage and was even positively correlated with LDL-receptor protein levels. Ascites volume and variceal size were not related to PCSK9 levels. Along the same line, transjugular intrahepatic shunt to lower portal pressure did not affect PCSK9 concentrations in the three blood compartments. Serum cholesterol, sphingomyelin and ceramide levels did not correlate with PCSK9. Stratifying patients by high versus low PCSK9 levels using the median as cut-off, several cholesteryl ester species were even low in the subgroup with high PCSK9 levels. A few sphingomyelin species were also reduced in the patients with PCSK9 levels above the median. PCSK9 is highly expressed in the liver but systemic, portal and hepatic vein levels were similar. PCSK9 was not correlated with the inflammatory proteins C-reactive protein, IL-6, galectin-3, resistin or pentraxin 3. Of note, HVP PCSK9 was positively associated with HVP chemerin and negatively with HVP adiponectin levels. CONCLUSIONS In the cohort of patients with liver cirrhosis mostly secondary to alcohol consumption high PCSK9 was associated with low levels of certain cholesteryl ester and sphingomyelin species. Positive correlations of PCSK9 and LDL-receptor protein in the liver of patients with chronic liver injury are consistent with these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Feder
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Regensburg University Hospital, D-93042, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Reiner Wiest
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas S Weiss
- Children's University Hospital (KUNO), Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Charalampos Aslanidis
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Doris Schacherer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Regensburg University Hospital, D-93042, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Krautbauer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Liebisch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christa Buechler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Regensburg University Hospital, D-93042, Regensburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|