Association of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type ۹ protein and oxidative stress indicators in women with preeclampsia: A case-control study

Background: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type ۹ (PCSK۹) protein is one of the factors associated with oxidative stress and dyslipidemia disorders. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the lipid profile, PCSK۹ levels, and oxidative stress in preeclampsia. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted at Sina hospital in Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran from August ۲۰۲۰-May ۲۰۲۱. The average maternal age of included participants was ۳۰ yr with ۳۰ preeclampsia and ۳۰ healthy pregnant women. After clinical examination, the fasting blood samples were collected, and the serum PCSK۹ protein concentration, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities, and glutathione levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant status, and malondialdehyde levels were determined manually. Results: The average maternal age of participants were ۲۹.۹۷ ± ۴.۷۵ and ۳۱.۲۳ ± ۵.۸۵ yr, respectively. The concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), PCSK۹, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde levels were higher in the preeclampsia group compared with control (p < ۰.۰۲). Total oxidant status, glutathione levels, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities were lower in the cases group compared with the control group (p < ۰.۰۱). The PCSK۹ variable had a significant negative association with antioxidant parameters; however, a significant positive association was observed between PCSK۹ level and parameters of LDL-C. Conclusion: PCSK۹ is associated with increased serum levels of LDL-C and oxidative factors in pregnant women that increase the risk of endothelial damage and hypertension in preeclampsia.

Keywords:

PCSK۹ , Hypercholesterolemia , Oxidative stress , Preeclampsia. , PCSK۹ , کلسترول بالا , استرس اکسیداتیو , پره اکلامپسی.