Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexin Type 9 Null Mice Are Protected From Postprandial Triglyceridemia

Objectives-Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a natural inhibitor of the low-density lipoprotein receptor, and its deficiency in humans results in low plasma LDL-cholesterol and protection against cardiovascular disease. We explored whether PCSK9 expression impacts postprandial triglyceridemia, another important cardiovascular risk factor.

Methods and Results-Real-time PCR and confocal microscopy were used to show that PCSK9 is expressed throughout the entire small intestine and in human enterocytes. On olive oil gavage, PCSK9-deficient mice showed a dramatically decreased postprandial triglyceridemia compared with their wild-type littermates. Lymph analysis revealed that intestinal TG output is not quantitatively modified by PCSK9 deletion. However, PCSK9(-/-) mice present with a significant reduction of lymphatic apoB secretion compared to PCSK9(+/+) mice. Modulating PCSK9 expression in polarized CaCo-2 cells confirmed the relationship between PCSK9 and apoB secretion; PCSK9(-/-) mice consistently secrete larger TG-rich lipoprotein than wild-type littermates. Finally, kinetic studies showed that PCSK9-deficient mice have an increased ability to clear chylomicrons compared to wild-type littermates.

Conclusion-These findings indicate that in addition to its effect on LDL-cholesterol, PCSK9 deficiency might protect against cardiovascular disease by reducing postprandial triglyceridemia. (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2009; 29: 684-690.)