Plasma legumain in familial hypercholesterolemia: associations with statin use and cardiovascular risk markers

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cardiovascular Research
• Genetics

Background:

• Legumain's role in atherosclerotic disease is complex, with potential pro- and anti-atherogenic effects.
• Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) represents a significant population with elevated cardiovascular risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate plasma legumain levels in individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).
• To compare legumain levels between FH patients (adults and children) and normolipidemic controls.
• To explore associations between legumain and cardiovascular risk markers in FH.

Main Methods:

• Plasma legumain was quantified in 251 FH subjects (166 adults, 85 children/young adults) and 96 healthy controls.
• Statistical comparisons were made between groups, including stratification by age and statin use.
• Associations with cardiovascular risk markers such as apoB, fibrinogen, NAP2, and RANTES were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Plasma legumain was significantly higher in the total FH population compared to controls (p < 0.001).
• Adult FH patients on statins exhibited higher legumain levels than non-statin users (p < 0.001).
• No significant difference in legumain was observed between children/young adults with FH and controls (p = 0.67).
• Legumain positively correlated with apoB, fibrinogen, NAP2, and RANTES in FH subjects.

Conclusions:

• Legumain is elevated in adult FH patients, especially those treated with statins.
• Legumain levels do not differ between pediatric FH patients and controls.
• Legumain is associated with key cardiovascular risk factors in FH, but its precise role requires further investigation.