PCSK9 genetic variants in patients with coronary artery disease - A pilot study

Aim: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a circulating protein involved in lipid homeostasis. Gain-of-function mutations in PCSK9 lead to higher plasma LDL-C concentrations and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Recently, PCSK9 has been projected as an emerging target for treatment of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. Here, we investigated the presence of PCSK9 variants in angiographically proven coronary artery disease (CAD) positive and CAD negative patients.