Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 17, 2026
10:31
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice
Published on: May 2, 2025
797
PCSK9 in diabetic kidney disease.
Usama Elewa1,2,3, Beatriz Fernández-Fernández1,2,3, Ignacio Mahillo-Fernández1
1IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|July 21, 2016
Summary
In diabetic kidney disease (DKD), lipid-lowering therapies, especially fibrate and statin combinations, are linked to higher proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels. Further research is needed to explore PCSK9
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a rapidly growing cause of mortality worldwide.
- Current treatments for DKD, including statins, offer limited protection.
- Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a therapeutic target for hypercholesterolemia, with anti-PCSK9 agents reducing cardiovascular events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors influencing plasma PCSK9 levels in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).
- To explore the relationship between PCSK9 and kidney function parameters (eGFR, albuminuria) in DKD patients.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 134 DKD patients across eGFR G1-G4 and albuminuria A1-A3 categories.
- Plasma PCSK9 levels were measured and analyzed in relation to clinical factors and therapies.
- Multivariate analysis was employed to identify independent predictors of plasma PCSK9.
Main Results:
- Mean plasma PCSK9 levels were 309.8±113.9 ng/ml.
- Plasma PCSK9 was not significantly influenced by eGFR or albuminuria.
- Higher PCSK9 levels were observed in patients on lipid-lowering therapy, particularly with fibrate and statin combinations. Renin was also independently correlated.
Conclusions:
- Lipid-lowering drugs, especially fibrate/statin combinations, are independently associated with elevated PCSK9 levels in DKD.
- PCSK9's potential as a biomarker to guide anti-PCSK9 therapy in DKD patients warrants further investigation.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
971
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
971
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
581
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
581
01:24Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
890
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
890
01:25Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Dose Adjustments Based on Drug Clearance and Elimination Rate Constant
296
In patients with renal disease, dosage adjustments are necessary to maintain therapeutic plasma drug concentrations and prevent toxicity or subtherapeutic exposure. Renal impairment alters drug pharmacokinetics, especially in conditions like uremia, where changes such as prolonged elimination half-life and altered apparent volume of distribution can significantly affect drug disposition. These changes require careful modification of the dosing regimen to achieve the desired clinical...
296
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
663
A kidney transplant is a surgical approach that involves replacing a non-functioning kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure is often a treatment option for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The method requires careful recipient selection, including evaluating various medical and psychosocial factors. These criteria vary between transplant centers but generally include assessments of the patient's overall health, adherence to medical recommendations, and lifestyle...
663
01:30Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
452
Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
452