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Query: UMLS:C0004153 (atherosclerosis)
 77,401 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

A wide variety of haemostatic variables were measured in healthy male subjects predominantly blood donors residing in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. Subjects were divided according to ethnic origin: Saudi Arabs n = 487, Westerners (Europeans and Americans) n = 300, South East Asians (Koreans and Filipinos) n = 360, and West Africans n = 82. There were no significant differences in prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, reptilase time, plasma fibrinogen, antithrombin, plasminogen and platelet count between Saudis, Westerners and Asians. Africans exhibited significantly lower plasma levels of fibrinogen, platelet count and plasminogen than other ethnic groups. Arabs and Africans had higher levels of FVIII:C and vWF:ristocetin cofactor than Westerners. On the other hand, FX was significantly higher in Westerners than in other ethnic groups. Smokers had higher fibrinogen levels than non-smokers. These variations, which could not be related to blood group distribution, physical parameters of height and weight, may be due to genetic and/or dietary habits. In conclusion, this study established the existence of racially determined variations in haemostatic variables, with Black Africans showing changes consistent with a lesser tendency towards atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease than other ethnic groups. These variations should be taken into account when investigating the haemostatic system in patients.
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PMID:Ethnic variations in the haemostatic system: comparison between Arabs, Westerners (Europeans and Americans), Asians and Africans. 757 95

Anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse has recently been linked with acute vascular events in athletes. To date, the relationship between steroid abuse and the potential for cardiovascular disease has been considered almost exclusively in terms of lipid metabolism. However, recent reports of thrombosis in androgen abusing athletes with no evidence of atherosclerosis suggests the hypothesis that thrombosis risk in such athletes could be mediated through androgen induced abnormalities of coagulation. To determine if anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse in weight lifters is associated with an activation of the hemostatic system we studied forty-nine weight lifters recruited through advertisements. History of androgen use or abstinence was confirmed via urine assays. Plasma was assayed for clotting and fibrinolytic activity by measuring thrombin/antithrombin complexes (TAT), prothrombin fragment 1 + 1 (F1 + 2), and D-dimers (D-di); markers of the endothelial based fibrinolytic components were assayed by measuring tissue plasminogen activator antigen (t-PA Ag) and its inhibitor (PAI-1); finally, the activity of antithrombin III, protein C, and protein S were measured. Abnormally high concentrations of TAT complexes were noted in 16% of our confirmed steroid using weight lifters compared to 6% of our confirmed nonusers (P = .01). Steroid users also demonstrated abnormally high concentrations of F1 + 2 and D-dimers when compared to nonusers (44 vs. 24%, P < .001, and 9 vs. 0%, respectively). Non-steroid users were more likely to have elevated levels of t-PA Ag and PAI-1 than our steroid using weight lifters (both P < .001). The activities of antithrombin III and protein S were more likely to be higher in users compared to nonusers (22 vs. 6%, P = .005; 19 vs. 0%, respectively). Some anabolic-androgenic steroid using weight lifters have an accelerated activation of their hemostatic system as evidence by increased generation of both thrombin and plasmin. These changes could reflect a thrombotic diatheses that may contribute to vascular occlusion reported in young athletes using these drugs. The predictive value of these coagulation abnormalities in terms of risk of thrombosis to individual steroid using weight lifters or the population as a whole remains to be studied.
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PMID:Anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse in weight lifters: evidence for activation of the hemostatic system. 763 72

Hemostatic factors play a crucial role in generating the occlusive thrombotic plug at sites of vascular damage (atherothrombosis). It remains uncertain, however, whether hemostatic factors contribute directly or indirectly to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. For example, 'hypercoagulable states' (eg, antithrombin deficiency, Factor VLeiden) generally predispose to venous thrombotic events, but not atherosclerosis. Further, 'hemophilic states' (eg, factor VIII deficiency, von Willebrand's disease) do not protect against atherosclerosis. Nevertheless, research has been stimulated by several clinical studies showing that an elevated fibrinogen level is a strong and independent risk factor for cardiovascular (arterial) thrombotic events. Moreover, basic investigations have demonstrated fibrin(ogen) antigens in evolving atherosclerotic plaques, and have suggested a smooth muscle mitogenic effect of fibrin. Other factors that may contribute to atherogenesis include platelets and platelet-derived microparticles, coagulation factor VII and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)]. Lp(a) is of particular interest since elevated levels of this lipoprotein particle are strongly linked to cardiovascular disease. Lp(a) appears to inhibit natural fibrinolysis, suggesting that this factor could represent an important link between thrombotic and lipid atherogenic mechanisms. Further work defining a role for the hemostatic system in atherogenesis is important because of the potential benefit of pharmacological manipulation of hemostatic risk factors, such as agents that lower fibrinogen levels.
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PMID:Hemostasis and atherosclerosis. 775 46

Besides its critical role in hemostasis, the serine protease thrombin also participates in wound healing, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. Thrombin is inhibited by the serpins antithrombin and heparin cofactor II (HCiI) in reactions that are accelerated markedly by specific glycosaminoglycans. Following vascular injury, thrombin must be inhibited at both intravascular and extravascular sites that impose different constraints on the recognition of thrombin by these inhibitors. The present study examines the role of anion-binding exosite II of thrombin in the interaction with glycosaminoglycans and HCII. Acceleration of thrombin inhibition by serpins in the presence of glycosaminoglycans is proposed to occur by a template mechanism, in which inhibitor and protease bind simultaneously to the same glycosaminoglycan chain, facilitating their interaction. According to the template model, disruption of protease binding to glycosaminoglycan should significantly reduce acceleration of the inhibition. Specific mutations in exosite II (R89E, R245E, K248E, and K252E) disrupted thrombin binding to both dermatan sulfate and heparin, indicating that both glycosaminoglycans bind to a common site in exosite II. The same mutations markedly decreased the rate constant for thrombin inhibition by antithrombin-heparin (up to 100-fold) but had little effect on the rate constant for thrombin inhibition by HCII-heparin (7-fold maximal reduction) and no effect on the rate constant for thrombin inhibition by HCII-dermatan sulfate. These results are incompatible with a template model for thrombin inhibition by HCII and dermatan sulfate. In the presence of glycosaminoglycan, HCII and antithrombin interact with opposing thrombin exosites and use distinct mechanisms of glycosaminoglycan catalysis. Antithrombin employs a template mechanism that requires heparin to interact with thrombin exosite II, whereas HCII employs an allosteric mechanism that requires thrombin exosite I but is largely independent of exosite II. These findings have potential implications for glycosaminoglycan therapy and for the respective physiologic roles of HCII and antithrombin.
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PMID:Heparin cofactor II is regulated allosterically and not primarily by template effects. Studies with mutant thrombins and glycosaminoglycans. 780 95

The aim of this study was to examine whether there was a relationship between haemostatic factors and ultrasound-assessed morphology of the common carotid artery and cardiovascular disease in 57- to 77-year-old men at high risk for atherosclerotic disease (hypertension and at least one of the following risk factors: hypercholesterolaemia, smoking, diabetes mellitus). They were divided into one group with (n = 59) and one group without (n = 70) manifest cardiovascular disease. An age-matched reference group with no cardiovascular risk factors was used as a comparison (n = 51). Significant associations, independent of smoking, were found between plasma fibrinogen and both the maximal intima-media thickness and the occurrence of plaque in the high-risk group. High-risk patients with clinical signs of cardiovascular disease had higher levels of plasma fibrinogen and prothrombin 1 + 2 fragment compared with both high-risk patients without concomitant cardiovascular disease and low-risk subjects. Plasminogen activator inhibitor, von Willebrand factor and thrombin/antithrombin complex were increased in the high-risk group with signs of cardiovascular disease in comparison with the low-risk group. In conclusion the results indicate that plasma fibrinogen may be operative in the development of atherosclerosis. Clinical signs of cardiovascular disease were associated with increased plasma levels of fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, plasminogen activator inhibitor, thrombin/antithrombin complex and prothrombin 1 + 2 fragment.
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PMID:Carotid artery wall morphology, haemostatic factors and cardiovascular disease. An ultrasound study in men at high and low risk for atherosclerotic disease. 789 27

Methods and results from the quality assurance program of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study regarding hemostasis variables are presented, following up previous reports in this journal on standardized procedures for blood collection and processing (7) and an organized plan for the performance of those procedures (8). Efforts were made to control for and assess all sources of variability, from venipuncture to laboratory analysis, including also local field center processing and sample shipping. The quality control program included (a) a standardized protocol for blood collection and processing; (b) training, certification, and annual recertification of field center personnel for blood collection and processing; (c) monitoring of fasting times, phlebotomy times, processing times, and shipping problems; (d) hemostatic laboratory internal quality control; (e) a replicate blood sample program; (f) an intraindividual variability study; and (g) continual monitoring of quality control and study participants' data. This paper focused on items (c), (d), and (e). Measures of variation, generally standard deviations and coefficients of variation, are estimated for replicate blood sampling and internal quality control data, for activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, factor VII and VIII activity, von Willebrand factor, antithrombin-III, and protein C. The results demonstrate that it is possible to reliably measure these hemostatic variables in a large multicenter study.
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PMID:ARIC hemostasis study--III. Quality control. Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities. 811 84

Low molecular weight heparins are well established in the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis in patients with general surgery, in high risk patients undergoing elective hip surgery or emergency surgery and also in patients with an enhanced risk of thrombosis who are treated in medical wards. There are, however, many possibilities for improving prophylaxis and treatment with LMWH. The mechanisms by which low molecular weight heparins and also unfractionated heparin inhibit thrombus formation are not fully understood. The inhibition of thrombin formation and local effects at the endothelial level may be more important than antithrombin-III mediated effects on factor IIa and on factor Xa. For most low molecular weight heparins the most effective dose regimens to be used in patients at high risk have not yet been established. Low molecular weight heparins may be more effective in the treatment of deep venous thrombosis than unfractionated heparin. In the therapeutic studies published so far the major intention was to show that low molecular weight heparins can prevent the progression of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism to the same extent as unfractionated heparin. Extended treatment regimens, however, may lead to a relevant thrombus reduction. Outpatient treatment for a longer period of time with results not far from those obtained with thrombolysis seem possible especially in elderly patients. Low molecular weight heparins in their present form or modified low molecular weight heparins may be useful for long-term treatment of patients with atherosclerosis with the aim of regression of atherosclerotic lesions. New forms of application, e.g. inhalation, may render long-term treatment more feasible.
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PMID:Low molecular weight heparins--state-of-the-art and unsolved issues. 818 Mar 24

Major advances in the management of acute myocardial infarction have been achieved by a combination of careful experimental work and development of effective pharmacologic and interventional strategies in conjunction with the conduct of large, reliable randomized trials. Current trials indicate that a combination of thrombolytic therapy, aspirin, and intravenous followed by oral beta blockers reduces mortality. There are a number of additional promising interventions, such as intravenous magnesium, nitrates, and the newer antithrombin agents. However, before these agents are used widely in clinical practice, clear proof of benefit and adequate safety should be available from the ongoing randomized trials. Following discharge from the hospital, long-term therapy with aspirin and beta blockers should be considered in all patients. In patients with heart failure and low ejection fraction, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been shown to reduce mortality, reinfarction, and the need for further hospitalizations for heart failure. Therefore, these therapies, in conjunction with risk factor modification (cessation of cigarette smoking, treatment of hypercholesterolemia, treatment of hypertension), should be considered in all appropriate patients. A number of new strategies for the prevention of atherosclerosis and its complications are currently being evaluated in prospective randomized trials. These include the natural antioxidant vitamins, estrogen replacement therapy, tamoxifen therapy, and ACE inhibitors in patients without evidence of heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction.
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PMID:Maximizing benefits of therapies in acute myocardial infarction. 827 52

To date, selective extracorporeal low-density lipoprotein (LDL) removal can only be performed from plasma; that is, a plasma-cell separation step using a centrifuge or a plasma membrane separator is necessary initially. This article characterizes a new polyacrylate-based LDL adsorber directly applicable to whole blood. In vitro single-pass hemoperfusion tests using pooled donor blood showed quantitative adsorption of atherogenic LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and complete recovery of protective high-density lipoprotein C. Fibrinogen, another independent risk factor of atherosclerosis, was also adsorbed to a lesser extent. Single-pass ex vivo biocompatibility using fresh donor blood on-line was excellent and resulted in minimal cell loss. Neither signs of hemolysis nor activation of monocytes (interleukin-1 production) were detected. Only slight activation of leukocytes (elastase release) and thrombocytes (platelet factor 4 secretion) as well as of coagulation (thrombin-antithrombin complex formation) and complement (C3a, C5a generation) was observed. Under the experimental conditions used, the optimal anticoagulation regimen was 0.5 IU heparin plus 0.375 mg citrate/ml blood. Priming the column with a buffer of pH 7.4 containing heparin, citrate, and Ca2+ is recommended. In conclusion, this new adsorber exhibited selective LDL-C adsorption in vitro combined with excellent ex vivo biocompatibility and thus holds great promise for a successful clinical application in a closed-loop system in patients.
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PMID:Lipid apheresis by hemoperfusion: in vitro efficacy and ex vivo biocompatibility of a new low-density lipoprotein adsorber compatible with human whole blood. 833 41

Antithrombin is a potent inhibitor of thrombotic tendency. Whether atherosclerotic disease is associated with high or low antithrombin is unclear. Studies of the relation between antithrombin and presence of arterial disease have shown contrasting results. In the Rotterdam Study, a single-center, population-based cohort study of 7983 subjects aged 55 years and older, the association between atherosclerosis and antithrombin was evaluated. The ratio of ankle to arm blood pressure is a graded marker for atherosclerosis and provides the opportunity to investigate nonlinear associations. In the first 1427 participants of the Rotterdam Study who did not use anticoagulants, both antithrombin and the ratio of ankle to arm blood pressure were measured. In men the association between the two was quadratic: antithrombin activity was increased in men with moderate peripheral arterial atherosclerosis compared with those without, and in men with more severe atherosclerosis it was decreased. In women the association was linear: a decreased ratio of ankle to arm pressure was associated with increased antithrombin activity. These associations were independent of smoking, body mass index, serum lipids, fibrinogen, and factor VIIc. We propose that antithrombin activity rises in response to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and also in response to the presence of atherosclerosis, whereas antithrombin may decrease with increasing severity of the atherosclerotic process in men. This may explain the contrasting results found in previous studies. Changes in antithrombin over time might be useful in predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease and progression.
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PMID:Antithrombin and atherosclerosis in the Rotterdam Study. 867 61


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