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. 2021 Apr 1;28(4):329-337.
doi: 10.5551/jat.56390. Epub 2020 Jul 4.

Serum Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) is Independently Associated with Insulin Resistance, Triglycerides, Lipoprotein(a) Levels but not Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in a General Population

Hitoshi Hamamura  1 , Hisashi Adachi  1   2 , Mika Enomoto  1 , Ako Fukami  1 , Sachiko Nakamura  1 , Yume Nohara  1 , Nagisa Morikawa  1 , Akiko Sakaue  1 , Kenta Toyomasu  1 , Maki Yamamoto  1 , Yoshihiro Fukumoto  1
Affiliations

Serum Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) is Independently Associated with Insulin Resistance, Triglycerides, Lipoprotein(a) Levels but not Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in a General Population

Hitoshi Hamamura et al. J Atheroscler Thromb. .

Abstract

Aim: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has been identified as an important regulator of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor processing. Evolocumab and alirocumab are PCSK9 inhibitors; however, little is known about the association between PCSK9 levels and lipid profiles in a general population. Because PCSK9 inhibitors have LDL-C lowering effects, we investigated whether there is a positive correlation between serum PCSK9 levels and LDL-C or lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)].

Methods: In Uku town, 674 residents (mean age; 69.2±8.3 years) received health check-ups. The participants underwent a physical examination and blood tests, including PCSK9 and Lp(a). Serum PCSK9 and Lp(a) were measured by ELISA and Latex methods, respectively. HOMA-IR was calculated by fasting plasma glucose×insulin levels/405.

Results: The mean (range) of PCSK9 and Lp(a) were 211.2 (49-601) ng/mL and 60 (1-107) mg/dL, respectively. Because of a skewed distribution, the log-transformed values were used. With univariate linear regression analysis, PCSK9 levels were associated with Lp(a) (p=0.028), triglycerides (p＜0.001), and HOMA-IR (p＜0.001), but not with LDL-C (p=0.138) levels. Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that serum PCSK9 levels were independently associated with triglycerides (p＜0.001), Lp(a) (p=0.033) and HOMA-IR (p=0.041).

Conclusions: PCSK-9 is independently associated with triglycerides, Lp(a) levels, and HOMA-IR, but not LDL-C, in a relatively large general population sample.

Keywords: Epidemiology; Insulin resistance; Lipoprotein(a); Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9).

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Scatter gram of PCSK9 with age by gender
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Scatter gram between PCSK9 and Lp(a) (A), triglycerides (B), and LDL-C (C)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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