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Updated: Sep 29, 2026

Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay
Published on: September 9, 2012
Atorvastatin reduces plasma levels of factor VII activity and factor VII antigen in patients with hyperlipidemia
Eriko Morishita1, Shinji Minami, Chizuko Ishino
1Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Health Science, Kanazawa University, Japan. eriko@med3.m.kanazawa-u.ac.jp
Insights
Atorvastatin significantly reduced factor VII activity and antigen levels in hyperlipidemic patients. This may lower thrombotic potential and reduce coronary heart disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
Background:
- Hyperlipidemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Factor VII plays a role in the coagulation cascade and thrombotic events.
- Statins, like atorvastatin, are widely used to manage hyperlipidemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of atorvastatin on plasma levels of factor VII in hyperlipidemic patients.
- To explore the correlation between changes in lipid profiles and factor VII levels.
- To assess the potential impact of atorvastatin on thrombotic risk.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 30 hyperlipidemic patients.
- 12 weeks of treatment with atorvastatin.
- Measurement of factor VII activity (FVIIc), factor VII antigen (FVIIag), activated factor VII (FVIIa), fibrinogen, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels.
- Correlation analysis between lipid concentrations and factor VII levels.
Main Results:
- Atorvastatin treatment led to significant decreases in FVIIc (13%) and FVIIag (12%) levels (p < 0.0001).
- Decreased serum triglyceride concentrations correlated with reduced FVIIc and FVIIag levels.
- No significant changes were observed in FVIIa, fibrinogen, or plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels.
Conclusions:
- Atorvastatin effectively reduces factor VII levels in hyperlipidemic patients.
- The reduction in factor VII may contribute to a decreased thrombotic potential.
- This effect of atorvastatin could potentially lead to fewer thromboembolic events and reduced coronary heart disease.
Abstract:
Atorvastatin is a powerful new synthetic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor currently in clinical use. Its effects on plasma levels of factor VII were examined in 30 hyperlipidemic patients. After 12 weeks of atorvastatin treatment, factor VII activity (FVIIc) and factor VII antigen (FVIIag) levels had decreased by 13% (p < 0.0001) and 12% (p < 0.0001), respectively. The decreased concentrations of serum triglycerides correlated with decreases in FVIIc levels (r = 0.54, p = 0.0023) and FVIIag levels (r = 0.59, p = 0.0006) at 12 weeks of treatment with atorvastatin. No significant changes were seen in activated factor VII (FVIIa) levels. Plasma concentrations of fibrinogen were slightly, but not significantly, increased at 12 weeks. No significant changes were seen in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels. The effects of atorvastatin on FVII may contribute to a decreased thrombotic potential, resulting in fewer thromboembolic events, including a reduction in coronary heart disease.
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