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Lipoprotein(a) and inhibitors of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9

Kazuhiko Kotani1, Maciej Banach2

  • 1Division of Community and Family Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan.

Journal of Thoracic Disease
|February 17, 2017
PubMed

Insights

New PCSK9 inhibitors effectively lower lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels, a cardiovascular disease risk factor. The exact mechanism for this reduction remains under investigation, prompting further research into PCSK9 inhibitor utility.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
  • Elevated Lp(a) is observed in familial hypercholesterolemia and high LDL cholesterol.
  • Limited effective therapies exist for modulating Lp(a) levels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the effects of PCSK9 inhibitors on Lp(a) levels.
  • To explore potential mechanisms underlying PCSK9 inhibitor-mediated Lp(a) reduction.
  • To discuss future perspectives on this therapeutic approach.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on PCSK9 inhibitors and Lp(a).
  • Analysis of clinical data demonstrating Lp(a) reduction with PCSK9 inhibitors.
  • Discussion of proposed biological pathways involved.

Main Results:

  • Monoclonal antibody-based PCSK9 inhibitors significantly reduce both LDL cholesterol and Lp(a) levels.
  • Observed reduction in Lp(a) by PCSK9 inhibitors has garnered significant research interest.
  • The precise mechanism by which PCSK9 inhibition lowers Lp(a) is not yet fully elucidated.

Conclusions:

  • PCSK9 inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic strategy for managing elevated Lp(a).
  • Further research is crucial to elucidate the exact mechanism of Lp(a) reduction.
  • Understanding these mechanisms could lead to optimized cardiovascular disease prevention strategies.

Keywords:
Apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)]LDL receptorLDL receptor-related protein (LRP)apolipoprotein B (apoB)familiar hypercholesterolemiascavenger receptor (SR)

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