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Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Extracellular Vesicle Tissue Factor Activity Assay
Published on: December 29, 2023
Elevated plasma fibronectin levels associated with venous thromboembolism.
Natalie M Pecheniuk1, Darlene J Elias, Hiroshi Deguchi
1Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine (MEM-180), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
High plasma fibronectin levels are linked to an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), particularly in males. This finding suggests fibronectin may be a useful biomarker for VTE risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Hematology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Elevated plasma fibronectin is observed in various conditions, including arterial disease.
- Atherothrombosis and venous thromboembolism (VTE) share common risk factors, suggesting overlappingpathogenic mechanisms.
- Fibronectin's role as a potential biomarker in VTE requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between elevated plasma fibronectin levels and the risk of developing VTE.
- To compare plasma fibronectin concentrations in VTE cases versus matched controls.
- To explore potential differences in this association based on VTE etiology (idiopathic vs. secondary) and patient demographics (sex).
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted using data from the Scripps Venous Thrombosis Registry.
- Plasma fibronectin levels were measured in 113 VTE cases and age- and sex-matched controls.
- Statistical analyses, including odds ratios (OR) and adjustments for covariates (sex, age, BMI, Factor V Leiden, prothrombin nt20210A), were performed.
Main Results:
- VTE cases exhibited significantly higher mean plasma fibronectin concentrations (127%) compared to controls (103%).
- The association between high fibronectin levels and VTE remained significant after adjusting for multiple risk factors (OR = 7.60).
- Elevated fibronectin was particularly associated with idiopathic VTE and showed a stronger association in the male cohort.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma fibronectin levels are significantly associated with an increased risk of VTE.
- Plasma fibronectin may serve as a valuable biomarker for identifying individuals at higher risk for VTE, especially males.
- These findings reinforce the link between biomarkers and risk factors for both arterial atherothrombosis and VTE.
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