PCSK9 genetic variants and cognitive abilities: a large-scale Mendelian randomization study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

PCSK9 inhibitors lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and are efficacious at reducing vascular disease, however questions remain about potential effects on cognitive function.

Methods

We examined the association of genetic variants in PCSK9 with continuous measures of cognitive ability in UK Biobank. Six independent polymorphisms in PCSK9 were used in up to 337,348 individuals.

Results

The PCSK9 allele score was associated with a lower risk of CHD, and weakly with worse log reaction time.

Conclusions

We are unable to rule out meaningful associations of PCSK9 genetic variants with cognition, emphasising the potential need for continued pharmacovigilance for patients currently treated with PCSK9 inhibitors.

SUBMITTER: Lyall DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7811317 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature