Epigallocatechin gallate induces an up‐regulation of LDL receptor accompanied by a reduction of PCSK9 via the annexin A2‐independent pathway in HepG2 cells

Scope In animal studies, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the dominant catechin in green tea, has been shown to improve cholesterol metabolism. However, the molecular mechanisms of EGCG underlying these functions have not been fully understood. In this study, we aimed to clarify the molecular mechanisms of the effect of EGCG on cholesterol metabolism mainly in HepG2 cells. Methods and results We found that EGCG induced a reduction of the extracellular proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) level accompanied by an up‐regulation of the LDL receptor (LDLR) in HepG2 cells. The EGCG‐induced up‐regulation of LDLR occurred via the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. Moreover, we showed that EGCG induced a significant early reduction of the extracellular PCSK9 protein level. However, there were no significant changes in the PCSK9 mRNA and the intracellular PCSK9 protein levels induced by EGCG. Annexin A2 knockdown affected the basal LDLR expression and did not affect the EGCG‐induced reduction of the extracellular PCSK9 protein level or the up‐regulation of LDLR. Conclusion Annexin A2 possesses an essential function for the basal LDLR expression in HepG2 cells. But, EGCG induces the suppression of PCSK9 accompanied by an up‐regulation of LDLR in an annexin A2‐independent manner. EGCG attenuates the statin‐induced an increase in PCSK9 level.