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A Model of Disturbed Flow-Induced Atherosclerosis in Mouse Carotid Artery by Partial Ligation and a Simple Method of RNA Isolation from Carotid Endothelium
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A Model of Disturbed Flow-Induced Atherosclerosis in Mouse Carotid Artery by Partial Ligation and a Simple Method of RNA Isolation from Carotid Endothelium

Published on: June 22, 2010

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PCSK9/LDLR System and Rheumatoid Arthritis-Related Atherosclerosis

Aikaterini Arida1, Aigli-Ioanna Legaki2, Evrydiki Kravvariti1

  • 1Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.

Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
|October 25, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and LDL-Receptor (LDLR) system is implicated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) atherosclerosis. Altered PCSK9/LDLR ratios correlate with plaque presence, suggesting its potential as a screening tool for RA cardiovascular complications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Rheumatology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is linked to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
  • Chronic inflammation in RA is a potential common pathway for CVD development.
  • The Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)/LDL-Receptor (LDLR) system regulates LDL clearance and is crucial in atherogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the PCSK9/LDLR system in RA-associated atherosclerosis.
  • To determine the association of PCSK9 and LDLR levels with atherosclerosis markers in RA patients.

Main Methods:

  • High-resolution ultrasound was used to assess arterial hypertrophy, atheromatosis, and stiffness in 85 RA patients.
  • Comprehensive biochemical profiling included measurement of circulating PCSK9 and LDLR levels.
  • Multivariate analysis examined associations between PCSK9/LDLR and patient characteristics/atherosclerosis.

Main Results:

  • RA patients with ≥2 atheromatic plaques showed increased LDLR levels and a decreased PCSK9/LDLR ratio compared to those without plaques.
  • Both PCSK9 and LDLR levels positively correlated with the presence of atheromatic plaques.
  • Age- and gender-adjusted multivariate analysis confirmed these associations.

Conclusions:

  • The PCSK9/LDLR system appears to play a significant role in the development of atherosclerosis in RA patients.
  • The PCSK9/LDLR system may serve as a future screening tool for monitoring RA progression and cardiovascular risk.

Keywords:
LDLRPCSK9cardiovascular diseaseinflammationrheumatoid arthritis

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