The rs7552841 polymorphism of protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 is associated with cardiac tissue damage biomarkers and lipid profile in Tunisian patients with coronary artery disease

Background

Protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a key protein in lipoprotein metabolism, is a candidate gene in the genesis of cardiovascular disease. However results about its relationship with coronary artery disease (CAD) are controversials. Objectives: The objectives of the present study were: first, to investigate the association between PCSK9 polymorphism (rs7552841) and CAD for the first time in a Tunisian population, second, to explore the association between this polymorphism and cardiovascular disease biomarkers in patients with CAD. Patients & Methods: One hundred and twenty nine healthy subjects and 101 patients with CAD are included in the study. PCSK9 genotypes were determined using the PCR-RFLP method. Results: The distribution of genotypes (CC + CT vs TT) showed significant difference between control and CAD groups (p = 0.02). In patients with CAD, C allele carriers had high level of cardiac tissue biomarkers. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cardiac troponin I and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were higher in CC + CT genotypes (p = 0.008, 0.047 and 0.043 respectively). More else in CC + CT carriers total cholesterol and LDL-C concentrations were significantly higher (p = 0.043 and 0.041 respectively) than TT genotype carriers. However oxidative stress (Malondialdehyde, Conjugated Diene and Glutathione Peroxidase) and inflammation biomarkers (C - reactive protein) did not vary according to rs7552841 polymorphism. Conclusion: CAD patients carrying C allele had higher levels of tissue damage biomarkers and cholesterol compared to TT homozygous which makes them more predisposed to CAD complications. More studies are required to determine if rs7552841 PCSK9 polymorphism could be taken into consideration in secondary prevention.