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Circulating Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Levels Predict Future Cardiovascular Event Risks in

François-Pantaléon Musungayi Kajingulu1, François Bompeka Lepira1, Aliocha Natuhoyila Nkodila2

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology-Dialysis, University of Kinshasa Hospital, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal
|July 16, 2021
PubMed

Insights

In Black African hemodialysis patients, elevated proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is linked to dyslipidemia and a higher risk of cardiovascular events, independent of other factors.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a primary cause of mortality.
  • Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is implicated in lipid homeostasis and may serve as a biomarker.
  • Understanding PCSK9's role in dyslipidemia and CVD risk is crucial, especially in specific populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum PCSK9 levels, dyslipidemia, and the future risk of cardiovascular events.
  • To evaluate PCSK9 as a potential biomarker in Black African patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD G5).

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 251 CKD G5 hemodialysis patients in Kinshasa, DRC.
  • Serum PCSK9 and lipid profiles (TC, LDL-c, HDL-c, TG) were measured.
  • The Framingham predictive instrument was used to assess cardiovascular event risk.

Main Results:

  • Higher PCSK9 levels correlated positively with TC, LDL-c, and TG, and negatively with HDL-c.
  • PCSK9, smoking, overweight, and atherogenic dyslipidemia were associated with future cardiovascular events.
  • Elevated PCSK9 levels independently predicted an increased risk of cardiovascular events in this population.

Conclusions:

  • Increased serum PCSK9 is associated with adverse lipid profiles in Black African hemodialysis patients.
  • Serum PCSK9 levels are a significant independent predictor of cardiovascular events in this cohort.
  • PCSK9 may be a valuable biomarker for assessing cardiovascular risk in CKD patients of African descent.
Abstract

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