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[Relations between overweight, thrombophilia and cardiovascular risk]

A Craveri1, G Tornaghi, R Ranieri

  • 1Corso Pareggiato di Semeiotica Medica dell'Università degli Studi di Milano, Ospedale San Paolo.

Annali Italiani Di Medicina Interna : Organo Ufficiale Della Societa Italiana Di Medicina Interna
|January 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Obesity is linked to reduced plasma fibrinolytic activity, likely due to increased plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) levels. This may contribute to a thrombophilic state in obese individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology
  • Medical Research

Background:

  • Obesity is a growing global health concern.
  • Impaired fibrinolytic activity is associated with thrombotic events.
  • The relationship between obesity, fibrinolysis, and related markers requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and fibrinolytic system markers.
  • To explore the potential link between obesity, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI), C-peptide, and fibrinolytic activity.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 71 healthy adults (aged 20-60).
  • Measurements included Body Mass Index (BMI), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) activity, C-peptide levels, and plasma fibrinolytic activity.
  • Statistical analysis to determine correlations between variables.

Main Results:

  • Significant negative correlation found between BMI and plasma fibrinolytic activity (r = -0.382, p < 0.005).
  • Significant positive correlations observed between BMI and PAI (r = 0.353, p < 0.005) and between BMI and C-peptide (r = 0.694, p < 0.001).
  • A positive correlation was also found between PAI and C-peptide (r = 0.404, p < 0.02).

Conclusions:

  • Obesity is associated with decreased plasma fibrinolytic activity, potentially mediated by elevated PAI levels.
  • Impaired fibrinolysis in obesity, possibly linked to hyperinsulinemia (indicated by C-peptide), may promote a thrombophilic state.
  • These findings highlight a potential mechanism linking obesity to increased thrombotic risk.

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