The PCSK9 gene: a new gene controlling cholesterolemia

The distribution of cholesterol plasma is regulated by complex interactions between genes and environmental factors. Mutations of PCSK9 gene seem to modulate the levels of LDLC. Mutations of PCSK9 gene with gain of function are associated to hypercholesterolemia and mutations with loss of function determine hypocholesterolemia.

PCSK9-D374Y mediated LDL-R degradation can be functionally inhibited by EGF-A and truncated EGF-A peptides. An in vitro study

Correction to: Major adverse cardiovascular events in non-valvular atrial fibrillation with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the ARAPACIS study.

Correction to: Internal and Emergency Medicine (2018) 13:651–660 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11739-018-1835-9 In the original publication, one of the ARAPACIS collaborators Dr. “Leonardo Di Gennaro” name has been erroneously mentioned as “Leonardo De Gennaro”.

A NOVEL LOSS OF FUNCTION MUTATION OF PCSK9 GENE

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 activity is increased in patients with definite familial hypercholesterolemia compared with other forms of hypercholesterolemia

Background and Aim: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2(Lp-PLA2) plays a key role in atherosclerosis development. It is considered a marker of increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and plaque vulnerability. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder characterized by elevated plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and a higher prevalence of early CVD. Our aim was to evaluate the differences in Lp-PLA2activity in a population of hypercholesterolemic patients with and without definite FH. Methods and Results: Hypercholesterolemic patients were consecutively recruited. Definite FH was defined according to Dutch Lipid Clinic Network criteria ≥8. All pat…

Cardiovascular Efficacy and Safety of Bococizumab in High-Risk Patients

Item does not contain fulltext BACKGROUND: Bococizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and reduces levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of bococizumab in patients at high cardiovascular risk. METHODS: In two parallel, multinational trials with different entry criteria for LDL cholesterol levels, we randomly assigned the 27,438 patients in the combined trials to receive bococizumab (at a dose of 150 mg) subcutaneously every 2 weeks or placebo. The primary end point was nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, hospitalization for unstable angina requiring urgent re…