Exercise training-induced changes in coagulation factors in older adults

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Hematology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• The coagulation cascade is crucial in cardiovascular disease (CVD) development.
• Elevated prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2) and factor VIII antigen (FVIII:Ag) indicate a hypercoagulable state and increased thrombotic risk.
• Aerobic training is recognized for reducing CVD risk, potentially through improved coagulation profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a 6-month aerobic exercise program on resting F1 + 2 and FVIII:Ag levels.
• To analyze these effects in sedentary men and postmenopausal women aged 50-75.
• To control for potential confounding factors such as blood lipids, body composition, and aerobic capacity.

Main Methods:

• A supervised aerobic training program was conducted 3 times per week for 6 months.
• Participants (16 men, 31 women) followed the American Heart Association step 1 diet.
• Measurements included F1 + 2, FVIII:Ag, lipoprotein-lipid levels, body composition, and VO2max at baseline and after training.

Main Results:

• Aerobic training significantly decreased F1 + 2 levels (P=0.014) after adjusting for baseline values and diastolic blood pressure changes.
• FVIII:Ag levels significantly increased (P=0.005) with training, adjusted for baseline values.
• Changes in coagulation markers were independent of alterations in blood lipids, aerobic capacity, and body composition.

Conclusions:

• Endurance training significantly influences the coagulation cascade.
• Aerobic exercise reduces resting coagulation activity in the common pathway and thrombin formation.
• Training increases the activation potential of the intrinsic pathway, as indicated by rising FVIII:Ag levels.