Circulating PCSK7 Level is Independently Associated with Obesity, Triglycerides Level and Fatty Liver Index in a General Population without Medication

Aim: Dyslipidemia and altered iron metabolism are typical features of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 7 (PCSK7), a transmembrane-anchored endonuclease, is associated with triglycerides level and processing of transferrin receptor 1. However, the significance of circulating PCSK7 has not been fully addressed, though prosegment PCSK7 is secreted from cells. We investigated the associations of plasma PCSK7 level with several parameters. Methods: Plasma PCSK7 concentration was measured in 282 subjects (male/female: 126/156) without medication of the Tanno-Sobetsu Study, a population-based cohort study. Results: There was no significant sex difference in PCSK7 level. Current smoking habit, but not alcohol drinking habit, was associated with increased PCSK7 level. PCSK7 concentration was negatively correlated with age and blood urea nitrogen and was positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) and levels of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γGTP), triglycerides and fatty liver index (FLI), which is calculated by BMI, waist circumference and levels of γGTP and triglycerides, as a noninvasive and simple predictor of NAFLD. There were no significant correlations of PCSK7 level with levels of iron and plasma PCSK9, a secreted PCSK family member and a regulator of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. Multivariable regression analyses after adjustment of age, sex and current smoking habit showed that PCSK7 concentration was independently associated with BMI (β=0.130,P=0.035), triglycerides (β=0.141,P=0.027) or FLI (β=0.139,P=0.030). Conclusions: Plasma PCSK7 concentration is independently associated with chronic liver disease including obesity and elevated triglycerides level in a general population of individuals who had not regularly taken any medications.