PCSK9 and coronary atherosclerosis: Whereas PCSK9, an important factor regulating cholesterol homeostasis, has been reported to be associated with a variety of physiological and pathological factors dependent or independent of the LDLR, such as statins [11], fenofibrate [12], fasting [13], sex [14], periodontal infection [15], systemic inflammation [16], severe trauma injury [17] and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis [18].