Fig. 2

PCSK9-regulated expression of inflammatory cytokines and scavenger receptors. NF-κB is bound to IκBα in the cytoplasm in the resting state. With cell stimulation, such as with oxidized-LDL (ox-LDL), IκBα is degraded and the released NF-κB is then translocated into the nucleus to activate the transcription of target genes including inflammatory cytokines. In ox-LDL-induced macrophagocytes, PCSK9 enhances the expression of TLR4, which can promote NF-κB nuclear translocation. Then, the expression and secretion of inflammatory factors, including IL-1, IL-6, monocyte chemo-attractant protein 1 (MCP-1), and TNF-α, are increased. a PCSK9 promotes the expression of different scavenger receptors (SRs), including SR-A, CD36, and LOX-1 in macrophagocytes, thus enhancing ox-LDL uptake in macrophagocytes. b PCSK9 promotes expression of different SRs, including SR-A, CD36, and LOX-1 in macrophagocytes, thus enhancing ox-LDL uptake in macrophagocytes