PCSK9 and LDL Cholesterol: Any Good?

An editorial from the Annals of Internal Medicine in the April 2015 edition: In 2003, mutations in the gene encoding the enzyme proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) were identified as genetic causes for familial hypercholesterolemia (1). Investigations soon showed that PCSK9 was a key regulator of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol metabolism that promoted the… Read More

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Do PCSK9 Inhibitors Reduce Cardiovascular Events?

Two investigational drugs from a new class of lipid lowering agents – the proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors – significantly reduce cardiovascular events, new exploratory analyses have shown. PCSK9 promotes the degradation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors, so blocking its action increases the levels of receptor, which facilitates the clearance of LDL… Read More

Mortality Risk: Initial Level of Fitness & Statin Use

Veterans of the US Armed Forces must be the most studied group of warriors in the world. A recent study looked at 10,202  male veterans (mean age 60 years) who were on treatment for high blood pressure, and followed them up for 10 years to study their mortality risk according to initial levels of fitness… Read More