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Among inflammation and coagulation markers, PAI-1 is a true component of the metabolic syndrome

I Mertens1, A Verrijken, J J Michiels

  • 1Department of Diabetology, Metabolism and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, University of Antwerp (UA), Antwerp, Belgium.

International Journal of Obesity (2005)
|January 4, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Metabolic syndrome is associated with increased leukocyte count and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity (PAI-1). PAI-1 is a strong indicator, while leukocyte count is a moderate indicator of metabolic syndrome.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions increasing cardiovascular disease risk.
  • Inflammatory markers and coagulation factors are implicated in metabolic syndrome pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if leukocyte count, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor (vWF), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity (PAI-1) are elevated in individuals with metabolic syndrome.
  • To assess these markers using both National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) and World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study of 520 overweight and obese subjects.
  • Metabolic syndrome assessed via NCEP-ATPIII and WHO criteria, including waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose, and lipids.
  • Leukocyte count, fibrinogen, vWF, and PAI-1 activity measured.

Main Results:

  • Subjects with metabolic syndrome showed significantly higher leukocyte count and PAI-1 activity by NCEP-ATPIII criteria.
  • Similar findings were observed with WHO criteria, with vWF also elevated.
  • Leukocyte count, vWF, and PAI-1 levels differed significantly based on the number of metabolic syndrome components present.

Conclusions:

  • Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity (PAI-1) is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome.
  • Leukocyte count shows a moderate association, while vWF and fibrinogen have a weaker association with metabolic syndrome.
Abstract

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