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[The factor VIII complex in atherosclerosis]
Insights
Factor VIII complex levels, including Factor VIII Coagulant (VIII C), Factor VIII-Related von Willebrand Factor (VIII-RWF), and Factor VIII-related Antigen (VIII RAg), are elevated in atherosclerosis patients. Increased VIII RAg correlates with vascular injury severity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis involves complex pathophysiological processes.
- Factor VIII complex plays a role in hemostasis and vascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the trends of the factor VIII complex in patients with atherosclerosis.
- To assess the relationship between factor VIII complex levels and the severity of vascular injury.
Main Methods:
- Studied 96 atherosclerosis patients across six groups and a control group.
- Measured plasma levels of Factor VIII Coagulant (VIII C), Factor VIII-Related von Willebrand Factor (VIII-RWF), and Factor VIII-related Antigen (VIII RAg).
Main Results:
- Significant increases in VIII RAg, VIII RWF, and VIII C were observed in all patient groups compared to controls.
- VIII RAg elevation correlated with the severity of vascular injury.
- The VIII RAg/VIII C ratio increased significantly in patients with more severe vascular injury.
Conclusions:
- Factor VIII complex components are altered in atherosclerosis.
- VIII RAg levels and the VIII RAg/VIII C ratio may serve as indicators for monitoring vascular injury severity in atherosclerosis.
Abstract:
In order to investigate the factor VIII complex trend in atherosclerosis, 96 patients suffering from atherosclerosis, divided in 6 groups (angina pectoris, previous myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attacks, previous cerebral thrombosis, diabetes without symptoms of vascular injury and diabetes with vascular complications), were studied and compared to a control group of normal subjects. Plasma levels of Factor VII Coagulant (VIII C), Factor VIII-Related von Willebrand Factor (VIII-RWF) and Factor VIII-related Antigen (VIII ARg) were measured in all subjects. A significant rise of VIII RAg was noticed in all groups of patients as compared to the control group: this increase appears to be related to the severity of vascular injury. A significant rise of VIII RWF, parallel to the VIII RAg increase, was also noticed in all groups. Besides, all groups of patients showed a significant and uniform increase of VIII C. The average ratio of VIII RAg/VIII C was raised in all groups, except diabetics without complications; but the increase was statistically significant only in those patients with a heavier vascular injury which is related to the marked rise of VIII RAg in such clinical situations. The findings of this study are discussed in relation to the literature data. The significance of the determination of VIII RAg/VIII C ratio and of the VIII RAg assay as methods for monitoring the severity of the vascular injury in atherosclerosis are also discussed.