PCSK9 deficiency unmasks a sex- and tissue-specific subcellular distribution of the LDL and VLDL receptors in mice

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 deficiency in extrahepatic tissues: emerging considerations

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is primarily secreted by hepatocytes. PCSK9 is critical in liver low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs) metabolism. In addition to its hepatocellular presence, PCSK9 has also been detected in cardiac, cerebral, islet, renal, adipose, and other tissues. Once perceived primarily as a "harmful factor," PCSK9 has been a focal point for the targeted inhibition of both systemic circulation and localized tissues to treat diseases. However, PCSK9 also contributes to the maintenance of normal physiological functions in numerous extrahepatic tissues, encompassing both LDLR-dependent and -independent pathways. Consequently, PCSK9 deficiency may harm extrahepatic tissues in close association with several pathophysiological processes, such as lipid accumulation, mitochondrial impairment, insulin resistance, and abnormal neural differentiation. This review encapsulates the beneficial effects of PCSK9 on the physiological processes and potential disorders arising from PCSK9 deficiency in extrahepatic tissues. This review also provides a comprehensive analysis of the disparities between experimental and clinical research findings regarding the potential harm associated with PCSK9 deficiency. The aim is to improve the current understanding of the diverse effects of PCSK9 inhibition.

Lipoprotein Metabolism, Dyslipidemia, and Lipid-Lowering Therapy in Women: A Comprehensive Review

Lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) is a cornerstone of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention. Although LLT might lead to different reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in women and men, LLT diminishes cardiovascular risk equally effectively in both sexes. Despite similar LLT efficacy, the use of high-intensity statins, ezetimibe, and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors is lower in women compared to men. Women achieve the guideline-recommended LDL-C levels less often than men. Greater cholesterol burden is particularly prominent in women with familial hypercholesterolemia. In clinical practice, women and men with dyslipidemia present with different cardiovascular risk profiles and disease manifestations. The concentrations of LDL-C, lipoprotein(a), and other blood lipids differ between women and men over a lifetime. Dissimilar levels of LLT target molecules partially result from sex-specific hormonal and genetic determinants of lipoprotein metabolism. Hence, to evaluate a potential need for sex-specific LLT, this comprehensive review (i) describes the impact of sex on lipoprotein metabolism and lipid profile, (ii) highlights sex differences in cardiovascular risk among patients with dyslipidemia, (iii) presents recent, up-to-date clinical trial and real-world data on LLT efficacy and safety in women, and (iv) discusses the diverse medical needs of women and men with dyslipidemia and increased cardiovascular risk.

PCSK7: A novel regulator of apolipoprotein B and a potential target against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological evidence links the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 7 (PCSK7) to triglyceride (TG) metabolism. We associated the known PCSK7 gain-of-function non-coding SNP rs236918 with higher levels of plasma apolipoprotein B (apoB) and the loss-of-function coding variant p.Pro777Leu (SNP rs201598301) with lower apoB and TG. Herein, we aimed to unravel the in vivo role of liver PCSK7.

METHODS

We biochemically defined the functional role of PCSK7 in lipid metabolism using hepatic cell lines and Pcsk7-/- mice. Our findings were validated following subcutaneous administration of hepatocyte-targeted N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) against Pcsk7.

RESULTS

Independent of its proteolytic activity, membrane-bound PCSK7 binds apoB100 in the endoplasmic reticulum and enhances its secretion. Mechanistically, the loss of PCSK7/Pcsk7 leads to apoB100 degradation, triggering an unfolded protein response, autophagy, and β-oxidation, eventually reducing lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was induced by a 12-week high fat/fructose/cholesterol diet in wild type (WT) and Pcsk7-/- mice that were then allowed to recover on a 4-week control diet. Pcsk7-/- mice recovered more effectively than WT mice from all NAFLD-related liver phenotypes. Finally, subcutaneous administration of GalNAc-ASOs targeting hepatic Pcsk7 to WT mice validated the above results.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data reveal hepatic PCSK7 as one of the major regulators of apoB, and its absence reduces apoB secretion from hepatocytes favoring its ubiquitination and degradation by the proteasome. This results in a cascade of events, eventually reducing hepatic lipid accumulation, thus supporting the notion of silencing PCSK7 mRNA in hepatocytes for targeting NAFLD.

A bibliometric analysis of PCSK9 inhibitors from 2007 to 2022

Background

Since the approval of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) monoclonal antibodies for marketing in 2015, PCSK9 inhibitors have attracted significant interest in the field of cardiovascular endocrinology. A large number of clinical trials have confirmed the efficacy and safety of PCSK9 inhibitors in reducing cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular events. No bibliometric analysis of PCSK9 inhibitors has been performed as of yet. This study aims to analyze the research trends and hotspots of PCSK9 inhibitors through bibliometric analysis.

Methods

We searched the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database for PCSK9 inhibitor-related publications from 2007 to 2022. Data visualization analysis was performed using CiteSpace software. Microsoft Excel and Graphpad software were used for the drawing of some tables and figures.

Results

A total of 1072 pieces of literature were retrieved between 2007 and 2022. The number of publications concerning PCSK9 inhibitors is growing annually. The top five countries with the most articles published were the United States, England, Canada, Italy, and France. Harvard University, Amgen, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Imperial College London are the five institutions with the highest output. The Journal of Clinical Lipidology is the most popular journal in this field. The most frequently cited journal is the New England Journal of Medicine. As for authors, Sabatine MS and Giugliano RP from Brigham & Women's Hospital have the highest number of published articles. Amgen is the funding agency for most of the research. According to keyword analysis, "low density lipoprotein", "familial hypercholesterolemia", "PCSK9 inhibitor", "PCSK9", and "efficacy" are the five keywords with the highest frequency of co-occurrence.

Conclusion

The past 15 years have witnessed a rapid and fruitful development of PCSK9 inhibitors. The research trend and focus for PCSK9 inhibitors are from the mechanism of reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to related clinical trials. Developed countries such as the United States have contributed prominently in this area. Coronary artery and inflammation are currently at the forefront of research in the field and are in an explosion period.

Regulation of cholesterol metabolism: New players for an old physiological process

Identified more than two centuries ago, cholesterol plays a pivotal role in human physiology. Since cholesterol metabolism is a physiologically significant process, it is not surprising that its alterations are associated with several pathologies. The discovery of new molecular targets or compounds able to modulate this sophisticated metabolism has been capturing the attention of research groups worldwide since many years. Endogenous and exogenous compounds are known to regulate cellular cholesterol synthesis and uptake, or reduce cholesterol absorption at the intestinal level, thereby regulating cholesterol homeostasis. However, there is a great need of new modulators and diverse new pathways have been uncovered. Here, after illustrating cholesterol metabolism and its well-known regulators, some new players of this important physiological process are also described.

Sex differences in LDL-C response to PCSK9 inhibitors: A real world experience

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown the efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) in lowering LDL-C. One clinical trial with alirocumab suggested that the LDL-C reduction effect is larger in men than women. In contrast, none of the studies with evolocumab have observed a difference in the treatment effect between men and women. However, sex differences data from real life experience is lacking. In addition, the difference in LDL-C response to PCSK9i between pre- and post-menopausal women has not been investigated so far.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the relative change in LDL-C following the introduction of a PCSK9i in a real-life clinical setting according to sex and menopausal status.

METHODS

All patients were recruited at the IRCM lipid clinic. Lipid profiles before and after the introduction of PCSK9i were available in the medical file for 259 patients (160 men and 99 women (72 post-menopausal, 20 pre-menopausal and 7 unknown menopausal status).

RESULTS

We observed a significant difference in relative LDL-C change between men (-70%) and women (-59%), p<0.0001. However, no difference was observed between pre-menopausal (-58%) and post-menopausal (-58%) women. In a linear regression model, sex remains a significant predictor of the response to PCSK9i after correction for confounding factors such as statin intensity (beta coefficient=-0.245, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

We observed a greater relative LDL-C response to PCSK9i in men than in women in a real-life clinical context. However, it is still unknown whether this difference in LDL-C change between men and women translates into a meaningful difference on long-term cardiovascular risk.

Rosa26-LSL-dCas9-VPR: a versatile mouse model for tissue specific and simultaneous activation of multiple genes for drug discovery

Transgenic animals with increased or abrogated target gene expression are powerful tools for drug discovery research. Here, we developed a CRISPR-based Rosa26-LSL-dCas9-VPR mouse model for targeted induction of endogenous gene expression using different Adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid variants for tissue-specific gRNAs delivery. To show applicability of the model, we targeted low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), either individually or together. We induced up to ninefold higher expression of hepatocellular proteins. In consequence of LDLR upregulation, plasma LDL levels almost abolished, whereas upregulation of PCSK9 led to increased plasma LDL and cholesterol levels. Strikingly, simultaneous upregulation of both LDLR and PCSK9 resulted in almost unaltered LDL levels. Additionally, we used our model to achieve expression of all α₁-Antitrypsin (AAT) gene paralogues simultaneously. These results show the potential of our model as a versatile tool for optimized targeted gene expression, alone or in combination.

Sex difference in circulating PCSK9 and its clinical implications

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.

PCSK9 deficiency results in a specific shedding of excess LDLR in female mice only: Role of hepatic cholesterol

PCSK9 promotes the lysosomal degradation of cell surface LDL receptor (LDLR). We analyzed how excess LDLR generated by PCSK9 deficiency is differently handled in male and female mice to possibly unveil the mechanism leading to the lower efficacy of PCSK9 mAb on LDL-cholesterol levels in women. Analysis of intact or ovariectomized PCSK9 knockout (KO) mice supplemented with placebo or 17β-estradiol (E2) demonstrated that female, but not male mice massively shed the soluble ectodomain of the LDLR in the plasma. Liver-specific PCSK9 KO or alirocumab-treated WT mice exhibit the same pattern. This shedding is distinct from the basal one and is inhibited by ZLDI-8, a metalloprotease inhibitor pointing at ADAM10/ADAM17. In PCSK9 KO female mice, ZLDI-8 raises by 80 % the LDLR liver content in a few hours. This specific shedding is likely cholesterol-dependent: it is prevented in PCSK9 KO male mice that exhibit low intra-hepatic cholesterol levels without activating SREBP-2, and enhanced by mevalonate or high cholesterol feeding, or by E2 known to stimulate cholesterol synthesis via the estrogen receptor-α. Liver transcriptomics demonstrates that critically low liver cholesterol in ovariectomized female or knockout male mice also hampers the cholesterol-dependent G2/M transition of the cell cycle. Finally, higher levels of shed LDLR were measured in the plasma of women treated with PCSK9 mAb. PCSK9 knockout female mice hormonally sustain cholesterol synthesis and shed excess LDLR, seemingly like women. In contrast, male mice rely on high surface LDLR to replenish their stocks, despite 80 % lower circulating LDL.

Leu22_Leu23 Duplication at the Signal Peptide of PCSK9 Promotes Intracellular Degradation of LDLr and Autosomal Dominant Hypercholesterolemia

BACKGROUND

PCSK9 (Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) regulates LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) metabolism by targeting LDLr (LDL receptor) for lysosomal degradation. PCSK9 gain-of-function variants cause autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia by reducing LDLr levels, the D374Y variant being the most severe, while loss-of-function variants are associated with low LDL-C levels. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function activities have also been attributed to variants occurring in the PCSK9 signal peptide. Among them, L11 is a very rare PCSK9 variant that seems to increase LDL-C values in a moderate way causing mild hypercholesterolemia.

METHODS

Using molecular biology and biophysics methodologies, activities of L8 and L11 variants, both located in the leucine repetition stretch of the signal peptide, have been extensively characterized in vitro.

RESULTS

L8 variant is not associated with increased LDLr activity, whereas L11 activity is increased by ≈20% compared with wt PCSK9. The results suggest that the L11 variant reduces LDLr levels intracellularly by a process resulting from impaired cleavage of the signal peptide. This would lead to less efficient LDLr transport to the cell membrane and promote LDLr intracellular degradation.

CONCLUSIONS

Deletion of a leucine in the signal peptide in L8 variant does not affect PCSK9 activity, whereas the leucine duplication in the L11 variant enhances LDLr intracellular degradation. These findings highlight the importance of deep in vitro characterization of PCSK9 genetic variants to determine pathogenicity and improve clinical diagnosis and therapy of inherited familial hypercholesterolemia disease.

Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) Deletion but Not Inhibition of Extracellular PCSK9 Reduces Infarct Sizes Ex Vivo but Not In Vivo

Hypoxia upregulates PCSK9 expression in the heart, and PCSK9 affects the function of myocytes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of PCSK9 on reperfusion injury in rats and mice fed normal or high-fat diets. Either the genetic knockout of PCSK9 (mice) or the antagonism of circulating PCSK9 via Pep2-8 (mice and rats) was used. Isolated perfused hearts were exposed to 45 min of ischemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion. In vivo, mice were fed normal or high-fat diets (2% cholesterol) for eight weeks prior to coronary artery occlusion (45 min of ischemia) and reperfusion (120 min). Ischemia/reperfusion upregulates PCSK9 expression (rats and mice) and releases it into the perfusate. The inhibition of extracellular PCSK9 does not affect infarct sizes or functional recovery. However, genetic deletion largely reduces infarct size and improves post-ischemic recovery in mice ex vivo but not in vivo. A high-fat diet reduced the survival rate during ischemia and reperfusion, but in a PCSK9-independent manner that was associated with increased plasma matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)9 activity. PCSK9 deletion, but not the inhibition of extracellular PCSK9, reduces infarct sizes in ex vivo hearts, but this effect is overridden in vivo by factors such as MMP9.

The Multifaceted Biology of PCSK9

This article reviews the discovery of PCSK9, its structure-function characteristics, and its presently known and proposed novel biological functions. The major critical function of PCSK9 deduced from human and mouse studies, as well as cellular and structural analyses, is its role in increasing the levels of circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (LDLc), via its ability to enhance the sorting and escort of the cell surface LDL receptor (LDLR) to lysosomes. This implicates the binding of the catalytic domain of PCSK9 to the EGF-A domain of the LDLR. This also requires the presence of the C-terminal Cys/His-rich domain, its binding to the secreted cytosolic cyclase associated protein 1, and possibly another membrane-bound "protein X". Curiously, in PCSK9-deficient mice, an alternative to the downregulation of the surface levels of the LDLR by PCSK9 is taking place in the liver of female mice in a 17β-estradiol-dependent manner by still an unknown mechanism. Recent studies have extended our understanding of the biological functions of PCSK9, namely its implication in septic shock, vascular inflammation, viral infections (Dengue; SARS-CoV-2) or immune checkpoint modulation in cancer via the regulation of the cell surface levels of the T-cell receptor and MHC-I, which govern the antitumoral activity of CD8+ T cells. Because PCSK9 inhibition may be advantageous in these processes, the availability of injectable safe PCSK9 inhibitors that reduces by 50% to 60% LDLc above the effect of statins is highly valuable. Indeed, injectable PCSK9 monoclonal antibody or small interfering RNA could be added to current immunotherapies in cancer/metastasis.

Downregulation of low-density lipoprotein receptor mRNA in lymphatic endothelial cells impairs lymphatic function through changes in intracellular lipids

Rationale: Impairment in lymphatic transport is associated with the onset and progression of atherosclerosis in animal models. The downregulation of low-density-lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression, rather than increased circulating cholesterol level per se, is involved in early atherosclerosis-related lymphatic dysfunction. Enhancing lymphatic function in Ldlr-/- mice with a mutant form of VEGF-C (VEGF-C 152s), a selective VEGFR-3 agonist, successfully delayed atherosclerotic plaque onset when mice were subsequently fed a high-fat diet. However, the specific mechanisms by which LDLR protects against lymphatic function impairment is unknown. Methods and results: We have thus injected wild-type and Pcsk9-/- mice with an adeno-associated virus type 1 expressing a shRNA for silencing Ldlr in vivo. We herein report that lymphatic contractility is reduced upon Ldlr dowregulation in wild-type mice only. Our in vitro experiments reveal that a decrease in LDLR expression at the mRNA level reduces the chromosome duplication phase and the protein expression of VEGFR-3, a membrane-bound key lymphatic marker. Furthermore, it also significantly reduced the levels of 18 lipid subclasses, including key constituents of lipid rafts as well as the transcription of several genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and cellular and metabolic processes. Exogenous PCSK9 only reduces lymphatic endothelial-LDLR at the protein level and does not affect lymphatic endothelial cell integrity. This puts forward that PCSK9 may act upon lymphatic muscle cells to mediate its effect on lymphatic contraction capacity in vivo. Conclusion: Our results suggest that treatments that specifically palliate the down regulation of LDLR mRNA in lymphatic endothelial cells preserve the integrity of the lymphatic endothelium and sustain lymphatic function, a prerequisite player in atherosclerosis.

Asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 is a novel PCSK9-independent ligand of liver LDLR cleaved by furin

The hepatic carbohydrate-recognizing asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGR1) mediates the endocytosis/lysosomal degradation of desialylated glycoproteins following binding to terminal galactose/N-acetylgalactosamine. Human heterozygote carriers of ASGR1 deletions exhibit ∼34% lower risk of coronary artery disease and ∼10% to 14% reduction of non-HDL cholesterol. Since the proprotein convertase PCSK9 is a major degrader of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), we investigated the degradation and functionality of LDLR and/or PCSK9 by endogenous/overexpressed ASGR1 using Western blot and immunofluorescence in HepG2-naïve and HepG2-PCSK9-knockout cells. ASGR1, like PCSK9, targets LDLR, and both independently interact with/enhance the degradation of the receptor. This lack of cooperativity between PCSK9 and ASGR1 was confirmed in livers of wildtype (WT) and Pcsk9^−/− mice. ASGR1 knockdown in HepG2-naïve cells significantly increased total (∼1.2-fold) and cell-surface (∼4-fold) LDLR protein. In HepG2-PCSK9-knockout cells, ASGR1 silencing led to ∼2-fold higher levels of LDLR protein and DiI (1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate)-LDL uptake associated with ∼9-fold increased cell-surface LDLR. Overexpression of WT-ASGR1/2 primarily reduced levels of immature non-O-glycosylated LDLR (∼110 kDa), whereas the triple Ala-mutant of Gln240/Trp244/Glu253 (characterized by loss of carbohydrate binding) reduced expression of the mature form of LDLR (∼150 kDa), suggesting that ASGR1 binds the LDLR in both a sugar-dependent and -independent fashion. The protease furin cleaves ASGR1 at the RKMK¹⁰³↓ motif into a secreted form, likely resulting in a loss of function on LDLR. Altogether, we demonstrate that LDLR is the first example of a liver-receptor ligand of ASGR1. We conclude that silencing of ASGR1 and PCSK9 may lead to higher LDL uptake by hepatocytes, thereby providing a novel approach to further reduce LDL cholesterol levels.

Substantial PCSK9 inactivation in β-cells does not modify glucose homeostasis or insulin secretion in mice

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays an important role in cholesterol homeostasis by promoting the degradation of the LDL receptor (LDLR). PCSK9 loss-of-function mutations are associated with increased fasting plasma glucose levels and slightly elevated risk of type 2-diabetes. Considering the known detrimental effects of cholesterol accumulation in β-cell, and the widespread use of PCSK9 inhibitors to treat hypercholesterolemia, it is important to gain insight into the role of pancreatic PCSK9 in glucose homeostasis and β-cell function. We generated the first β-cell-specific KO of PCSK9 (βKO). PCSK9 mRNA and protein expression were reduced by 48% and 78% in βKO islets, respectively, indicating that β-cells constitute a major site of PCSK9 expression. In islets, loss of β-cell PCSK9 resulted in unchanged LDLR protein levels, but reduced LDLR mRNA, indicating that cholesterol internalization is enhanced and that β-cell PCSK9 promotes LDLR degradation. In contrast, whole body PCSK9 KO mice exhibited 2-fold higher LDLR protein levels in islets and a stable expression of cholesterogenic genes. Whole body KO and βKO mice presented normal glucose tolerance, insulin release in response to glucose load and insulin sensitivity. Ex vivo glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in presence or absence of fatty acids was similar in WT and KO islets. Like KO mice, individuals carrying loss-of-function PCSK9 variants may be protected from cholesterol-induced toxicity due to reduced circulating cholesterol levels. Using both whole body KO or βKO models, our data demonstrate that PCSK9 deletion in mouse does not have any toxic effect on β-cell function and glucose homeostasis.

Mouse Models of Human Proprotein Convertase Insufficiency

The kexin-like proprotein convertases perform the initial proteolytic cleavages that ultimately generate a variety of different mature peptide and proteins, ranging from brain neuropeptides to endocrine peptide hormones, to structural proteins, among others. In this review, we present a general introduction to proprotein convertase structure and biochemistry, followed by a comprehensive discussion of each member of the kexin-like subfamily of proprotein convertases. We summarize current knowledge of human proprotein convertase insufficiency syndromes, including genome-wide analyses of convertase polymorphisms, and compare these to convertase null and mutant mouse models. These mouse models have illuminated our understanding of the roles specific convertases play in human disease and have led to the identification of convertase-specific substrates; for example, the identification of procorin as a specific PACE4 substrate in the heart. We also discuss the limitations of mouse null models in interpreting human disease, such as differential precursor cleavage due to species-specific sequence differences, and the challenges presented by functional redundancy among convertases in attempting to assign specific cleavages and/or physiological roles. However, in most cases, knockout mouse models have added substantively both to our knowledge of diseases caused by human proprotein convertase insufficiency and to our appreciation of their normal physiological roles, as clearly seen in the case of the furin, proprotein convertase 1/3, and proprotein convertase 5/6 mouse models. The creation of more sophisticated mouse models with tissue- or temporally-restricted expression of specific convertases will improve our understanding of human proprotein convertase insufficiency and potentially provide support for the emerging concept of therapeutic inhibition of convertases.

Characterization of the CDAA Diet-Induced Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis Model: Sex-Specific Differences in Inflammation, Fibrosis, and Cholesterol Metabolism in Middle-Aged Mice

Background

The prevalence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) rapidly increases with associated metabolic disorders such as dyslipidemia; therefore, NASH is now considered an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. NASH displays sex-linked epidemiological, phenotypical, and molecular differences; however, little is known about the background of these sex-specific differences on the molecular level.

Objectives

We aimed to assess sex-specific differences in the expression of inflammatory and fibrotic genes, as well as in cholesterol metabolism, focusing on the expression of Pcsk9 in several tissues in a mouse model of NASH that shows the typical features of the human condition.

Methods and Results

We fed 10-months-old male and female C57Bl/6J mice with a NASH-inducing CDAA or corresponding control diet for 8 weeks. We found that, compared to the control male mice baseline, hepatic Pcsk9 expression as well as serum PCSK9 level was significantly higher in females, and both circulating PCSK9 level and the hepatic Pcsk9 gene were markedly decreased in female mice during NASH development. Histological analysis revealed that male and female mice develop a similar degree of steatosis; however, fibrosis was more pronounced in males upon CDAA diet feeding. Strikingly, female mice have higher hepatic expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (Il1b, Ifng), and increased IL-1β cleavage by the NLRP3 inflammasome, and a decrease in Clec4f⁺ resident Kupffer cell population in comparison to males in the CDAA-fed groups.

Conclusion

This is the first demonstration that there are critical sex-specific differences during NASH development in middle-aged mice regarding inflammation, fibrosis, and cholesterol metabolism and that changes in PCSK9 and IL-1β are likely important contributors to sex-specific changes during the transition to NASH.

Sex-Specific Association of Endogenous PCSK9 With Memory Function in Elderly Subjects at High Cardiovascular Risk

Background: Growing evidence indicates that cognitive decline and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) share common vascular risk factors. Protease proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is associated with CV disease risk and has been also involved in neuronal differentiation.

Aim: Evaluate whether in patients at high CV risk cognitive function is related to PCSK9 levels.

Methods. One hundred sixty-six patients (67 female) were enrolled. A detailed neuropsychological (NP) assessment was performed. PCSK9 levels were measured with ELISA.

Results: Men had significantly higher short-term memory, executive function, and praxic and mental representation skills, as reflected by Forward Digit Span (FDS) (p = 0.005), Trail Making Test-A (TMT-A) (p = 0.047), Clock Drawing Test (CDT) (0.016). Endogenous PCSK9 levels were higher in female (p = 0.005). On linear regression analysis PCSK9 predicts short term memory only in females (Beta = 0.408, p = 0.001), with an interaction between PCSK9 and gender (p = 0.004 for interaction PCSK9 by sex). The association of PCSK9 with FDS in female was partially mediated by waist circumference (mediation effect 8.5%).

Conclusions: In patients at high CV risk short term memory was directly related to PCSK9 levels only in women, revealing the relevance of sex in this relationship. The association of PCSK9 with memory function may be mediated, at least in part, by waist circumference.

Nuclear magnetic resonance reveals postprandial low-density lipoprotein cholesterol determined by enzymatic method could be a misleading indicator

BACKGROUND

Serum concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is markedly reduced after a meal. Does postprandial cholesterol in LDL truly decline via clearance of LDL particles or is there simply a redistribution of cholesterol in LDL subclasses? Thus, we sought to evaluate whether postprandial decline of LDL-C reflects a reduction of LDL particle and to assess the correlation between proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) concentration and postprandial atherogenic lipoproteins profile.

METHODS

Eighty-seven persons were enrolled in this study. We measured lipid profiles by enzymatic and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based methods and serum PCSK9 concentration by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays before and after a meal. Plasma samples were collected after a 10-h fasting and 2 and 4 h post-meal.

RESULTS

Compared to the fasting status, there was significant postprandial decline of LDL-C measured enzymatically (LDL-Ce) at 2nd and 4th h [99.38 (80.43, 120.65) vs 95.51 (74.25, 117.17) vs 87.01 (69.99, 108.28) mg/dl, p < 0.000]. But there was no significant reduction in LDL particle and its cholesterol content (LDL-Cn) determined by NMR. Just the postprandial large LDL particle [186.45 (151.36, 229.42) vs 176.92 (147.43, 220.91) vs 181.77 (149.05, 224.17), p < 0.000] and its cholesterol content [19.10 (15.09, 22.37) vs 18.28 (14.59, 21.84) vs 17.79 (14.62, 22.14), p < 0.000] were greatly decreased at 2nd and 4th h compared to the fasting one. Interestingly, postprandial serum PCSK9 was decreased at 2nd and 4th h compared with fasting concentration [298.75 (233.25, 396.92) vs 257.34 (207.52, 342.36) vs 250.57 (215.02, 339.66) ng/ml, p < 0.000]. The postprandial percent decrease in serum PCSK9 at 4th h was positively correlated to the percent decline in postprandial LDL-Ce (r = 0.252, p = 0.019) but was independently associated with the percent increase in remnant cholesterol (r = 0.262, p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Postprandial decline of LDL-C determined enzymatically was not confirmed by NMR-based methods. Indeed, there exists cholesterol redistribution in LDL subclasses following a meal. The decrease of postprandial PCSK9 may be secondary to the increase in intrahepatic lipids following food intake.

Research progress on alternative non-classical mechanisms of PCSK9 in atherosclerosis in patients with and without diabetes

The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) acts via a canonical pathway to regulate circulating low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) via degradation of the LDL receptor (LDLR) on the liver cell surface. Published research has shown that PCSK9 is involved in atherosclerosis via a variety of non-classical mechanisms that involve lysosomal, inflammatory, apoptotic, mitochondrial, and immune pathways. In this review paper, we summarized these additional mechanisms and described how anti-PCSK9 therapy exerts effects through these mechanisms. These additional pathways further illustrate the regulatory role of PCSK9 in atherosclerosis and offer an in-depth interpretation of how the PCSK9 inhibitor exerts effects on the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Development of a Predictive Model to Induce Atherogenesis and Hepato-Renal Impairment in Female Rats

Therapeutic approaches for the treatment of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis have radically changed in recent decades. Part of this advance undeniably stems from basic biomedical research that has provided a better understanding and identification of new therapeutic targets. The aim of this work was to develop a model to induce atherogenesis and hepato-renal impairment in female Wistar rats. The following groups received the respective treatments for 60 days: control animals, non-ovariectomized rats that received an atherogenic diet (NEAD), ovariectomized rats that received an atherogenic diet (NOAD), non-ovariectomized rats that received an atherogenic diet and oral Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l-NAME; LEAD), and ovariectomized rats that received an atherogenic diet and oral l-NAME (LOAD). Animals in the NEAD, NOAD, LEAD, and LOAD groups also received methimazole and cholecalciferol daily. Urinary, biochemical, hemodynamic, and electrocardiographic parameters and renal function were assessed. Samples of the liver, heart, kidney, and arteries were collected to investigate redox status and perform histopathological analyses. All of the groups developed dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis. Only the NEAD group developed arterial lesions that were compatible with fatty streaks. Renal function was significantly impaired in the LEAD and NOAD groups. These results indicate a viable alternative to induce atherogenesis and hepato-renal impairment in female rats.

Ser-Phosphorylation of PCSK9 (Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin-Kexin 9) by Fam20C (Family With Sequence Similarity 20, Member C) Kinase Enhances Its Ability to Degrade the LDLR (Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor)

OBJECTIVE

PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin 9) enhances the degradation of the LDLR (low-density lipoprotein receptor) in endosomes/lysosomes. This study aimed to determine the sites of PCSK9 phosphorylation at Ser-residues and the consequences of such posttranslational modification on the secretion and activity of PCSK9 on the LDLR. Approach and Results: Fam20C (family with sequence similarity 20, member C) phosphorylates serines in secretory proteins containing the motif S-X-E/phospho-Ser, including the cholesterol-regulating PCSK9. In situ hybridization of Fam20C mRNA during development and in adult mice revealed a wide tissue distribution, including liver, but not small intestine. Here, we show that Fam20C phosphorylates PCSK9 at Serines 47, 666, 668, and 688. In hepatocytes, phosphorylation enhances PCSK9 secretion and maximizes its induced degradation of the LDLR via the extracellular and intracellular pathways. Replacing any of the 4 Ser by the phosphomimetic Glu or Asp enhanced PCSK9 activity only when the other sites are phosphorylated, whereas Ala substitutions reduced it, as evidenced by Western blotting, Elisa, and LDLR-immunolabeling. This newly uncovered PCSK9/LDLR regulation mechanism refines our understanding of the implication of global PCSK9 phosphorylation in the modulation of LDL-cholesterol and rationalizes the consequence of natural mutations, for example, S668R and E670G. Finally, the relationship of Ser-phosphorylation to the implication of PCSK9 in regulating LDL-cholesterol in the neurological Fragile X-syndrome disorder was investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

Ser-phosphorylation of PCSK9 maximizes both its secretion and activity on the LDLR. Mass spectrometric approaches to measure such modifications were developed and applied to quantify the levels of bioactive PCSK9 in human plasma under normal and pathological conditions.

The VLDL receptor plays a key role in the metabolism of postprandial remnant lipoproteins

A new concept to account for the process of postprandial remnant lipoprotein metabolism is proposed based on the characteristics of lipoprotein particles and their receptors. The characteristics of remnant lipoprotein (RLP) were investigated using an immuno-separation method. The majority of the postprandial lipoproteins increased after fat intake was shown to be VLDL remnants, not chylomicron (CM) remnants, based on the significantly high ratio of apoB100/apoB48 in the RLP and the high degree of similarity in the particle size of the apoB48 and apoB100 carrying lipoproteins, which fluctuate in parallel during a 6 h period after fat intake. The VLDL receptor was discovered as a receptor for TG-rich lipoprotein metabolism and is located in peripheral tissues such as skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, etc., but not in the liver. Postprandial VLDL particles are strongly bound and internalized into cells expressing the VLDL receptor. Ligands that bind to VLDL receptor, such as LPL and Lp(a), present in RLP. The presence of various specific ligands in VLDL remnants may enhance the capacity for binding to the VLDL receptor, which play the role primarily for energy delivery to the peripheral tissues, but is also a causal factor in atherogenic diseases when excessively and/or continuously remained in plasma.

PCSK9 is Expressed in Human Visceral Adipose Tissue and Regulated by Insulin and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptides

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) binds to and degrades the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), contributing to hypercholesterolemia. Adipose tissue plays a role in lipoprotein metabolism, but there are almost no data about PCSK9 and LDLR regulation in human adipocytes. We studied PCSK9 and LDLR regulation by insulin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP, a potent lipolytic agonist that antagonizes insulin), and LDL in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and in human cultured adipocytes. PCSK9 was expressed in VAT and its expression was positively correlated with body mass index (BMI). Both intracellular mature and secreted PCSK9 were abundant in cultured human adipocytes. Insulin induced PCSK9, LDLR, and sterol-regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and -2 expression (SREBP-2). ANP reduced insulin-induced PCSK9, especially in the context of a medium simulating hyperglycemia. Human LDL induced both mature and secreted PCSK9 and reduced LDLR. ANP indirectly blocked the LDLR degradation, reducing the positive effect of LDL on PCSK9. In conclusion, PCSK9 is expressed in human adipocytes. When the expression of PCSK9 is induced, LDLR is reduced through the PCSK9-mediated degradation. On the contrary, when the induction of PCSK9 by insulin and LDL is partially blocked by ANP, the LDLR degradation is reduced. This suggests that NPs could be able to control LDLR levels, preventing PCSK9 overexpression.

Kalirin/Trio Rho GDP/GTP exchange factors regulate proinsulin and insulin secretion

Key features for progression to pancreatic β-cell failure and disease are loss of glucose responsiveness and an increased ratio of secreted proinsulin to insulin. Proinsulin and insulin are stored in secretory granules (SGs) and the fine-tuning of hormone output requires signal mediated recruitment of select SG populations according to intracellular location and age. The GTPase Rac1 coordinates multiple signaling pathways that specify SG release and Rac1 activity is controlled in part by GDP/GTP exchange factors (GEFs). To explore the function of two large multidomain GEFs, Kalirin and Trio in β-cells, we manipulated their Rac1-specific GEF1 domain activity by using small molecule inhibitors and by genetically ablating Kalirin. We examined age related secretory granule behavior employing radiolabeling protocols. Loss of Kalirin/Trio function attenuated radioactive proinsulin release by reducing constitutive-like secretion and exocytosis of 2-hour old granules. At later chase times or at steady state, Kalirin/Trio manipulations decreased glucose stimulated insulin output. Finally, use of a Rac1 FRET biosensor with cultured β-cell lines, demonstrated that Kalirin/Trio GEF1 activity was required for normal rearrangement of Rac1 to the plasma membrane in response to glucose. Rac1 activation can be evoked by both glucose metabolism and signaling through the incretin glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor. GLP-1 addition restored Rac1 localization/activity and insulin secretion in the absence of Kalirin, thereby assigning Kalirin's participation to stimulatory glucose signaling.

Sex differences in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism

BACKGROUND

Endogenous sex hormones are important for metabolic health in men and women. Before menopause, women are protected from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) relative to men. Women have fewer cardiovascular complications of obesity compared to men with obesity. Endogenous estrogens have been proposed as a mechanism that lessens ASCVD risk, as risk of glucose and lipid abnormalities increases when endogenous estrogens decline with menopause. While baseline risk is higher in males than females, endogenously produced androgens are also protective against fatty liver, diabetes and ASCVD, as risk goes up with androgen deprivation and with the decline in androgens with age.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

In this review, we discuss evidence of how endogenous sex hormones and hormone treatment approaches impact fatty acid, triglyceride, and cholesterol metabolism to influence metabolic and cardiovascular risk. We also discuss potential reasons for why treatment strategies with estrogens and androgens in older individuals fail to fully recapitulate the effects of endogenous sex hormones.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

The pathways that confer ASCVD protection for women are of potential therapeutic relevance. Despite protection relative to men, ASCVD is still the major cause of mortality in women. Additionally, diabetic women have similar ASCVD risk as diabetic men, suggesting that the presence of diabetes may offset the protective cardiovascular effects of being female through unknown mechanisms.

Development of vaccine for dyslipidemia targeted to a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) epitope in mice

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) regulates expression of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors via receptor internalization and subsequent lysosomal degradation. Thus, an anti-PCSK9 antibody is well known as an anti-hyperlipidemia drug. Here, we aimed to develop vaccine for a long-term treatment of dyslipidemia targeted to PCSK9. In This study, we designed a peptide vaccine for mouse PCSK-9, which consisted of short peptides conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) as a carrier protein. Vaccines were administered to male apolipoprotein E (ApoE) deficient mice with adjuvants and significantly elicited an antibody response against PCSK9. The PCSK9 vaccines were administered to mice three times in 2-week intervals, and antibody titers and lipoprotein levels were evaluated up to 24 weeks after the first immunization to determine the therapeutic effect. Anti-PCSK9 antibody titers reached peak levels 6 weeks after the first immunization, and theses titers were maintained for up to 24 weeks. Decreased plasma levels of total cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and chylomicron (CM) were maintained for up to 24 weeks. Immunized mice exhibited a significant increase in cell-surface LDL receptor expression. Stimulation with KLH, but not PCSK9, induced the production of INF-gamma and interleukin-4 (IL-4), as determined with ELISPOT assays, thus indicating that PCSK9 vaccine did not elicit T-cell activation in our vaccine system. The present anti-PCSK9 vaccine induced long-lasting anti-PCSK9 antibody production and improved lipoprotein profiles. Thus, anti-PCSK9 vaccine could become a new option for the treatment of dyslipidemia as a long-acting therapy in future.

Potential Link Between Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 and Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease [AD] is not only the most common neurodegenerative disease but is also currently incurable. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-9 [PCSK9] is an indirect regulator of plasma low density lipoprotein [LDL] levels controlling LDL receptor expression at the plasma membrane. PCSK9 also appears to regulate the development of glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, inflammation, and hypertension, conditions that have been identified as risk factors for AD. PCSK9 levels also depend on age, sex, and ethnic background, factors associated with AD. Herein, we will review indirect evidence that suggests a link between PCSK9 levels and AD.

Low-density lipoprotein receptor deficiency impaired mice osteoblastogenesis in vitro

Postmenopausal osteoporosis affected most elderly women with co-existence of lipid and bone metabolism disorders. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the parallel progression and cross-talk of these systems remained unclear. In the present study, low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLR^-/-) mice were chosen to elucidate the effect of LDLR in regulating the differentiation of osteoblasts, which were responsible for bone formation and modulation of osteoclastogenesis. Primary osteoblasts were isolated from the calvarium of newborn LDLR^-/- or wild-type mice followed by osteoblastic differentiation culture in vitro. Alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly decreased in LDLR^-/- osteoblasts compared to wild-type controls, combined with calcium deposit formation delay, implying impaired osteoblastogenesis in vitro. Consistent with these findings, the expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was decreased 3 days after differentiation in LDLR^-/- osteoblasts compared to wild-type controls. Moreover, the expression of Osterix was decreased 7 days after differentiation in LDLR^-/- osteoblasts compared to wild-type controls, later than Runx2.However, the osteoclastogenesis modulation role of osteoblasts was unaffected by the LDLR deficiency, evidenced by the same level of osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κ B ligand (RANKL) axis between LDLR^-/- and wild-type control osteoblasts. Our results provide a novel insight into the role of LDLR during osteoblastic differentiation and improve understanding of cross-talk between bone and lipid metabolisms.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are associated with elevated PCSK9 levels in young women

BACKGROUND

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a key regulator of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk, and is an emerging therapeutic target.

OBJECTIVE

We compared serum PCSK9 levels in young adults, with and without type 2 diabetes.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis was conducted in a cohort, aged 15 to 26 years, in Cincinnati, OH, from 2005 to 2010. Serum PCSK9 levels were measured in 94 youth with type 2 diabetes, 93 obese control subjects, and 99 lean control subjects. Correlative analyses were conducted to determine significant covariates of PCSK9 by group and sex, and multivariate linear regression models were used to study the independent determinants of PCSK9.

RESULTS

In females, PCSK9 levels were significantly increased in the obese and type 2 diabetes subjects relative to the lean controls (P < .01). Moreover, PCSK9 was positively correlated with multiple metabolic parameters in females: body mass index, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and C-reactive protein levels (P ≤ .02). In males, PCSK9 levels were decreased overall compared with females (P = .03), and did not differ between the lean, obese, or type 2 diabetes groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity and type 2 diabetes were associated with significantly higher levels of PCSK9 in young women, but not in young men. These data suggest that sex could modify the effects of obesity and diabetes on PCSK9 in young adults.

Triglyceride Rich Lipoprotein -LPL-VLDL Receptor and Lp(a)-VLDL Receptor Pathways for Macrophage Foam Cell Formation

Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptor is a member of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family. It binds triglyceride rich lipoprotein (TGRL) but not LDL, because it recognizes apolipoprotein (apo)E only but not apoB. The VLDL receptor functions as a peripheral lipoprotein receptor in concert with lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in heart, muscle, adipose tissue and macrophages. In contrast to the LDL receptor, VLDL receptor binds apo E2/2 VLDL and apoE3/3 VLDL particles, and its expression is not down-regulated by intracellular lipoproteins. It has been reported that both LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and postprandial triglyceride (chyromicron and VLDL remnants) are risk factors for human atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). True ligands such as lipoprotein particles of the VLDL receptor are chyromicron remnant (CMR) and VLDL remnant (postprandial hyperlipidemia). Although the oxidized LDL (oxLDL)-scavenger receptors pathway is considered to be the main mechanism for macrophage foam cell formation, it seems that the TGRL-LPL-VLDL receptor pathway is also involved. Since Lp(a) is one of the ligands for the VLDL receptor, the Lp(a)- VLDL receptor pathway is another potential alternative. The expression of VLDL receptor protein in mouse macrophages is modest compared to that in rabbit and human macrophages, both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, we need to elucidate the mechanism of human ASCVD not by using the mouse model and scavenger receptors pathway but instead using the rabbit model and VLDL receptor pathway, respectively.

Shunts, channels and lipoprotein endosomal traffic: a new model of cholesterol homeostasis in the hepatocyte

The liver directs cholesterol metabolism in the organism. All the major fluxes of cholesterol within the body involve the liver: dietary cholesterol is directed to the liver; cholesterol from peripheral cells goes to the liver; the liver is a major site of cholesterol synthesis for the organism; cholesterol is secreted from the liver within the bile, within apoB lipoproteins and translocated to nascent HDL. The conventional model of cholesterol homeostasis posits that cholesterol from any source enters a common, rapidly exchangeable pool within the cell, which is in equilibrium with a regulatory pool. Increased influx of cholesterol leads rapidly to decreased synthesis of cholesterol. This model was developed based on in vitro studies in the fibroblast and validated only for LDL particles. The challenges the liver must meet in vivo to achieve cholesterol homeostasis are far more complex. Our model posits that the cholesterol derived from three different lipoproteins endosomes has three different fates: LDL-derived cholesterol is largely recycled within VLDL with most of the cholesterol shunted through the hepatocyte without entering the exchangeable pool of cholesterol; high density lipoprotein-derived CE is transcytosed into bile; and chylomicron remnant-derived cholesterol primarily enters the regulatory pool within the hepatocyte. These endosomal channels represent distinct physiological pathways and hepatic homeostasis represents the net result of the outcomes of these distinct channels. Our model takes into account the distinct physiological challenges the hepatocyte must meet, underlie the pathophysiology of many of the apoB dyslipoproteinemias and account for the sustained effectiveness of therapeutic agents such as statins.

Estrogen Signals Through Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Coactivator 1α to Reduce Oxidative Damage Associated With Diet-Induced Fatty Liver Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Inefficient fatty acid oxidation in mitochondria and increased oxidative damage are features of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In rodent models and patients with NAFLD, hepatic expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARG) coactivator 1α (PPARGC1A or PGC1A) is inversely correlated with liver fat and disease severity. A common polymorphism in this gene (rs8192678, encoding Gly482Ser) has been associated with NAFLD. We investigated whether reduced expression of PGC1A contributes to development of NAFLD using mouse models, primary hepatocytes, and human cell lines.

METHODS

HepG2 cells were transfected with variants of PPARGC1A and protein and messenger RNA levels were measured. Mice with liver-specific hemizygous or homozygous disruption of Ppargc1a (Ppargc1af/+Alb-cre+/0 and Ppargc1af/f Alb-cre+/0 mice, respectively) were fed regular chow (control) or a high-fat diet supplemented with 30% d-fructose in drinking water (obesogenic diet) for 25-33 weeks. Liver tissues were analyzed by histology and by immunoblotting. Primary hepatocytes were analyzed for insulin signaling, reactive oxygen species, and estrogen response. Luciferase reporter expression was measured in transfected H2.35 cells expressing an estrogen receptor reporter gene, estrogen receptor 1, and/or PGC1A/B.

RESULTS

The serine 482 variant of the human PGC1A protein had a shorter half-life than the glycine 482 variant when expressed in HepG2 cells. Liver tissues from mice with liver-specific hemizygous disruption of Ppargc1a placed on an obesogenic diet expressed increased markers of inflammation and fibrosis and decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes compared with the Ppargc1a+/+ on the same diet. Oxidative damage was observed in livers from Ppargc1af/+Alb-cre+/0 mice of each sex, in a cell-autonomous manner, but was greater in livers from the female mice. Expression of PGC1A in H2.35 cells coactivated estrogen receptor 1 and was required for estrogen-dependent expression of genes that encode antioxidant proteins. These findings could account for the increased liver damage observed in female Ppargc1af/+Alb-cre+/0 mice; while, compensatory increases in PPARG coactivator 1β could prevent oxidative damage associated with complete loss of PGC1A expression in Ppargc1af/fAlb-cre+/0 female mice.

CONCLUSIONS

In mice, loss of estrogen signaling contributes to oxidative damage caused by low levels of PGC1A in liver, exacerbating steatohepatitis associated with diets high in fructose and fat.

The Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9-resistant R410S Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor Mutation: A NOVEL MECHANISM CAUSING FAMILIAL HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is characterized by severely elevated low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Herein, we identified an FH patient presenting novel compound heterozygote mutations R410S and G592E of the LDL receptor (LDLR). The patient responded modestly to maximum rosuvastatin plus ezetimibe therapy, even in combination with a PCSK9 monoclonal antibody injection. Using cell biology and molecular dynamics simulations, we aimed to define the underlying mechanism(s) by which these LDLR mutations affect LDL metabolism and lead to hypercholesterolemia. Our data showed that the LDLR-G592E is a class 2b mutant, because it mostly failed to exit the endoplasmic reticulum and was degraded. Even though LDLR-R410S and LDLR-WT were similar in levels of cell surface and total receptor and bound equally well to LDL or extracellular PCSK9, the LDLR-R410S was resistant to exogenous PCSK9-mediated degradation in endosomes/lysosomes and showed reduced LDL internalization and degradation relative to LDLR-WT. Evidence is provided for a tighter association of LDL with LDLR-R410S at acidic pH, a reduced LDL delivery to late endosomes/lysosomes, and an increased release in the medium of the bound/internalized LDL, as compared with LDLR-WT. These data suggested that LDLR-R410S recycles loaded with its LDL-cargo. Our findings demonstrate that LDLR-R410S represents an LDLR loss-of-function through a novel class 8 FH-causing mechanism, thereby rationalizing the observed phenotype.

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Ca2+ Depletion Differentially Modulate the Sterol Regulatory Protein PCSK9 to Control Lipid Metabolism

Accumulating evidence implicates endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress as a mediator of impaired lipid metabolism, thereby contributing to fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis. Previous studies demonstrated that ER stress can activate the sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 (SREBP2), an ER-localized transcription factor that directly up-regulates sterol regulatory genes, including PCSK9 Given that PCSK9 contributes to atherosclerosis by targeting low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) degradation, this study investigates a novel mechanism by which ER stress plays a role in lipid metabolism by examining its ability to modulate PCSK9 expression. Herein, we demonstrate the existence of two independent effects of ER stress on PCSK9 expression and secretion. In cultured HuH7 and HepG2 cells, agents or conditions that cause ER Ca²⁺ depletion, including thapsigargin, induced SREBP2-dependent up-regulation of PCSK9 expression. In contrast, a significant reduction in the secreted form of PCSK9 protein was observed in the media from both thapsigargin- and tunicamycin (TM)-treated HuH7 cells, mouse primary hepatocytes, and in the plasma of TM-treated C57BL/6 mice. Furthermore, TM significantly increased hepatic LDLR expression and reduced plasma LDL concentrations in mice. Based on these findings, we propose a model in which ER Ca²⁺ depletion promotes the activation of SREBP2 and subsequent transcription of PCSK9. However, conditions that cause ER stress regardless of their ability to dysregulate ER Ca²⁺ inhibit PCSK9 secretion, thereby reducing PCSK9-mediated LDLR degradation and promoting LDLR-dependent hepatic cholesterol uptake. Taken together, our studies provide evidence that the retention of PCSK9 in the ER may serve as a potential strategy for lowering LDL cholesterol levels.

Dynamics of hepatic and intestinal cholesterol and bile acid pathways: The impact of the animal model of estrogen deficiency and exercise training

Plasma cholesterol level is determined by a complex dynamics that involves transport lipoproteins which levels are tightly dependent on how the liver and the intestine regulate cholesterol and biliary acid metabolism. Regulation of cholesterol and biliary acids by the liver and the intestine is in turn coupled to a large array of enzymes and transporters that largely influence the inflow and the outflow of cholesterol and biliary acids through these organs. The activity of the key regulators of cholesterol and biliary acids may be influenced by several external factors such as pharmacological drugs and the nutritional status. In recent years, more information has been gathered about the impact of estrogens on regulation of cholesterol in the body. Exposure to high levels of estrogens has been reported to promote cholesterol gallstone formation and women are twice as likely as men to develop cholesterol gallstones. The impact of estrogen withdrawal, such as experienced by menopausal women, is therefore of importance and more information on how the absence of estrogens influence cholesterol regulation is started to come out, especially through the use of animal models. An interesting alternative to metabolic deterioration due to estrogen deficiency is exercise training. The present review is intended to summarize the present information that links key regulators of cholesterol and biliary acid pathways in liver and intestine to the absence of estrogens in an animal model and to discuss the potential role of exercise training as an alternative.

Combined Effects of Rosuvastatin and Exercise on Gene Expression of Key Molecules Involved in Cholesterol Metabolism in Ovariectomized Rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three weeks of rosuvastatin (Ros) treatment alone and in combination with voluntary training (Tr) on expression of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism (LDLR, PCSK9, LRP-1, SREBP-2, IDOL, ACAT-2 and HMGCR) in the liver of eight week-old ovariectomized (Ovx) rats. Sprague Dawley rats were Ovx or sham-operated (Sham) and kept sedentary for 8 weeks under a standard diet. Thereafter, rats were transferred for three weeks in running wheel cages for Tr or kept sedentary (Sed) with or without Ros treatment (5mg/kg/day). Six groups were formed: Sham-Sed treated with saline (Sal) or Ros (Sham-Sed-Sal; Sham-Sed-Ros), Ovx-Sed treated with Sal or Ros (Ovx-Sed-Sal; Ovx-Sed-Ros), Ovx trained treated with Sal or Ros (Ovx-Tr-Sal; Ovx-Tr-Ros). Ovx-Sed-Sal rats depicted higher (P < 0.05) body weight, plasma total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-C, and liver TC content compared to Sham-Sed-Sal rats. In contrast, mRNA levels of liver PCSK9, LDLR, LRP-1 as well as plasma PCSK9 concentrations and protein levels of LRP-1 were reduced (P < 0.01) in Ovx-Sed-Sal compared to Sham-Sed-Sal rats. However, protein levels of LDLR increased (P < 0.05) in Ovx-Sed-Sal compared to Sham-Sed-Sal rats. Treatment of Ovx rats with Ros increased (P < 0.05) mRNA and protein levels of LRP-1 and PCSK9 but not mRNA levels of LDLR, while its protein abundance was reduced at the level of Sham rats. As a result, plasma LDL-C was not reduced. Exercise alone did not affect the expression of any of these markers in Ovx rats. Overall, Ros treatment corrected Ovx-induced decrease in gene expression of markers of cholesterol metabolism in liver of Ovx rats, but without reducing plasma LDL-C concentrations. Increased plasma PCSK9 levels could be responsible for the reduction of liver LDLR protein abundance and the absence of reduction of plasma LDL-C after Ros treatment.

Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) Single Domain Antibodies Are Potent Inhibitors of Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor Degradation

Single domain antibodies (sdAbs) correspond to the antigen-binding domains of camelid antibodies. They have the same antigen-binding properties and specificity as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) but are easier and cheaper to produce. We report here the development of sdAbs targeting human PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) as an alternative to anti-PCSK9 mAbs. After immunizing a llama with human PCSK9, we selected four sdAbs that bind PCSK9 with a high affinity and produced them as fusion proteins with a mouse Fc. All four sdAb-Fcs recognize the C-terminal Cys-His-rich domain of PCSK9. We performed multiple cellular assays and demonstrated that the selected sdAbs efficiently blocked PCSK9-mediated low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) degradation in cell lines, in human hepatocytes, and in mouse primary hepatocytes. We further showed that the sdAb-Fcs do not affect binding of PCSK9 to the LDLR but rather block its induced cellular LDLR degradation. Pcsk9 knock-out mice expressing a human bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgene were generated, resulting in plasma levels of ∼300 ng/ml human PCSK9. Mice were singly or doubly injected with the best sdAb-Fc and analyzed at day 4 or 11, respectively. After 4 days, mice exhibited a 32 and 44% decrease in the levels of total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B and ∼1.8-fold higher liver LDLR protein levels. At 11 days, the equivalent values were 24 and 46% and ∼2.3-fold higher LDLR proteins. These data constitute a proof-of-principle for the future usage of sdAbs as PCSK9-targeting drugs that can efficiently reduce LDL-cholesterol, and as tools to study the Cys-His-rich domain-dependent sorting the PCSK9-LDLR complex to lysosomes.

New developments in proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin 9's biology and clinical implications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

High levels of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) are directly associated with devastating cardiovascular complications. Statins downregulate cholesterol synthesis and upregulate hepatic mRNA levels of LDL receptor (LDLR) and proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin 9 (PCSK9), a validated enhancer of LDLR protein degradation. Herein, we summarize recent discoveries of the biological properties of PCSK9 in both health and disease states.

RECENT FINDINGS

PCSK9 downregulation of the LDLR protein likely explains the observed protective effect of the loss of PCSK9 in reducing lipoprotein(a) and incidence of septic shock. Injectable inhibitory PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies are now prescribed to hypercholesterolemic patients that do not reach target levels of LDL-C with available drugs. PCSK9 also reduces the levels of other receptors, for example, VLDL receptor (VLDLR), ApoER2, CD36, and CD81. The efficacy of the upregulation of LDLR and VLDLR cell surface levels in the absence of PCSK9 is both tissue and sex dependent. As LDLR, CD81, and VLDLR are hepatitis C receptors, PCSK9 may protect against certain viral infections.

SUMMARY

New functions of PCSK9 and other receptor targets are beginning to emerge to explain the observed changes in LDL-C and triglycerides. The effect of PCSK9 loss-of-function on glucose metabolism, factors that regulate the expression of PCSK9, and the roles of PCSK9 in other tissues, for example, intestine, kidney, and brain require further investigations.

Effect of Leptin Replacement on PCSK9 in ob/ob Mice and Female Lipodystrophic Patients

Leptin treatment has beneficial effects on plasma lipids in patients with lipodystrophy, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) decreases low-density lipoprotein (LDL) clearance, promotes hypercholesterolemia, and has recently emerged as a novel therapeutic target. To determine the effect of leptin on PCSK9, we treated male and female ob/ob mice with leptin for 4 days via sc osmotic pumps (∼24 μg/d). Leptin reduced body weight and food intake in all mice, but the effects of leptin on plasma PCSK9 and lipids differed markedly between the sexes. In male mice, leptin suppressed PCSK9 but had no effect on plasma triglycerides or cholesterol. In female mice, leptin suppressed plasma triglycerides and cholesterol but had no effect on plasma PCSK9. In parallel, we treated female lipodystrophic patients (8 females, ages 5-23 y) with sc metreleptin injections (∼4.4 mg/d) for 4-6 months. In this case, leptin reduced plasma PCSK9 by 26% (298 ± 109 vs 221 ± 102 ng/mL; n = 8; P = .008), and the change in PCSK9 was correlated with a decrease in LDL cholesterol (r(2) = 0.564, P = .03). In summary, in leptin-deficient ob/ob mice, the effects of leptin on PCSK9 and plasma lipids appeared to be independent of one another and strongly modified by sex. On the other hand, in lipodystrophic females, leptin treatment reduced plasma PCSK9 in parallel with LDL cholesterol.