INFLUENCE OF PCSK9 INHIBITION ON THE STABILIZATION OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE DETERMINED BY BIOCHEMICAL METHODS AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this work was to assess the effect of PCSK9 inhibition on biomarkers of progression and destablilization of atherosclerotic plaque, secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and mechanism of stabilization of atherosclerotic plaque in hypertensive patients. Design and method: Study group consist of 11 outpatients with atherosclerotic plaque undergoing MR of the carotid arteries (or CT if contraindicated) before and after 2 months of PCSK9 inhibitors tratment. The concentration of plasma biomarkers of destabilization of the atherosclerotic plaque was marked using ELISA kits. The examination of the carotid arteries and IMT in the extracranial segment was performed using ultrasound with linear head with a frequency of 7.5–10 MHz.. Carotid Magnetic Resonance exams was performed on the scanner with a field strength of at least 1.5 T with dedicated software to perform carotid artery and analysis of structure of atherosclerotic lesions. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA test, Wilcoxon or Kruskal-Wallis. Results: The mean age of patients was 60.4 years. 8 were males. Before treatment all of plaque was characterized as vulnerable. After 2 months of PCSK9 inhibition based on the predominant components of the plaque, plaques were characterized as lipid (5), lipid with recent hemorrhage (1), fibrous (3), fibrofatty (1), fibrofatty with some hemorrhagic components (2). Moreover, we observed a decrease in the concentration of oteopontin, osteoprotegerin, metalloproteinase 3 and a positive correlation with the image of stabilization in CT or MR. Conclusions: Based on preliminary data, it can be concluded that diagnostic Imaging methods together with biochemistry markers can provide complete information about the plaque characteristics in hypertensive patients