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PCSK9

Meaning

PCSK9, which stands for Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9, is a circulating enzyme that plays a critical regulatory role in cholesterol homeostasis by governing the lifespan of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) on the surface of liver cells. By binding to the LDLR, PCSK9 promotes its degradation within the lysosome, effectively reducing the liver’s capacity to clear LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. In clinical practice, inhibition of this enzyme has become a powerful therapeutic strategy for significantly lowering circulating LDL-C levels, thereby mitigating cardiovascular risk, a major concern in hormonal aging. This enzyme is a key target in longevity and metabolic health.