Similarly, no association of serum PCSK9 levels was observed with serum lipid levels (TG, TC, VLDLc, LDLc, HDLc, and non-HDLc/HDLc) and with renal function parameters (creatinine clearance, proteinuria, and serum creatinine) at 8 weeks (not shown), indicating that serum PCSK9 levels might not be a crucial determinant for dyslipidemia in our rat model of CTD. The gene discussed is PCSK9; the disease is metabolic syndrome.