Association between plasma PCSK9 and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels in diabetic patients

Background: Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a secreted proprotein convertase acting as a natural inhibitor of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor. Here, we prospectively investigated the relationship between the circulating levels of PCSK9 and metabolic parameters in 117 diabetic patients. Results: Plasma PCSK9 level was significantly higher in type 2 than in type 1 diabetes (P=0.04), in diabetic patients under statins (P< 10(-4)) and in those with macrovascular complications (P = 0.002). Univariable regression analysis revealed that plasma PCSK9 level correlated positively with age (P = 0.003), body mass index (P = 0.04), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P = 0.01), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels (P = 0.0002) and statin treatment (P = 0.001). In a multivariable linear regression analysis, PCSK9 correlated positively with GGT level (beta = 21.91, P = 0.0019) after adjustment for gender, age, type of diabetes, statin treatment, BMI, SBP and HbA1c. Conclusion: PCSK9 level was independently associated with GGT level in diabetic patients, suggesting potential interaction between PCSK9 and liver function. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.