The Role of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) in Cardiovascular Homeostasis: A Non-Systematic Literature Review

BACKGROUND: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has been gaining major attention recently after the emergence of data showing the promising role of these proteins in lipid homeostasis and atherosclerosis process, glucose and blood pressure regulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Scholar and Scopus databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials, observational studies, in-vitro trials and reviews about the role of PCSK9 in cardiovascular homeostasis. RESULTS: PCSK9 was found to have major impact on lipid homeostasis and inflammatory process through regulation of low-density lipoprotein receptors. Furthermore, inflammation was found to stimulate the expression of PCSK9 in various cells. As for glomerular proteinuria, a positive correlation was determined between PCSK9 levels and the degree of proteinuria. Hypertension, a major cardiovascular risk factor, is likely affected by PCSK9 levels through their role on epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) surface expression. Likewise, some studies show that PCSK9 is associated with higher fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin, demonstrating a potential role of PCSK9 in glucose homeostasis. The role of PCSK9 in cardiovascular homeostasis is one that is still not completely unraveled. CONCLUSION: Studies have clearly shown the implication of PCSK9 in the cardiovascular risk factors: the higher the PCSK9 levels, the higher the risk of atherosclerosis, fasting plasma glucose and insulin resistance. Inhibiting PCSK9 may therefore theoretically prove to present great benefits in diabetic patients with high cardiovascular risk.