Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026

Non-invasive Assessment of Microvascular and Endothelial Function
Published on: January 29, 2013
Biomarkers of coagulation, fibrinolysis, endothelial function, and inflammation in arterialized venous blood
Anne S Gram1, Jane Skov, Thorkil Ploug
1aDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen bUnit for Thrombosis Research, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark and Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Hospital of South West Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark.
Effects of venous blood arterialization on cardiovascular risk markers are still unknown. We evaluated biomarkers of inflammation, coagulation, fibrinolysis, and endothelial function in arterialized compared with regular venous blood. Cubital venipunctures were obtained from 10 healthy volunteers. Arterialization was generated by 10 min heating of the contralateral hand. Concentrations of albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were measured by validated assays. Concentrations of albumin, CRP, and vWF were significantly lower in arterialized than in venous blood (albumin: 43.8 g/l and 44.8 g/l, P = 0.02). Differences in CRP and vWF became insignificant after adjusting for albumin. The endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) was significantly higher in arterialized than in venous blood (1929 nmol/l*min vs. 1872 nmol/l*min, P = 0.02). Addition of the FXIIa inhibitor Corn Trypsin Inhibitor (CTI) prior to the thrombin generation test eliminated the ETP difference suggesting that hand heating activates the FXII-dependent coagulation pathway.
Effects of venous blood arterialization on cardiovascular risk markers are still unknown. We evaluated biomarkers of inflammation, coagulation, fibrinolysis, and endothelial function in arterialized compared with regular venous blood. Cubital venipunctures were obtained from 10 healthy volunteers. Arterialization was generated by 10 min heating of the contralateral hand. Concentrations of albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were measured by validated assays. Concentrations of albumin, CRP, and vWF were significantly lower in arterialized than in venous blood (albumin: 43.8 g/l and 44.8 g/l, P = 0.02). Differences in CRP and vWF became insignificant after adjusting for albumin. The endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) was significantly higher in arterialized than in venous blood (1929 nmol/l*min vs. 1872 nmol/l*min, P = 0.02). Addition of the FXIIa inhibitor Corn Trypsin Inhibitor (CTI) prior to the thrombin generation test eliminated the ETP difference suggesting that hand heating activates the FXII-dependent coagulation pathway.
Related Concept Videos
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Blood Studies I: ABG and VBG
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) studies are crucial for assessing the lungs' ability to supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, reflecting the patient's ventilation status. They also help understand the kidneys' capacity to...

