Enhanced soluble CD40L in patients with the metabolic syndrome: relationship with in vivo thrombin generation

Aims/hypothesis The metabolic syndrome is associated with proinflammatory and prothrombotic states. This study was designed to assess the behaviour of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and prothrombin fragment F ₁₊₂, a marker of thrombin generation, in patients with the metabolic syndrome.Methods We investigated 106 patients with the metabolic syndrome, diagnosed according to the ATPIII report, and 104 subjects without the metabolic syndrome.Results Plasma values of sCD40L and F ₁₊₂ were higher in patients with the metabolic syndrome (4.11±1.64 vs 2.61±0.89 ng/ml and 1.54±0.49 vs 0.87±0.21 nmol/l, respectively; p<0.001) and were significantly correlated (r=0.925, p<0.001). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that sCD40L was significantly associated with F ₁₊₂, female sex and waist circumference.Conclusions/interpretation Patients with the metabolic syndrome have enhanced values of plasma sCD40L and F ₁₊₂. The study provides further insight into the relationship between metabolic syndrome, inflammation and thrombosis.