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Experimental and Imaging Techniques for Examining Fibrin Clot Structures in Normal and Diseased States
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Relationship of coagulation and fibrinolytic variables with arterial structure and function in Africans

M Pieters1, H Boshuizen2, Z de Lange1

  • 1Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.

Thrombosis Research
|May 15, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Fibrinogen γ

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Hemostasis and Thrombosis

Background:

  • Coagulation and fibrinolysis are linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD), but pathways remain unclear.
  • Investigating specific fibrinogen and fibrinolysis markers is crucial for understanding CVD development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify whether current or prior levels of total fibrinogen, fibrinogen γ', plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1act), or global fibrinolytic potential best predict arterial structure and function.
  • To elucidate the distinct roles of fibrinogen and fibrinolysis in cardiovascular health.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 2010 Africans over 35 years old, with 5-year follow-up for 1288 participants.
  • Assessed cardiovascular parameters including arterial stiffness, blood pressure, and carotid intima-media thickness.

Main Results:

  • Fibrinogen γ' demonstrated stronger associations with blood pressure than total fibrinogen, even with other CVD risk factors present.
  • Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1act) showed a significant longitudinal association with blood pressure, with PAI-1 levels preceding blood pressure changes.
  • Clot lysis time (CLT) correlated with intima-media thickness and arterial stiffness markers, but these associations were not independent of other CVD risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • Fibrinogen γ' is a more potent indicator of cardiovascular function than total fibrinogen.
  • PAI-1act levels predict blood pressure changes, suggesting a causal role in hypertension.
  • Distinct mechanisms influence arterial wall changes versus blood pressure regulation, as indicated by opposing associations with PAI-1act and CLT.
Abstract

Keywords:
Arterial structure and functionCardiovascular diseaseDisease progressionFibrin clot lysis timeFibrinogen

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