Statins are the first-line treatment for hypercholesterolemic patients. Herein, the effects of three statins on complex formation between proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin 9 (PCSK9) and the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), a critical step for the PCSK9-dependent degradation of LDLR in the lysosome, were examined. Human hepatocyte-like C3A cells grown in control (containing 10% fetal bovine serum) or MITO+ (supplemented with BD (TM) MITO + serum extender) medium were also treated with atorvastatin (Atorv), lovastatin (Lov), or pravastatin (Pray) for 24 h. RNA and protein expression studies and determinations of PCSK9/LDLR complex formation were performed. As expected, the statins increased the expression of PCSK9 and LDLR independently of the medium employed. Interestingly, Atov and Lov caused increases in PCSK9/LDLR complex formation, whereas Pray decreased complex formation when compared to cells treated without drugs. These results may explain why Pray works better for statin intolerant patients than other statins such as Atory and Lov. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.