The relationship between coronary artery disease and genetic polymorphisms of proprotein convertase Subtilisin Kexin type 9

Abstract EN

Background: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) regulates the plasma level of LDL cholesterol.

The R46L single-nucleotide polymorphism of the PCSK9 gene has been reported to be associated with serum LDL concentrations and reduced risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).

However, there have been no studies analyzing the association of this polymorphism with CAD in Iranian individuals with CAD.

Objectives: Therefore, in the present study we have investigated the potential protective effect of the rs11591147 PCSK9 polymorphism in 188 subjects with and without CAD.

Materials and Methods: Genotyping of the PCSK9 gene was undertaken using TaqMan real-time PCR in all subjects.

Anthropometric and biochemical features, including HDL, LDL, and TG were assessed in all subjects.

Results: The CAD patients had significantly (P < 0.05) higher BMI and significantly higher levels of TG, LDL, SBP, and DBP, while the level of HDL was lower compared to that of the control group.

R46L was not associated with CAD in our population sample.

Conclusions: The PCSK9-R46L polymorphism is unlikely to play an important role in CAD in the Iranian population.

However, further studies are needed in a larger population to confirm this.