Krychtiuk KA, Lenz M, Hohensinner P, et al. - Given a crucial involvement of monocytes in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, researchers herein investigated if circulating concentrations of PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9) are related to monocyte subsets. Participants were 69 patients experiencing stable coronary artery disease. Monocyte subsets were classical monocytes (CD14++CD16-; CM), intermediate monocytes (CD14++CD16+; IM) and non-classical monocytes (CD14+CD16++; NCM). Higher PCSK9-levels were detected in cases managed by statin treatment (n=55) vs those without statin treatment. In patients receiving statin therapy, a correlation of CM with circulating PCSK9 levels was identified, while an inverse link of NCM with PCSK9 levels was evident. A significantly lower proportion of NCM was reported in relation to PCSK9 levels >median vs those with PCSK9