The investigators propose a pilot study using (1) MRI to assess coronary artery endothelial function, (2) brachial ultrasound to assess systemic endothelial function, (3) serum markers of inflammation and of endothelial cell function and (4) echocardiographic measures of left ventricular diastolic and systolic properties, before and following initiation of PCSK9 antibody in HIV positive subjects.
To evaluate the effect of the PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab on coronary and systemic endothelial function, systemic biomarkers of endothelial function and of inflammation, and echocardiographic measures of left ventricular diastolic and systolic properties in subjects who are HIV+. Potential participants will be asked to undergo a screening MRI exam. Those who have evidence of coronary endothelial dysfunction on the MRI exam will receive evolocumab 420 mg sq (the dose that is approved for treatment of hypercholesterolemia) following the screening exam and again at one month. Repeat MRI and ultrasound measures of coronary and systemic endothelial function, as well as serum markers of endothelial function and inflammation, and echocardiographic measures of diastolic and systolic left ventricular function will be obtained at one and six weeks following the first administration of evolocumab. The investigators will test the hypotheses that PCSK9 inhibition improves endothelial function measured non-invasively on MRI and systemic markers of inflammation at one week (+/- 3 days) and six weeks after initiation of the PCSK9 antibody.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
19
Evolocumab sq once a month for a total of two doses
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Coronary Endothelial Function as Assessed by Percent Coronary Artery Area Change With Isometric Handgrip Exercise
Coronary endothelial function will be assessed by the percent change in cross sectional coronary artery area (measured on MRI) from rest to isometric handgrip stress exercise at week 1 and week 6. The percent change from week 1 to week 6 is presented below.
Time frame: 1 week and 6 weeks
LDL Cholesterol Level
LDL cholesterol level: mg/dL.
Time frame: At 6 weeks
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