PCSK9 Gene and Heart Disease
Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the main culprit in causing clogged arteries and atherosclerosis. About half of the variation in LDL cholesterol in the blood is due to genetics. Thus far, eight different genes have been identified with the PCSK9 gene having three forms that are associated with lower plasma LDL levels.
- Two PCSK9 gene variations were more common in blacks and reduced LDL cholesterol levels by an average of 28 percent. This translated to a 88 percent decrease in coronary heart disease.
- One PCSK9 gene variation was more common in whites and reduced the level of LDL by about 15 percent. This translated to a 50 percent decrease in coronary heart disease.
Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs can also be used to achieve the same reduction in LDL but the effect would not be felt over a lifetime. Statin therapy does, however, increase the quantity of PCSK9 produced by cells, which results in the clearing of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.
But, there’s a difference between genetic effects on LDL cholesterol and pharmaceutical effects. Genes help keep a person’s LDL cholesterol levels low from birth while statins are usually only prescribed after cholesterol levels have become too high. There are a number of solutions:
- Encourage children and young adults to have a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle that will help keep their cholesterol levels low for most of their lives.
- Prescribe statin drugs earlier.
- Combine statin therapy and drugs that target PCSK9.
- Do all of the above and try to avoid that piece of bacon for breakfast.
ETA: If you’re interested in learning more about heart disease, check out my new blog - A Hearty Life.
HHMI News, March 23, 2006
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POSTED IN: Genetics of Disease
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3 opinions for PCSK9 Gene and Heart Disease
Santosh
Sep 28, 2007 at 7:02 am
Increase the quantity of PCSK9 produced by cells, which does not results in the clearing of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.
-because Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) post-transcriptionally degrades the low density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR). However, it is unknown whether PCSK9 acts directly on the LDLR or if PCSK9 activates another protein that in turn causes degradation of the LDLR.
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9
(PCSK9) is a member of a family of proteases that is thought to promote the degradation of the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) through an as yet undefined mechanism.
I think loss-of-function mutations in PCSK9 result
in lifelong reductions in LDL that are associated with significant reductions in the incidence of coronary heart disease. here point to the need for further investigations of the intricate mechanisms and potential roles of PCSK9 in the pathophysiology of Heart diseases.
A.Abdul wahaf
Dec 1, 2007 at 11:24 am
I want to more details about genes involving Cardiovascular Diseases.
What are the genes are causing heart attack.
Which genes are act as heart attack.
A.Abdul wahaf
Dec 1, 2007 at 11:27 am
Which genes are involving in heart diseases.
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