Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease (Mar 2022)

Acute Effect of Evolocumab on Lipoprotein(a) Level and Inflammation in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

  • Seung Woo Choi,
  • Joan Kim,
  • Gyeong Won Jang,
  • Young Shin Lee,
  • Jin Sun Park,
  • Jung Myung Lee,
  • Hyung Oh Kim,
  • Hyemoon Chung,
  • Jong Shin Woo,
  • Woo Shik Kim,
  • Weon Kim

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd9040101
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 4
p. 101

Abstract

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Background: Several studies have shown that high plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations are associated with an increased risk of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Thus, Lp(a) has emerged as a new therapeutic target. Circulating proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are new lipid-lowering agents that reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as Lp(a). Methods: We analyzed the short-term effects of one-time administration of evolocumab (a PCSK9 inhibitor) on the lipid profiles (especially Lp(a)) and inflammatory markers in Korean patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Sixty-four patients with CAD who underwent PCI were enrolled in this trial. Evolocumab (140 mg) was administered to patients within 24 h after PCI. Lipid profiles and inflammatory marker levels were measured at baseline and 2 weeks later. Results: The PCSK9 inhibitor significantly reduced the baseline levels of Lp(a) (−9.2 mg/dL, p p = 0.272) was not significantly different after 2 weeks. In patients with an Lp(a) level of 50 mg/dL or more, the Lp(a) level decreased significantly by approximately 30%, from 95.6 mg/dL to 67.0 mg/dL (p < 0.001). Conclusions: One-time PCSK9 inhibitor treatment may be effective in lowering Lp(a) levels in Korean patients in the short term.

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