Loss of plasma proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) after lipoprotein apheresis.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Lipoprotein apheresis (LA) reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in patients with severe familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). We have recently reported that >30% of plasma proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is bound to LDL, thus we predicted that LA would also reduce plasma PCSK9 levels by removing LDL.

Objective

Pre- and post-apheresis plasma from 6 patients with familial hypercholesterolemia on 3 consecutive treatment cycles was used to determine changes in PCSK9 levels.

Methods and results

LA drastically reduced plasma LDL (by 77 ± 4%). Concomitantly, PCSK9 levels fell by 52 ± 5%, strongly correlating with the LDL drop (P=0.0322; r(2)=0.26), but not with decreases in triglyceride (49 ± 13%) or high-density lipoprotein levels (18 ± 2%).

SUBMITTER: Tavori H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3939022 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature