Plasma thrombomodulin concentrations in relation to cardiovascular risk factors in a population sample

Plasma thrombomodulin (TM) concentrations were studied in a population sample of 175 subjects aged 35-65 years. There was no age variation in males (mean value 65 +/- 15 micrograms/l) but females aged 35-45 years had lower values than women aged 55-65 years, suggesting an effect of the menopause. The TM levels were unrelated to body build measurements (body mass index, waist/hip ratio) and blood pressure, and also to lipid levels (triglycerides, total cholesterol) and insulin before and during an oral glucose tolerance test. There was no difference in mean TM levels in subjects with and without electrocardiographic signs of ischaemic heart disease. Tobacco smokers had 15% lower mean levels of plasma TM than non-smokers.