Rasmussen LD, Bøttcher M, Ivarsen P, et al. - Researchers compared levels of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) between 167 kidney transplantation candidates and healthy controls. They also assessed the link between levels of PCSK9 and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and the degree of coronary artery disease in these candidates, as well as assessed whether major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and mortality could be predicted by levels of PCSK9. Coronary computed tomography angiography as well as invasive coronary angiography (ICA) were performed prior to transplantation. Using the Western Denmark Heart Registry, the experts collected MACE and mortality data. No difference was evident between healthy controls and kidney transplant candidates in terms of mean PCSK9 levels. A positive correlation of PCSK9 with LDL-c was seen in patients not receiving lipid-lowering therapy. No link of PCSK9 with LDL-c and with coronary artery calcium score was found in a multiple regression analysis. PCSK9 levels were not related to either MACE or mortality in a follow-up of 3.7 years. Overall, PCSK9 levels as a predictor of cardiovascular disease as well as prognosis did not appear to be applicable to a cohort of kidney transplant candidates.