PCSK9 levels in patients presenting with lipoprotein abnormalities
Research type
Research Study
Full title
PCSK9 levels in patients presenting with lipoprotein abnormalities prior to and after therapy to assess the relationship of the response to lipid lowering medication and PCSK9 levels.
IRAS ID
128803
Contact name
Devaki Nair
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
A serine protease called Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin-like Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) influences low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) homeostasis. More recently novel therapies involving PCSK9 inhibition have been developed and these are being supported by an extensive clinical trial program for reducing plasma cholesterol levels. Measuring PCSK9 concentration in blood may reflect clinical benefit. It is well known that people show individual variability in response to lipid lowering therapy including the new PCSK9 inhibitors and biomarkers to help choose the right patients and may make these expensive therapies more viable economically. We propose to measure serum PCSK9 levels in patients who are referred to the lipid clinic. We intend to measure PCSK9 levels before the patient begins any treatment and again after 3 months of treatment to assess the relationship of the response to lipid lowering medication and PCSK9 levels. 200 patients will be recruited to the study. We would be utilising the surplus serum samples obtained as a part of routine clinical care for PCSK9 analysis. We will assess the relationship of PCSK9 levels in familial hypercholesterolemia patients as well as other inherited hyperlipidaemia. We will also assess the change in PCSK9 levels with various lipid lowering drugs.
REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1723
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jan 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion