| Summary: | Magister Pharmaceuticae - MPharm === Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as ischaemic heart diseases, heart failure and stroke
remain a major cause of death globally. Various deep-rooted factors influence CVD
development; these include but are not limited to elevated blood lipids, high blood pressure,
obesity and diabetes. A considerable number of proteins are involved directly and indirectly in
the transport, maintenance and elimination of plasma lipids, including high and low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C and LDL-C). There are several mechanisms involved in the
removal of LDL particles from systemic circulation. One such mechanism is associated with
the gene that encodes proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), which has
become an exciting therapeutic target for the reduction of residual risk of CVDs. Currently,
statins are the mainstay treatment to reduce LDL-C, and a need exists to further develop more
effective LDL-C-lowering drugs that might supplement statins. This study was aimed at
contributing to the generation of knowledge regarding the effect of niacin in reducing LDL
levels through PCSK9 interaction.
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