Plasma PCSK9 concentrations during the course of nondiabetic chronic kidney disease: Relationship with glomerular filtration rate and lipid metabolism

Background The association between proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a critical regulator of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) metabolism, and kidney function is a matter of debate. Objective We aimed to assess the association of circulating PCSK9 concentrations with both glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum lipid parameters in nondiabetic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods Fasting plasma PCSK9 concentrations were measured by ELISA in 94 nondiabetic nondialysis CKD (ND-CKD) patients not receiving statins, at different stages of CKD. Results Plasma PCSK9 levels were associated neither to eGFR ( P  = .770) nor to proteinuria ( P  = .888) at several stages of CKD. In addition, plasma PCSK9 levels did not vary significantly between the different CKD stages. Plasma PCSK9 concentrations were positively correlated with apolipoprotein B (r = 0.221; P  = .03) and triglycerides (r = 0.211; P  = .04) but not with total cholesterol, calculated LDL-cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), or CRP. Conclusion In a homogeneous population of nondiabetic subjects without lipid-lowering therapy, plasma PCSK9 concentrations are not associated to eGFR at several stages of CKD. These data suggest that kidney function per se does not impact significantly PCSK9 metabolism.