New lipid therapies: PCSK9 inhibitors
- Farah Meah, DO
- Arshi Basit, MD
- Alaleh Mazhari, DO
- Mary Ann Emanuele, MD
- Nicholas Emanuele, MD
DOIAbstract
Pharmacologic therapy reduces cardiovascular risk in a variety of primary and secondary prevention clinical situations in addition to lifestyle modifications. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a key mediator of atherogenesis. Most cholesterol guidelines propose specific LDL-C while recently the ACC/AHA recommends statin therapy without a specific LDL-C target. Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease that leads to LDL receptor degradation. The decreased availability of LDL receptors results in decreased clearance and an increase of circulating LDL-C particles. Monoclonal antibodies that inhibit PCSK9 (PCSK9 abs) reduce LDL-C levels and may be especially helpful in familial hypercholesterolemia and s...
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