Evaluation of high-density lipoprotein-bound long non-coding RNAs in subjects with familial hypercholesterolaemia

Abstract

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) could be attractive circulating biomarkers for cardiovascular risk stratification in subjects at high atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk such as familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH). Our aim was to investigate the presence of lncRNAs carried by high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in FH subjects and to evaluate the associations of HDL-lncRNAs with lipoproteins and mechanical vascular impairment assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV). Methods: This was a retrospective observational study involving 94 FH subjects on statin treatment. Biochemical assays, HDL purification, lncRNA and PWV analyses were performed in all subjects. Results: LncRNA HIF1A-AS2, LASER and LEXIS were transported by HDL; moreover, HDL-lncRNA LEXIS was associated with Lp(a) plasma levels (p