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Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay
Published on: September 9, 2012
Non-linear association of coagulation factor XI with mortality
Katsiaryna Prystupa1, Martin Heni2, Sebastian Hörber3
1Institute for Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center (DDZ), Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Partner Düsseldorf, Neuherberg, Germany.
Insights
Coagulation factor XI (FXI) activity shows a U-shaped link to mortality in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Higher FXI activity increases mortality risk in CAD, unlike in non-CAD individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hemostasis Research
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Coagulation factor XI (FXI) plays a role in thrombosis and myocardial function.
- Understanding FXI's impact on mortality is vital for treating coronary artery disease (CAD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between coagulation factor XI (FXI) activity and mortality risk.
- To explore how CAD and NT-proBNP levels modify this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 3,170 participants undergoing coronary angiography, with 67% diagnosed with CAD.
- Median follow-up of 14.5 years, assessing mortality risk using Cox models.
- Exploration of interactions between FXI activity, NT-proBNP, and CAD status.
Main Results:
- A U-shaped association between FXI activity and mortality was observed (p=0.027), with lowest risk at 115.6% FXI activity.
- This U-shaped pattern persisted in patients without CAD.
- In CAD patients, higher FXI activity showed a linear correlation with increased mortality (p-interaction < 0.0001), significantly modified by NT-proBNP levels.
Conclusions:
- FXI activity has a dual role in hemostasis with implications for drug development.
- Treatment strategies targeting FXI may require personalization based on cardiovascular conditions.
- Future FXI inhibitor studies must consider modulating factors like CAD and NT-proBNP for optimized therapies.
Background:
Coagulation factor XI (FXI) influences both thrombotic risk and myocardial function, making its relationship with mortality crucial for guiding therapies, especially in coronary artery disease (CAD).
Methods:
We analyzed data from 3,170 participants who underwent coronary angiography; 67% were diagnosed with CAD. Participants were followed for a median of 14.5 years. Mortality risk was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models with restricted cubic splines and Wald statistics. Models were adjusted for age, sex, BMI, and further cardiovascular risk factors. Interactions between FXI activity, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and CAD were explored.
Findings:
A U-shaped association between FXI activity and mortality was observed (p = 0.027), with the lowest risk at an FXI activity of 115.6%. Among patients without CAD, this U-shaped relationship persisted. In contrast, patients with CAD demonstrated a linear relationship, where higher FXI activity correlated with increased mortality (p interaction < 0.0001). NT-proBNP levels significantly modified these associations, particularly in patients with CAD.
Conclusions:
These findings emphasize the dual role of FXI activity in hemostasis, which could have profound implications for pharmacological interventions. The variable effects of FXI activity based on underlying cardiovascular conditions suggest that a personalized approach to treatment is necessary. Consequently, future studies on FXI inhibitors should carefully examine these modulating factors to optimize therapeutic strategies.
Funding:
The LURIC study was supported by the Ludwigshafen Heart Centre and academic collaborators, including the universities of Freiburg, Ulm, and Düsseldorf and the Centre Nationale de Genotypage in France, through internal institutional resources.
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