Impact of antioxidants and HDL on glycated LDL-induced generation of fibrinolytic regulators from vascular endothelial cells

Hyperglycemia and dyslipoproteinemia are biochemical markers of diabetes mellitus (DM). Elevated levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) with and without reduction of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in plasma have been frequently found in patients with DM. Our previous studies indicated that glycation enhances low density lipoprotein (LDL)-induced production of PAI-1 and further decreases tPA generation in vascular endothelial cells (ECs). The present study demonstrated that treatment with antioxidants, butylated hydroxytoluene or vitamin E, blocked native LDL- and glycated LDL-induced changes in PAI-1 and tPA generation in ECs. Native or glycated high density lipoprotein (HDL) did not significantly alter tPA generation in ECs. Glycated but not native HDL (>/=100 microg/mL) moderately increased PAI-1 release from ECs. Cotreatment with native or glycated HDL inhibited LDL-induced or glycated LDL-induced changes in PAI-1 and tPA generation in ECs. The abundance of conjugated dienes was increased in glycated or EC-modified LDL. Treatment with butylated hydroxytoluene, vitamin E, or HDL reduced the abundance of conjugated dienes in glycated or EC-modified LDL. The effects of antioxidants and HDL on LDL-induced or its glycated LDL-induced changes in the generation of PAI-1 and tPA were also found in cultured human coronary artery ECs. The findings of the present study suggest that antioxidants and HDL may attenuate native LDL- or glycated LDL-induced changes in the generation of fibrinolytic regulators from vascular ECs, which possibly results from their inhibition on the lipid peroxidation of LDL particles. Treatment with antioxidants or hypolipidemic agents potentially improves fibrinolytic activity and reduces thrombotic tendencies in patients with DM.     

Antithrombotic regulation in human endothelial cells by fibrinolytic factors

Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) modulate the blood fibrinolytic system by secreting tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), and their inhibitor, type-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1). ECs also express t-PA receptors (t-PAR) and u-PA receptors (u-PAR) on their cell surfaces, assembling both enzymes to regulate the cellular fibrinolytic activity. In addition, ECs modulate these factors in response to several stimuli. Fibrin clots on ECs induce the up- and downregulation of t-PA and PAI-1 production, respectively, thus causing an effective lysis of the fibrin clot. Heat shock (43 degrees C) increases the expression of u-PA, t-PA, PAI-1, and u-PAR by which ECs become more fibrinolytic around the cells. Furthermore, because ECs possess t-PAR and u-PAR on their cell surfaces, the binding of t-PA and u-PA is a critical event, which affords ECs the localized and condensed fibrinolytic potential. Therefore, ECs play a central role in antithrombotic activity by regulating the levels of these fibrinolytic factors.     

Glycaemic Control,Smoking Habits and Diabetes Duration Affect the Extrinsic Fibrinolytic System in Type I Diabetic Patients but Microangiopathy Does Not

ABSTRACT The fibrinolytic system was studied in 43 type I diabetic patients with long duration of the disease, with or without evidence of microangiopathy, and in 26 control subjects. There were positive and independent correlations between tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) activity after venous occlusion and HbA_lc, and between triglycerides and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) and tPA antigen concentrations before and after venous occlusion. The tPA activities both at rest and after venous occlusion were higher in the patients. There were no differences with regard to sex, hypertension or nephropathy for the levels of fibrinolytic variables in these patients. Subjects with retinopathy did not differ from those without retinopathy. Diabetes duration showed a significant negative association with tPA activity in multivariate regression analysis. Tobacco-smoking diabetics, as compared to non-smoking, had an increased tPA antigen release at venous occlusion, but also higher PAI-1 levels and reduced specific activity of the tPA protein. When assessed with the new specific assays now available, the fibrinolytic parameters appear to be specific indicators of endothelial dysfunction related to smoking and to degree of glycaemic control in type I diabetic subjects.     

Circadian activity of the endogenous fibrinolytic system in stable coronary artery disease: effects of beta-adrenoreceptor blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

Objectives. To examine circadian changes in the sympathovagal balance, the activity of the renin-angiotensin system and hemostatic variables in patients with stable coronary artery disease, and the effects of beta-adrenoceptor blockade and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition.

Background. Sympathovagal balance and key components of the fibrinolytic system show circadian variability. The effects of beta-adrenergic blocking agents and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on these autonomic and hemostatic rhythms are not well defined.

Methods. Twenty patients with coronary artery disease underwent 24-h Holter monitoring for heart rate variability and blood sampling (6 hourly for 24 hours) after three consecutive treatment phases, (firstly with placebo, then bisoprolol, and finally quinapril). The effects on sympathovagal balance, hemostatic variables and the renin-angiotensin system activity were measured.

Results. The fibrinolytic capacity showed marked circadian variation at the end of the placebo phase (p = 0.002), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity peaking at 06.00 am when tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) activity was at its nadir. Sympathovagal balance showed a sharp increase at approximately the same time but plasma renin activity did not rise until later in the day. Inspection of the 24-h profiles suggested that bisoprolol reduced sympathovagal balance and the morning peak of PAI-1 activity and antigen, with a small increase in tPA activity, although these changes were not significant. Quinapril produced a substantial rise in renin (p = 0.01) but did not significantly affect either PAI-1 or tPA. Sympathovagal balance was unaffected by quinapril.

Conclusions. In patients with stable coronary artery disease, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition with quinapril does not affect either sympathovagal balance or the endogenous fibrinolytic system. Our data suggest that the sympathoadrenal system may modify fibrinolytic activity, judged by the response to beta-adrenoreceptor blockade with bisoprolol.     

Age-related effects of regular physical activity on hemostatic factors in men

Background Age-related changes in blood coagulation and fibrinolytic factors are associated with an increase in risk of thrombotic events. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of age, regular aerobic exercise and detraining on blood coagulation and fibrinolytic factors in men. Methods Initially, 41 sedentary and 42 physically active men (20–64 years) were analyzed for plasma levels of coagulation and fibrinolytic factors. Twelve sedentary men were then subjected to 16-week aerobic exercise training and subsequent 2-week detraining. Their blood samples taken at rest were assayed for activity levels of prothrombin, coagulation factor (F) V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI and XIII, antithrombin III, protein C and plasminogen, and for antigen levels of fibrinogen, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2), FIX, protein C, tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and tPA/PAI-1 complex. Results Plasma levels of most coagulation factors, particularly for fibrinogen and FIX antigens as well as FXIII activity significantly increased with aging in sedentary men, while that tendency disappeared in physically active men. By the exercise training, plasma antigen and/or activity levels of most blood coagulation factors except for prothrombin and FIX decreased. These training-effects, however, disappeared after detraining, and in some cases even rebounded to higher levels than those of pre-training. Plasma antigen levels of tPA, PAI-1 and tPA/PAI-1 complex decreased with the training and remained low even after detraining. Conclusion Regular aerobic exercises give complex effects on expression of hemostatic factors, overall favoring the hemostatic balance to less thrombotic, partly cancelling out the age effects.     

纤维蛋白原、纤维蛋白及其降解产物对共培养血管内皮细胞纤溶活性的影响

目的研究纤维蛋白原（Fg）、纤维蛋白（Fb）及其降解产物（FDP）对共培养体系中人脐静脉内皮细胞组织型纤溶酶原激活物和纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂表达的影响。方法应用Transwell膜建立人脐静脉内皮细胞-兔主动脉平滑肌细胞共培养体系，在不同浓度（0、0．5、1．5、3．0、4．5和6．0g／L）Fg、Fb和FDP干预24h后，分别检测该共培养体系中人脐静脉内皮细胞组织型纤溶酶原激活物和纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂mRNA水平（RT-PCR法）以及培养上清中组织型纤溶酶原激活物和纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂抗原含量（ELISA法）与活性（发色底物法）的变化情况。结果Fg对组织型纤溶酶原激活物的表达没有显著影响，较高浓度的Fg（3．0～4．5g／L）可明显促进纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂mRNA表达、抗原含量及活性升高，但过高浓度的Fg（6．0g／L）却抑制纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂的表达。3．0-4．5g／L的Fb对组织型纤溶酶原激活物mRNA和抗原含量都起上调作用，同时显著下调组织型纤溶酶原激活物活性。较高浓度的Fb（1．5-4．5g／L）则可明显上调纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂的表达，且在mRNA、蛋白和活性水平趋势基本一致。3．0-6．0g／L的FDP均可明显下调组织型纤溶酶原激活物mRNA、蛋白和活性水平，1．5-6．0mg／ml的FDP均可促进纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂的高表达。结论Fg、Fb和FDP可以通过影响组织型纤溶酶原激活物和纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂的表达，引起纤溶活性降低，参与动脉粥样硬化的发展进程。     

Markedly impaired fibrinolytic balance contributes to cardiovascular risk in adults with growth hormone deficiency

CONTEXT: Adults with GH deficiency (GHD) have multiple cardiovascular risk factors, including an unfavorable lipid profile and body composition as well as impairments in endothelial function and cardiac performance. We hypothesized that GHD is associated with elevated levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), the major inhibitor of plasminogen activation in the circulation. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the fibrinolytic profile of adults with GHD in comparison with controls. STUDY DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a prospective, observational study including 12 adults with GHD. Twelve gender-, age-, and body mass index-matched adults served as controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measures were circadian plasma PAI-1 antigen with corresponding tissue-plasminogen activator (tPA) activity values. Endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation and fibrinolytic potential by venous occlusion test. RESULTS: Adults with GHD exhibited an unfavorable 24-h fibrinolytic profile characterized by a mean 62% elevation in PAI-1 antigen (2.77 ng/ml after adjustment for baseline PAI-1; P = 0.049) in the setting of a mean 24% reduction in tPA activity (-0.17 IU/ml after adjustment for baseline tPA; P = 0.003). Fibrinolytic response was defective in GHD, as demonstrated by a sustained elevation in PAI-1 activity greater than 4 IU/ml after venous occlusion [7.2 IU/ml (interquartile range 0.8-17.4); P = 0.018]. Endothelial function was impaired in GHD, as quantified by percent flow-mediated vasodilation over 120 sec [area under the curve 3.8 (interquartile range -2.4 to 7.9) vs. 12.8 (interquartile range 2.1-19.4); P = 0.043]. CONCLUSIONS: Adults with GHD demonstrate alterations in plasma fibrinolytic balance, including elevated levels of PAI-1 antigen with decreased tPA activity. These changes may contribute to the increased cardiovascular morbidity within this population.     

氯沙坦和阿替洛尔对高血压患者纤溶系统及血浆血管性血友病因子的作用比较

目的比较血管紧张素受体拮抗剂(ARB)氯沙坦和β受体阻滞剂阿替洛尔对原发性高血压患者纤溶系统及血浆血管性血友病因子(vWF)的影响。方法轻中度原发性高血压患者60例随机分成氯沙坦组和阿替洛尔组(每组30例),分别给予氯沙坦50mg/(次.d)或阿替洛尔50mg/(次.d),共治疗8周。每4周随访1次,4周时血压如不达标(BP<140/90mmHg)则加用双氢克尿噻12.5mg/(次.d)。治疗前后行血浆组织型纤溶酶原激活物(tPA)及纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂1(PAI-1)检测,并计算PAI-1/tPA作为纤溶参数,同时测定血浆vWF的含量。结果两组的基线血压等一般情况具有可比性。治疗4周及8周时两组血压均较治疗前显著下降,组间比较无差异。同治疗前相比,氯沙坦组治疗8周时血浆PAI-1和vWF水平下降(P值分别<0.05及<0.01),PAI-1/tPA也有显著下降(P<0.05),而tPA则无显著变化(P>0.05);阿替洛尔组治疗8周时血浆PAI-1和vWF水平及PAI-1/tPA均无显著变化,而tPA则有所上升(P<0.05)。治疗后血浆vWF两组间比较,差异有非常显著意义。结论氯沙坦治疗能改善原发性高血压患者的纤溶系统并降低血浆vWF,而阿替洛尔则未见有此作用。     

Hypo-fibrinolysis in patients with hypertension and elevated cholesterol

To test the hypothesis that increased blood pressure and hyperlipidaemia result in changes in the fibrinolytic system, 84 subjects with both hypertension and elevated serum cholesterol levels (the high risk group) were compared with 55 controls matched with respect to age, sex and body mass index (BMI). Plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) antigen and activity were measured before and after venous occlusion. In the high risk group, tPA activity was significantly lower both before and after venous occlusion and PAI-1 levels were significantly higher. In a multivariate analysis the triglyceride levels, diastolic blood pressure and cholesterol levels were independently associated with the PAI-1 levels. Diastolic blood pressure was independently and inversely associated with resting tPA activity. We conclude that patients with hypertension and hyperlipidaemia have a reduced activity of the fibrinolytic system, an effect which is unrelated to differences in age, sex, smoking or BMI.     

The effect of heparin and other glycosaminoglycans on levels of tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were cultured in the presence of various glycosaminoglycans and the intracellular levels of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) measured by ELISA. 10 IU/ml heparin (90 micrograms/ml) brought about a significant (20-fold) increase in intracellular tPA levels over the 6-day culture period; intracellular PAI-1 levels were significantly decreased (by 60-70%) and culture growth rate promoted. The final cell density of heparin-containing cultures was 1.7 to 2.3 times greater than that of control cultures. Low molecular weight heparin (First International Standard) had similar effects but was less potent than unfractionated heparin. Chondroitin sulphate and heparan sulphate had no effect on tPA and PAI-1 levels but dermatan sulphate reduced PAI-1 significantly. The changes observed following exposure of HUVEC to heparin are consonant with the view that glycosaminoglycans may affect endothelial production of fibrinolytic components.     

ACE/DD genotype is associated with hemostasis balance disturbances reflecting hypercoagulability and endothelial dysfunction in patients with untreated hypertension

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism has been associated with an increased incidence of myocardial infarction. Recent studies have investigated a potential influence of ACE gene polymorphism on fibrinolysis or endothelial function. It has been previously established that essential hypertension is accompanied by endothelial dysfunction and fibrinolytic balance disorders. The aim of our study was to study the relation between ACE gene polymorphism and fibrinolytic/hemostatic factors as well as endothelial cell damage markers in patients with hypertension. METHODS: The following parameters were evaluated in 104 patients with previously untreated hypertension: plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) antigen, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and von Willebrand factor (vWF). The genotype of the ACE gene was also determined (by the polymerase chain reaction method), and patients were characterized according to the observed alleles as deletion/deletion (DD), insertion/insertion (II), or insertion/deletion (ID). RESULTS: Those with DD genotype (n = 42) had significantly higher plasma levels of PAI-1 antigen (P =. 012), tPA antigen (P =.0001), fibrinogen (P =.0002), D-dimer (P =. 0001) and vWF (P =.0004) compared with ID (n = 30) or II (n = 32) genotypes. The ACE gene genotypes appeared to be significant predictors for plasma PAI-1 antigen, tPA antigen, fibrinogen, D -dimer, and vWF even after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the ACE/DD genotype is associated with hemostasis balance disturbances reflecting hypercoagulability and endothelial damage in patients with untreated hypertension.     

Fibrinolytic system of vascular endothelial cells. Role of plasminogen activator inhibitors

The regulation of the fibrinolytic system is of critical importance during hemostasis, wound repair, neoplasia, inflammation, and a variety of other biologic processes. This control is achieved in a large part through the action of specific plasminogen activator inhibitors (PAIs). Cultured endothelial cells (ECs) produce type 1 PAI (PAI-1), the physiologic inhibitor of tissue-type plasminogen activator. PAI-1 is one of the most highly regulated of the fibrinolytic components produced by ECs. Its synthesis is modulated by a variety of compounds including endotoxin, thrombin, transforming growth factor beta interleukin 1, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Recent studies suggest that PAI-1 is synthesized by ECs as an active molecule, but that it spontaneously decays into a latent form in solution. Specific components present in the extracellular matrix of ECs and in plasma bind to PAI-1 and prevent this inactivation. The unexpected finding that cultured ECs also produce type 2 PAI (PAI-2) introduces a previously unsuspected level of complexity to our understanding of this system and raises the possibility that the altered fibrinolytic activity of ECs following various treatments, or of blood in certain individuals, may reflect changes in either one of these inhibitors.     

Effects of candesartan and lisinopril on the fibrinolytic system in hypertensive patients

The effects of the angiotensin II receptor blocker candesartan and the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor lisinopril on the fibrinolytic system were investigated in a double-blinded, prospective, randomized study. Seventy-seven hypertensive patients taking candesartan (n=41) and lisinopril (n=36) with a systolic blood pressure >130 mm Hg and/or a diastolic blood pressure >80 mm Hg obtained by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurement were included in the study. Blood pressure, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), and the molar ratio of PAI-1/tPA were determined before treatment and 6 weeks later. Blood pressure decreased in both groups (candesartan, 155/85 mm Hg to 140/84 mm Hg; P<.05; lisinopril, 152/85 mm Hg to 138/83 mm Hg; P<.05). The fibrinolytic balance was significantly different between treatment groups (molar ratio of PAI-1/tPA: candesartan, 3.66 [2.2;] lisinopril, 5.44 [2.6;] P<.05). In contrast to lisinopril, the balance between coagulation and fibrinolytic activity shifted toward fibrinolysis during candesartan treatment.     

Reduced plasminogen activator inhibitor activity in high consumers of fruits, vegetables and root vegetables

We studied a cross-sectional sample of 260 subjects aged 30-60 years, in order to assess the relation between food intake habits and factors of the fibrinolytic system. Plasma samples of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) antigen, and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) activity were obtained for the assay. The dietary pattern was determined using a food frequency questionnaire, according to which the subjects were grouped as high, low or medium consumers. The subjects who were high consumers of fruit, vegetables, and root vegetables showed the lowest levels of PAI-1, those who were low consumers had the highest levels, whereas the medium consumers showed intermediate values. The tPA levels did not differ between the three groups, and there were no significant differences in other variables that covaried with PAI-1 levels, such as age, anthropometric variables, or serum lipid levels, which could confound the PAI-1/food pattern relationship. The data, which show that a frequent intake of fruit, vegetables, and root vegetables--foodstuffs rich in vitamin C and fibre--is associated with lower PAI-1 levels, are consistent with increased activity of the fibrinolytic system and thus a reduced risk of thromboembolic and cardiovascular disease in subjects who exhibit this food intake pattern.     

同型半胱氨酸对人脐静脉内皮细胞纤溶系统的影响

目的探讨同型半胱氨酸（homocysteine,Hcy）对血管内皮细胞纤溶系统影响。方法（1）将体外培养的人脐静脉血管内皮细胞（HUVEC）分为10个实验组（0、10、50、200、500μmol／L Hcy组及叶酸和上述各Hcy点共同培养组）,培养24h后,酶联免疫吸附实验法（ELISA）测定各组细胞上清液中纤溶酶原激活剂（plasminogen activator,tPA）及纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂1（plasminogen activator inhibitor1,PAI-1）抗原含量,逆转录聚合酶链反应分析（RT-PCR）法分析各组tPA及PAI-1的mRNA表达水平。（2）急性心肌梗死（AMI）患者53例及健康对照组48例,ELISA测定空腹血浆tPA及PAI-1含量,高效液相色谱法测定血浆Hcy水平。结果（1）500μmoL／L Hcy组PAI-1抗原及mRNA表达水平均明显增高（P〈0．05）。（2）以单纯培养基为对照组,生理浓度Hcy组内皮细胞tPA抗原合成及mRNA表达明显增高（P〈0．05）,而以10μmoL／L Hcy组为对照组时,500μmoL／L Hcy组tPA抗原合成及mRNA表达水平则明显减少（P〈0．05）。（3）500μmoL／L Hcy与叶酸共同培养组和单纯Hcy组相比,可以明显提高内皮细胞tPA抗原的合成及mRNA表达,减少PAI-1抗原合成及mRNA表达（P〈0、05）。（4）AMI组Hcy、tPA及PAI-1均明显高于健康对照组（P〈0．05）。结论在体外细胞时,超生理浓度Hcy可以通过下调tPA、上调PAI-1的mRNA表达,减少内皮细胞tPA抗原的分泌及增加PAI-1抗原的合成,可能降低纤溶系统的活性。叶酸则可以减少Hcy引起内皮细胞纤溶系统的损害,起到保护作用。Hcy是AMI的一个独立危险因素。     

纤维蛋白原对内皮细胞t-PA和PAI-1 mRNA表达的影响

目的 探讨纤维蛋白原（Ｆｇ）对内皮细胞（ＥＣ）组织型纤溶酶原激活物（ｔ－ＰＡ）和纤溶酶原灭活剂（ＰＡＩ－１） ｍＲＮＡ表达的影响。方法 不同浓度Ｆｇ与ＥＣ孵育不同时间后,用单管逆转录聚合酶链反应（ＲＴ－ＰＣＲ）半定量法检测ｔ－ＰＡ和ＰＡＩ－ｍＲＮＡ的表达。结果 用２０,２００,２０００ｍｇ／Ｌ Ｆｇ与ＥＣ孵育１、１２、２４ｈ、ＰＡＩ－１ ｍＲＮＡ的相对表达水平分别为同时相对照组的１．７,３．６,２     

氯沙坦和依那普利对心肌梗死后纤溶-凝血功能的影响

目的　探讨氯沙坦和依那普利对急性心肌梗死 (AMI)患者纤溶 凝血功能的影响。方法　将 41例AMI患者随机分为氯沙坦组、依那普利组和对照组 ,以发色底物法和ELISA法测定三组患者入院即刻、发病 2周、2个月的血浆PAI 1活性、纤溶酶原激活物 (tPA)抗原水平和血管血友病病因子(vWF)含量。结果　与对照组相比 ,氯沙坦组 2周和 2个月时的PAI 1活性分别减低 2 2 % (P <0 0 1)和 18% (P <0 0 5 ) ,tPA抗原水平分别减低 32 % (P <0 0 1)和 2 5 % (P <0 0 5 ) ;依那普利组相应分别减低 2 8% (P <0 0 1)和 2 1% (P <0 0 5 ) ,tPA抗原水平分别减低 38% (P <0 0 1)和 2 9% (P <0 0 5 ) ;两个治疗组之间差异无显著性。两种药物对vWF含量均无影响。结论　氯沙坦和依那普利可改善心肌梗死后的纤溶功能 ,长期应用这两种药物可能会降低心肌梗死后发生急性心脏事件的危险。     

Sex-related differences in the associations between hyperleptinemia, insulin resistance and dysfibrinolysis

The adipocyte-derived hormone leptin is associated with insulin resistance and reduced fibrinolytic status--or dysfibrinolysis--in humans. As leptin associates differentially to the development of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in men and women, we hypothesized that leptin and insulin sensitivity are related to dysfibrinolysis in a sex-dependent manner. Thirty-two men and 40 women were recruited from the Monitoring of trends and determinants in Cardiovascular disease (MONICA) population sample, representing the highest and lowest quartiles of fasting insulin levels. Lipids, fibrinolytic status [plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) activity, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) mass and activity, and tPA-PAI complex], leptin, testosterone and sex-hormone-binding globulin were measured. Insulin sensitivity was estimated using the euglycaemic clamp technique. Body composition was determined by bioimpedance. Determinants for circulating levels of fibrinolytic factors were explored in a multivariate linear regression analysis. Levels of fibrinolytic variables and estimated insulin sensitivity did not differ between men and women. Leptin was independently associated with reduced fibrinolytic status (high PAI-1 activity, low tPA activity, high tPA mass, and high tPA-PAI complex) in men (P < 0.001-0.002). In women, fat mass and/or insulin sensitivity were related to these factors (P < 0.001-0.03), and leptin only to reduced tPA activity (P = 0.002). Hyperleptinemia, dysfibrinolysis, insulin sensitivity and androgenicity associate differentially in men and women.     

Plasma levels of tissue plasminogen activator/plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 complex and von Willebrand factor are significant risk markers for recurrent myocardial infarction in the Stockholm Heart Epidemiology Program (SHEEP) study

An impaired fibrinolytic function due to elevated plasma levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 activity or tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) antigen is correlated with the development of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with manifest coronary heart disease. Recently, methods for determining the specific tPA/inhibitor complexes constituting tPA antigen in plasma have become available. In the Stockholm Heart Epidemiology Program (SHEEP) study, 86 of 1212 MI patients, subjected to blood sampling in a metabolically stable period, suffered reinfarction before the end of 1996. These individuals have been compared with an approximately equal number of matched MI patients without recurrence and a group of matched healthy control subjects regarding the plasma concentrations of some hemostatic factors. The hemostatic compounds studied (fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, tPA antigen, PAI-1, and the tPA/PAI-1 complex) were typically higher in the groups (men and women) with recurrence of MI compared with those without. The plasma concentrations were also typically higher in the pooled groups of patients compared with the groups of healthy control subjects. The largest between-group differences were found for the plasma tPA/PAI-1 complex. The crude odds ratio for reinfarction associated with higher concentration (>/=75th percentile among the control subjects) of tPA/PAI-1 was 1.8 (95% CI 1.1 to 3.1); the corresponding crude odds ratio for von Willebrand factor was 2.3 (1. 3 to 4.0). The tPA/PAI-1 complex correlated strongly with PAI-1 and tPA antigen in all groups and with serum triglycerides and body mass index in all groups except for women with reinfarction. An increased plasma level of tPA/PAI-1 complex is a novel risk marker for recurrent MI in men and women. Most likely, increased plasma levels of tPA/PAI-1 complex reflect impaired fibrinolysis, because the correlation with PAI-1 is strong. Further support is obtained indicating that the plasma concentration of von Willebrand factor is also an important risk marker for recurrent MI.     

Interrelationships between plasma levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor, tissue plasminogen activator, lipoprotein (a), and established cardiovascular risk factors in a north Swedish population

Serum lipids, lipoprotein (a), plasminogen activator inhibitor and tissue plasminogen activator levels were measured in 260 subjects, constituting a cross-section sample of 30-60-year-old men and women. For Lp(a), there were positive correlations with age and cholesterol, but not with any of other measured parameters. Triglyceride, cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol (inversely) levels were associated with waist-to-hip girth circumference ratio: this variable remained significant in a multiple regression model. PAI-1 activity and tPA antigen levels were positively associated with triglycerides and inversely associated with HDL-cholesterol. Moreover, tPA antigen was positively related to total cholesterol level. In multiple regression analysis, however, only triglycerides were found to contribute significantly to the variance of tPA antigen and PAI-1 activity levels, when BMI (in men) and abdominal skinfold thickness (in women) were entered into the model. Insulin or glucose postload responses to an OGTT were not independently related to any lipid or fibrinolytic variable. These data demonstrate the importance of anthropometric variables both for fibrinolytic variables and traditional lipid risk factors. Only Lp(a) was found to be largely unrelated to the endocrine-metabolic and anthropometric variables.