Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor ameliorates cerebral ischemia in mice by inhibiting inflammation

Objectives: To investigate the potential protective effects of evolocumab, a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor, on ischemic stroke and its underlying mechanisms. Materials and methods: We established a mouse model with distal middle cerebral artery occlusion. We evaluated the therapeutic effects through neurological function and infarct size, while the underlying mechanisms were elucidated using western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results: Evolocumab improved neurological recovery, reduced the infarct volume, suppressed the activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B), and attenuated the increased levels of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha after cerebral ischemia.Conclusion: Evolocumab protects against cerebral ischemic injury by inhibiting inflammation. Therefore, the TLR4/NF-kB pathway may represent a major mechanism in ischemic stroke.