PCSK9 and atherosclerosis: In a murine model of atherosclerosis initiated by the expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), elevated circulating LDL cholesterol levels led to larger atherosclerotic plaques (1.55 mm3 vs. 0.90 mm3) and necrotic cores in the aortic root (0.18 mm3 vs. 0.05 mm3), along with increased inflammatory infiltration (Mac2 staining: 47.3% vs. 27.6%) in mice with higher circulating suPAR levels compared with wild-type controls (37).