Pcsk9−/− mice exhibit increased renal ER stress on a high-fat diet (HFD). (A–E) Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis and quantification of the renal cortex of Pcsk9−/− mice and relevant controls on a HFD for phosphorylated protein kinase RNA–like ER kinase, CD36, perilipin, and α-smooth muscle actin (*P<0.05). (F) qRT-PCR analysis of ER stress, inflammatory, apoptotic, and fibrotic markers in the renal cortex of the mice (*P<0.05). (G) Relative intrarenal triglyceride content assessed in Pcsk9−/− mice fed either a NCD or a HFD relative to controls (*P<0.05). (H) Serum Cystatin C levels were measured and assessed in Pcsk9−/− mice fed either a NCD or a HFD relative to controls (*P<0.05). Data are represented as the mean, and errors are represented as the SD. Differences between groups were determined using t tests or ANOVAs. Scale bars, 100 µm.