Low levels of PCSK9 are Associated with Remission in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Anti- TNF-α: Potential Underlying Mechanisms

Abstract

Background Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) targets the LDL-receptor (LDLR) which raises LDL-levels. In addition, PCSK9 has proinflammatory immunological effects. Here we investigate the role of PCSK9 as to the inflammatory activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods PCSK9-levels were determined at baseline by ELISA in 160 patients with RA not previously treated with biologics. The patients started anti- TNF-α (adalimumab, infliximab, or etanercept) treatment and were followed up for one year. Disease activity was determined by DAS28. Effects of PCSK9 on cytokine production from macrophages of healthy individuals and synoviocytes from RA patients and inhibition by anti-PCSK9 antibodies were studied in supernatants by ELISA. Results A significantly lower level of PCSK9 at baseline, p=0.035, was observed in patients who reached remission within one year, defined as DAS28<2.6, compared to those not in remission. At 12 months of TNF-α antagonist treatment, the mean DAS28 was reduced but was significantly greater in patients with highest quartile PCSK9 (Q4) compared to those at lowest PCSK9 (Q1) in both crude (p=0.01) and adjusted analysis (p=0.004). In vitro, PCSK9 induced TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in macrophages and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) in synoviocytes. These effects were inhibited by anti-PCSK9 antibodies. Conclusions Low levels of PCSK9 at baseline is associated with being DAS28-responder to anti-TNF-α treatment in RA. An underlying cause could be that PCSK9 stimulates production of proinflammatory cytokines from macrophages and synoviocytes, effects inhibited by anti-PCSK9 antibodies. PCSK9 could thus play an immunological role in RA.