PCSK9 loss-of-function variants and risk of infection and sepsis in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Elevated proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels have been associated with adverse outcomes in patients hospitalized for sepsis. PCSK9 loss-of-function (LOF) variants area associated with lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Decreased LDL-C is a biomarker of acute and chronic infection and sepsis risk. We examined the association between presence of two genetic PCSK9 LOF variants and risk of infection and sepsis in community-dwelling adults.

Methods

We analyzed data from 10,924 Black participants tested for PCSK9 LOF variants in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort. The primary endpoint was hospitalization for a serious infection. Within serious infection hospitalizations, we defined

SUBMITTER: Mitchell KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6364964 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature