Circulating Levels of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 and Arterial Stiffness in a Large Population Sample: Data From the Brisighella Heart Study

BackgroundProprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) circulating levels are significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between circulating levels of PCSK9 and arterial stiffness, an early instrumental biomarker of cardiovascular disease risk, in a large sample of overall healthy participants. Methods and ResultsFrom the historical cohort of the Brisighella Heart Study, after exclusion of active smokers, participants in secondary prevention for cardiovascular disease, and patients in treatment with statins or vasodilating agents, we selected 227 premenopausal women and 193 age‐matched men and 460 postmenopausal women and 416 age‐matched men. In these participants, we evaluated the correlation between PCSK9 plasma circulating levels and pulse wave velocity. Postmenopausal women showed higher PCSK9 levels (309.9±84.1 ng/mL) compared with the other groups (P0.05).By considering the subgroups described, age and PCSK9 levels were mainly associated with pulse wave velocity, which also correlated with serum uric acid in postmenopausal women. ConclusionsIn the Brisighella Heart Study cohort, circulating PCSK9 is significantly related to arterial stiffness, independent of sex and menopausal status in women.