PCSK9 as a predictor of cardiovascular events in atrial fibrillation: role of platelet activation.
High circulating level of soluble protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) have been shown to be associated to an increase risk of cardiovascular events (CVEs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), especially with values > 1200pg/ml, according to our previously study. Among factors contributing to CVEs onset, a major role is played by platelet activation. Although a link between PCSK9 and platelet activation was recently demonstrated by in vitro experiments but no data on the in vivo relationship between PCSK9 levels and platelet activation in AF patients are available.
The aim of this project will be to investigate the relationship between PCSK9 and platelet activation in a population of about 300 AF patients.
As a secondary end point we will evaluate the potential mechanism involved in the supposed capacity of PCSK9 to influence platelet activation.