Abstract

AbstractProprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays a key role in the regulation of lipid metabolism, in inflammatory response and in the development of atherosclerosis. We evaluated plasma PCSK9 levels in Tunisian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and investigated its association with oxidized-LDL (Ox-LDL) and Lectin-Like Oxidized LDL Receptor-1 (LOX-1 ). Plasma PCSK9, Ox- LDL and LOX-1 levels were measured in a Tunisian cohort of patients with T2DM (n = 50) compared to an age- and gender-matched control group (n = 50). Plasma levels of PCSK9, Ox-LDL and LOX-1 were significantly higher in T2DM patients compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Univariate regression analysis showed that the plasma level of PCSK9 was positively associated to Ox-LDL and LOX-1 levels in diabetic patients (p = 0.004 ; p = 0.012; respectively); however, no-independent association was found after multiple linear regression analysis between those parameters. Our data showed that PCSK9 was positively associated to Ox-LDL and LOX-1 showing as specific regulation between the oxidative parameters and an enzyme regulating lipid metabolism. These results attest the impact of PCSK9 to develop atherosclerosis in T2DM in a Tunisian cohort. Finally, PCSK-9 could be a new marker of the development of atherosclerosis in diabetic patients.

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