Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin 9 Levels in Relation to Systemic Immune Activation and Subclinical Coronary Plaque in HIV.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is known to mediate homeostasis of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), but it may also participate in immune reactivity and atherogenesis.

Methods

We compared circulating PCSK9 levels among asymptomatic individuals with and without HIV. Further, within each group, we assessed the relationship between PCSK9 levels, traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, immune activation, and subclinical coronary atherosclerotic plaque.

Results

PCSK9 levels were higher among HIV-infected (n = 149) vs matched non-HIV-infected subjects (n = 69; 332 [272, 412] ng/mL vs 304 [257, 375] ng/mL; P = .047). Among HIV-infected subjects, significant albeit modest positive associations were noted between PCSK9 le

SUBMITTER: Zanni MV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5714125 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature