PCSK9 concentrations in different stages of subclinical atherosclerosis and their relationship with inflammation

The aim of this study was to detect the concentrations of PCSK9 in various subclinical stages of atherosclerosis and to highlight its relationship with inflammation. One hundred and fifty-nine healthy patients were divided into three groups, based on the extent of atherosclerotic changes in the carotid artery: a group without identifiable atherosclerosis, cIMT>75‰ and an asymptomatic plaque group. The PCSK9 was measured by ELISA and hsCRP by the immunoturbidimetric method. Vascular changes were identified by a carotid ultrasound. PCSK9 was elevated, when comparing the healthy group with the cIMT>75‰ group; however, no significant increase was detected between cIMT>75‰ and the asymptomatic plaque group. A positive linear correlation of the PCSK9 concentration and atherosclerotic changes was found; however, after the re-analysis in each group, this correlation persisted only in the group with still normal values. Additionally, a significant linear correlation was found between the PCSK9 concentrations and lipid parameters. However, no significant association was found with hsCRP. PCSK9 was found to be elevated only in cIMT>75‰, but not in the later plaque stage. A linear correlation of PCSK9 values was detected only in the group with still reference values. Based on this fact, we assumed the direct linear role of PCSK9 in initiating atherosclerosis; however, in the later phases, the relationship, which highlights other risk factors such as inflammation, is not linear.