Association of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 protein and oxidative stress indicators in women with preeclampsia: A case-control study.

Background: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) protein is one of the factors associated with oxidative stress and dyslipidemia disorders.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the lipid profile, PCSK9 levels, and oxidative stress in preeclampsia.

Materials and methods: This case-control study was conducted at Sina hospital in Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran from August 2020-May 2021. The average maternal age of included participants was 30 yr with 30 preeclampsia and 30 healthy pregnant women. After clinical examination, the fasting blood samples were collected, and the serum PCSK9 protein concentration, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities, and glutathione levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, and malondialdehyde levels were determined manually.

Results: The average maternal age of participants were 29.97 $\pm$ 4.75 and 31.23 $\pm$ 5.85 yr, respectively. The concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), PCSK9, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde levels were higher in the preeclampsia group compared with control (p $<$ 0.02). Total oxidant status, glutathione levels, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities were lower in the cases group compared with the control group (p $<$ 0.01). The PCSK9 variable had a significant negative association with antioxidant parameters; however, a significant positive association was observed between PCSK9 level and parameters of LDL-C.

Conclusion: PCSK9 is associated with increased serum levels of LDL-C and oxidative factors in pregnant women that increase the risk of endothelial damage and hypertension in preeclampsia.