We studied association of PCSK9 protein with the carotid artery intima-media thickness in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (N=53; age 49.9±6.9 years) treated with statins. Blood level of PCSK9 protein was measured by ELISA; ultrasonography of the carotid arteries with measurement of the thickness of the intima-media complex of the common carotid arteries in the distal segment for 10 mm from the bifurcation on the far wall of the vessel was performed in on-line mode. The mean values were calculated for both sides, the maximum mean value was included in the analysis. It was shown that PCSK9 levels positively correlate with carotid artery intima-media thickness in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.
Keywords: familial hypercholesterolemia; intima-media thickness; proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9).