Comprehensive study on platelet function, hemostasis, fibrinolysis, peripheral serotonergic system and serum lipids...

A comprehensive study on platelet aggregation, hemostasis, fibrinolysis and serum lipids in relation to peripheral serotonergic system has been performed on 41 nephrotic patients. Enhanced platelet aggregatory responses in both whole blood and in platelet rich plasma (PRP) were found upon stimulation with different agonists when compared to healthy volunteers. Increased levels of fibrinogen, fibrin monomers, and protein C activity were observed in nephrotic patients. Euglobulin clot lysis time was significantly prolonged in nephrotic patients. Activity of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) inhibitor was higher in nephrotic syndrome, whereas tPA activity was significantly lower in these patients when compared to controls. Urokinase concentration, lipoprotein (a), cholesterol, LDL and VLDL levels were significantly higher in nephrotic patients over controls. Whole blood serotonin was significantly lower, whereas plasma serotonin was significantly higher in nephrotic patients relative to controls. Serotonin uptake and its release from platelets were markedly diminished in patients with nephrotic syndrome. Disequilibrium in the coagulolytic system, platelet hyperactivity, hyperfibrinogenemia, disturbances in peripheral serotonergic system together with lipid abnormalities may contribute to the progression and development of atherosclerosis and an enhanced risk of thromboembolic complications in nephrotic syndrome.