Plasma PCSK9 Levels and Clinical Outcomes in the TNT (Treating to New Targets) Trial: A Nested Case-Control Study.

Link to article at PubMed

Plasma PCSK9 Levels and Clinical Outcomes in the TNT (Treating to New Targets) Trial: A Nested Case-Control Study.

J Am Coll Cardiol. 2012 May 15;59(20):1778-84

Authors: Huijgen R, Boekholdt SM, Arsenault BJ, Bao W, Davaine JM, Tabet F, Petrides F, Rye KA, Demicco DA, Barter PJ, Kastelein JJ, Lambert G

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether high levels of circulating proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) would increase cardiovascular risk in statin-treated patients.
BACKGROUND: Statins activate low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene expression, thus lowering plasma LDL levels. But statins also activate the expression of PCSK9, a secreted inhibitor of the LDL receptor, thereby limiting their beneficial effects.
METHODS: We have measured the plasma PCSK9 levels of 1,613 patients with stable coronary heart disease enrolled in the Treating to New Targets study, a randomized trial that compared the efficacy of high- versus low-dose atorvastatin. After a run-in period with atorvastatin 10 mg daily, patients were randomized to either continue with 10 mg or be up-titrated to 80 mg of atorvastatin, and followed during 5 years for major cardiovascular events (MCVEs).
RESULTS: Circulating PCSK9 levels measured at randomization were predictive of clinical outcomes in the group randomized to remain on atorvastatin 10 mg (p = 0.039), but not in the group that intensified atorvastatin treatment to 80 mg (p = 0.24). Further, PCSK9 levels measured 1 year post-randomization did not change upon increase of the statin dose.
CONCLUSIONS: PCSK9 levels predict cardiovascular events in patients treated with low-dose atorvastatin. (A Study to Determine the Degree of Additional Reduction in CV Risk in Lowering LDL Below Minimum Target Levels [TNT]; NCT00327691).

PMID: 22575316 [PubMed - in process]

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