Significant decrease of von Willebrand factor and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 by providing supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q10 to an elderly population with a low selenium status.

PURPOSE: Endothelial dysfunction and inflammation are conditions which fuel atherosclerosis and ischaemic heart disease. We have previously reported reduced cardiovascular (CV) mortality following supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q10 to 443 elderly individuals with low selenium status (mean 67 µg/L) for 4 years. Here, we wanted to evaluate a possible association between the supplementation and the plasma concentrations of the von Willebrand factor (vWf), and the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), as they, besides other functions, are also strongly associated with endothelial function. METHODS: In this sub-study, 308 individuals (active substance: 157, placebo: 151) were included. Blood samples were drawn after 6 and 36 months and vWf and PAI-1 were determined in plasma by ELISA. Changes in concentrations of the biomarkers were evaluated by the use of T tests, repeated measures of variance, and ANCOVA analyses. RESULTS: The active treatment group presented a lower level of vWf after 36 months compared with the placebo group (1.08 U/mL vs. 5.10 U/mL; p = 0.0007). The results were validated through the repeated measures of variance evaluation. The PAI-1 levels showed an equally significant decrease in the active group (26.2 ng/mL vs. 49.2 ng/mL; p = 0.0002) and were also validated through repeated measures of variance evaluation. CONCLUSION: In this sub-study on elderly receiving selenium and coenzyme Q10, or placebo we found significantly lower levels of vWf and PAI-1 in the active treatment group as compared to the placebo group. We interpret this as a better endothelial function because of the intervention, which accords with a previous finding of reduced CV mortality.

International collaborative study for the calibration of proposed International Standards for thromboplastin, rabbit, plain, and for thromboplastin, recombinant, human, plain.

Essentials Two candidate International Standards for thromboplastin (coded RBT/16 and rTF/16) are proposed. International Sensitivity Index (ISI) of proposed standards was assessed in a 20-centre study. The mean ISI for RBT/16 was 1.21 with a between-centre coefficient of variation of 4.6%. The mean ISI for rTF/16 was 1.11 with a between-centre coefficient of variation of 5.7%. SUMMARY: Background The availability of International Standards for thromboplastin is essential for the calibration of routine reagents and hence the calculation of the International Normalized Ratio (INR). Stocks of the current Fourth International Standards are running low. Candidate replacement materials have been prepared. This article describes the calibration of the proposed Fifth International Standards for thromboplastin, rabbit, plain (coded RBT/16) and for thromboplastin, recombinant, human, plain (coded rTF/16). Methods An international collaborative study was carried out for the assignment of International Sensitivity Indexes (ISIs) to the candidate materials, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for thromboplastins and plasma used to control oral anticoagulant therapy with vitamin K antagonists. Results Results were obtained from 20 laboratories. In several cases, deviations from the ISI calibration model were observed, but the average INR deviation attributabled to the model was not greater than 10%. Only valid ISI assessments were used to calculate the mean ISI for each candidate. The mean ISI for RBT/16 was 1.21 (between-laboratory coefficient of variation [CV]: 4.6%), and the mean ISI for rTF/16 was 1.11 (between-laboratory CV: 5.7%). Conclusions The between-laboratory variation of the ISI for candidate material RBT/16 was similar to that of the Fourth International Standard (RBT/05), and the between-laboratory variation of the ISI for candidate material rTF/16 was slightly higher than that of the Fourth International Standard (rTF/09). The candidate materials have been accepted by WHO as the Fifth International Standards for thromboplastin, rabbit plain, and thromboplastin, recombinant, human, plain.

Colloid osmotic pressure and extravasation of plasma proteins following infusion of Ringer's acetate and hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4.

BACKGROUND: During fluid infusion therapy, plasma proteins are diluted and leak from the intravascular space, which alters the colloid osmotic pressure (COP) and potentially affects coagulation. We hypothesised that acetated Ringer's and starch solution, alone or in combination, influence these mechanisms differently. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On different occasions, 10 male volunteers were infused with 20 ml/kg acetated Ringer's and 10 ml/kg 6% hyroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (Voluven(®) ) alone or in combination (first with starch solution followed by Ringer's solution). Blood samples were collected every 30-min for measurements of COP, blood haemoglobin, platelets, and plasma concentrations of albumin, immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM), coagulation factor VII (FVII), fibrinogen, cystatin C, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin international normalised ratio (PT-INR). Changes were compared with the haemoglobin-derived plasma dilution. RESULTS: The COP increased by 8.4% (SD 3) with starch and decreased by 26.2% (7.9) with Ringer's. These infusions diluted the plasma by 23.4% (5.3) and 18.7% (4.9) respectively. The COP changes in the combined experiment followed the same pattern as the individual infusions. Albumin and IgG changes in excess of the plasma dilution were very subtle. The intravascular contents of the IgM and platelets decreased, whereas FVII, fibrinogen and cystatin C increased. PT-INR increased by 1/3 of the plasma dilution, whereas changes in APTT did not correlate with the plasma dilution. CONCLUSIONS: The starch increased COP and only minor capillary leak occurred in healthy volunteers. The fluid-induced plasma dilution correlated with mild impairment of the extrinsic coagulation pathway but not of the intrinsic pathway.

Thrombin-induced platelet activation via PAR4: pivotal role for exosite II.

Thrombin-induced platelet activation via PAR1 and PAR4 is an important event in haemostasis. Although the underlying mechanisms responsible for ensuring efficient PAR1 activation by thrombin have been extensively studied, the potential involvement of recognitions sites outside the active site of the protease in thrombin-induced PAR4 activation is largely unknown. In this study, we developed a new assay to assess the importance of exosite I and II for PAR4 activation with α - and γ-thrombin. Surprisingly, we found that exosite II is critical for activation of PAR4. We also show that this dependency on exosite II likely represents a new mechanism, as it is unaffected by blockage of the previously known interaction between thrombin and glycoprotein Ibα.

The effect of CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of prasugrel 5-mg, prasugrel 10-mg and clopidogrel 75-mg in patients with coronary artery disease.

CYP2C19 genotype has been shown to impact response to clopidogrel 75-mg but not prasugrel 10-mg. Here, we assessed effects of CYP2C19 metaboliser status on pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) responses to prasugrel 5-mg and 10-mg and clopidogrel 75-mg using data from two PK/PD studies in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients (GENERATIONS and FEATHER). Active metabolite concentrations (area under the curve, AUC[0-tlast]), maximum platelet aggregation (MPA) measured by light transmission aggregometry, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein platelet reactivity index, and VerifyNow P2Y12-platelet reaction units (VN-PRU) were analysed by CYP2C19-predicted phenotype (extensive metaboliser [EM; N=154], *2-*8 non-carriers, vs reduced metaboliser [RM; N=41],*2-*8 carriers/*17 non-carriers). AUC(0-tlast) was unaffected by metaboliser status for prasugrel 5-mg and 10-mg (geometric mean EM/RM ratios 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.86,1.17, p>0.99; and 0.97, 95% CI:0.85,1.12, p=0.71, respectively), but was lower among RMs receiving clopidogrel 75-mg (1.37, 95% CI:1.14,1.65, p<0.001). Platelet reactivity was not significantly affected by CYP2C19 metaboliser status for prasugrel 5-mg, or for prasugrel 10-mg by MPA and VN-PRU, but for clopidogrel 75-mg was significantly higher in reduced metabolisers (all measures p<0.01). Prasugrel 10-mg showed greater antiplatelet effects vs clopidogrel 75-mg (all comparisons p<0.001). Prasugrel 5-mg showed greater antiplatelet effects vs clopidogrel 75-mg in RMs (all p<0.001), and comparable effects in EMs (all p≥0.37). In contrast to clopidogrel, prasugrel active metabolite PK was not influenced by CYP2C19 genotype. Antiplatelet effect for prasugrel 10-mg was greater irrespective of metaboliser status and for prasugrel 5-mg was greater for RMs and comparable for EMs as compared to clopidogrel 75-mg.

Effects of the oral, direct factor Xa inhibitor apixaban on routine coagulation assays and anti-FXa assays.

INTRODUCTION: Apixaban is an oral direct factor Xa inhibitor developed for the prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic disorders. Laboratory monitoring is not necessary, but the effects on common coagulation reagents and assays constitute clinically valuable information. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of apixaban on commonly used coagulation methods, and to evaluate anti-FXa assays for specific determination of the drug concentration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Apixaban was added to plasma from healthy subjects in the concentration range 0-1000 µg L(-1) , and analyses were performed with different reagents for activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), antithrombin, protein C, and protein S. A lupus anticoagulant assay and an APTT assay with varying phospholipid concentrations were used to study the phospholipid dependence. RESULTS: In general, apixaban showed fewer effects in vitro than have been shown for rivaroxaban, another direct FXa inhibitor. The concentration needed to double the APTT varied between 2200 and 4700 µg L(-1) , and the concentration needed to double the PT varied between 700 and 3900 µg L(-1) . The effects on antithrombin, protein C and protein S assays were dependent on the type of reagent. Apixaban did not cause false-positive lupus anticoagulant results. Chromogenic anti-FXa assays showed linear dose-response curves with apixaban. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic concentrations of apixaban variably affect different assay groups, and even different reagents within an assay group. The effects were much smaller than with rivaroxaban. The use of APTT and/or PT assays to screen the anticoagulant activity of apixaban cannot be recommended. A chromogenic anti-FXa assay can be used for reliable measurements of apixaban concentration.

Contact activation: important to consider when measuring the contribution of tissue factor-bearing microparticles to thrombin generation using phospholipid-containing reagents.

BACKGROUND: A commercial MP reagent containing phospholipids is used for thrombin generation (TG) measurements to estimate the procoagulant activity of microparticles (MPs). Previous reports have shown that contact activation affects TG when TF levels are low, and that addition of phospholipids might augment this effect. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the impact of contact activation on TG in the presence of phospholipids and low/no TF, as is the case using a commercially available MP-reagent. METHODS: Thrombin generation was analyzed using MP- or platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-reagent in the presence and absence of corn trypsin inhibitor and anti-TF antibodies, respectively. To quantify the impact of different experimental parameters on contact activation, microparticle-depleted plasma was analyzed in the presence of different concentrations of phospholipids, TF and/or contact activating agents (kaolin). RESULTS: Even with low contact activating blood collection tubes, substantial thrombin generation was observed with the MP-reagent, but this was completely inhibited by addition of corn trypsin inhibitor. Control experiments illustrate that the phospholipids in the reagent play a major role in enhancing TG initiated by FXIIa. Even with the PRP-reagent, which is recommended for determining the content of phospholipids from MPs, TG was partly dependent on contact activation. CONCLUSIONS: Contact activation plays a major role in TG when using reagents/samples containing phospholipids but little or no tissue factor. This needs to be considered and accounted for in future clinical studies using TG to assess the procoagulant activity of MPs.

Gradients in surface nanotopography used to study platelet adhesion and activation.

Gradients in surface nanotopography were prepared by adsorbing gold nanoparticles on smooth gold substrates using diffusion technique. Following a sintering procedure the particle binding chemistry was removed, and integration of the particles into the underlying gold substrate was achieved, leaving a nanostructured surface with uniform surface chemistry. After pre-adsorption of human fibrinogen, the effect of surface nanotopography on platelets was studied. The use of a gradient in nanotopography allowed for platelet adhesion and activation to be studied as a function of nanoparticle coverage on one single substrate. A peak in platelet adhesion was found at 23% nanoparticle surface coverage. The highest number of activated platelets was found on the smooth control part of the surface, and did not coincide with the number of adhered platelets. Activation correlated inversely with particle coverage, hence the lowest fraction of activated platelets was found at high particle coverage. Hydrophobization of the gradient surface lowered the total number of adhering cells, but not the ratio of activated cells. Little or no effect was seen on gradients with 36nm particles, suggesting the existence of a lower limit for sensing of surface nano-roughness in platelets. These results demonstrate that parameters such as ratio between size and inter-particle distance can be more relevant for cell response than wettability on nanostructured surfaces. The minor effect of hydrophobicity, the generally reduced activation on nanostructured surfaces and the presence of a cut-off in activation of human platelets as a function of nanoparticle size could have implications for the design of future blood-contacting biomaterials.

Endogenous thrombin potential is higher during the luteal phase than during the follicular phase of a normal menstrual cycle.

STUDY QUESTION: Do thrombin generation and haemostatic parameters differ during the two phases of the menstrual cycle? SUMMARY ANSWER: Total thrombin concentration is higher during the luteal phase compared with the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The coagulation cascade is affected by many variables, such as fluctuations in the levels of sex hormones. The studies on the variations in haemostatic parameters during the menstrual cycle have produced diverse results. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Thrombin generation and selected haemostatic parameters (fibrinogen, factor II, factor VII, factor VIII, factor X, von Willebrand factor, antithrombin and D-dimer) were measured during the two phases of a normal menstrual cycle in 102 healthy women not taking any form of hormone medication. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: The study cohort consisted of 102 healthy women with regular menstrual cycles. Thrombin generation was measured by the calibrated automated thrombogram method. Progesterone and sex hormone-binding globulin were measured by chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassays. Estradiol was measured by a sensitive radioimmunoassay. Fibrinogen was measured by a clotting method, antithrombin was measured by a chromogenic method and factor II, factor VII, factor VIII, factor X, von Willebrand factor and D-dimer were measured by photometric methods. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: It was shown that the total amount of generated thrombin (Endogenous Thrombin Potential) was significantly higher during the luteal compared with the follicular phase (P = 0.027). Factor X was significantly higher during the follicular phase (P = 0.028). Progesterone exhibited significant associations (measured by the least squares regression analysis) with fibrinogen and factor X during the follicular phase (P = 0.043 and P = 0.033, respectively) and with factors II and VII during the luteal phase (P = 0.034 and P = 0.024, respectively). The validity of the results from the regression analysis was further confirmed by performing correlation analyses (Pearson correlation matrix) for haemostatic markers for the luteal and follicular phases (accepted correlation level >0.8). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The wide confidence interval for the differences in endogenous thrombin potential during the two phases could imply that the size of the cohort may not be sufficient to fully evaluate the biological variations. Additionally, the haemostatic markers were not shown to have significant associations with thrombin generation, suggesting that the increased thrombin concentration during the luteal phase would be mediated by another mechanism, as yet unidentified. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The associations between progesterone and the haemostatic markers, as shown for both phases of the menstrual cycle, suggest a previously unknown or undefined yet potentially significant role for progesterone in the coagulation system. However, it has been shown that the use of progestogen-only preparations does not affect the coagulation system, which is partly the reason why they are considered safe for women with thrombophilia or previous thrombotic event. Further studies are required in order to demonstrate whether our results can be extrapolated for synthetic progestins, which might have significant implication on the indications for their use.

Platelets and acute cerebral infarction.

Stroke is worldwide a leading cause of death and disability. Its etiology is regarded as heterogeneous. Platelets are implicated in its pathophysiology, but our understanding of their specific role is incomplete. Only sparse and conflicting information exists about platelet reactivity and activity in acute stroke. Some scientists take the view that platelets activate in conjunction with acute cerebral infarctions. Others put forward evidence corroborating the contrary notion. Increased soluble P-selectin as a sign of platelet and/or endothelial activity seems to be a feature of the disease. The latter point of view is opposed by other researchers. Due to these conflicting opinions, this study is devoted to platelet characteristics in acute cerebral infarctions. We studied subjects (n = 72; age 74 ± 10(SD) years; 31 females) having acute stroke. As controls served atrial fibrillation (AF) patients (n = 58; age 69 ± 7(SD) years; 12 females) subject to electrical cardioversion, a flow cytometer was put to use for measuring platelet reactivity and activity. After agonist provocation, both platelet bound P-selectin and fibrinogen were employed as estimates of platelet reactivity. Dilutions of a thrombin-receptor-activating peptide (TRAP-6) (74 and 57 µmol/l) (P-selectin and fibrinogen) and ADP (8.5 and 1.7 µmol/l) (fibrinogen only) were put to use as platelet agonists. Membrane-bound P-selectin without agonist stimulation served as a measure of in vivo platelet activation. Soluble P-selectin, as determined from a commercial ELISA, was used to assess platelet and/or endothelial activity. In acute stroke neither platelet-bound P-selectin nor fibrinogen after stimulation, i.e. reactivity, differed from AF controls. In contrast, lower platelet activity as judged from surface attached and circulating P-selectin without agonist stimulation proved to be a feature of cerebral infarctions. The p-values were p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively. It is concluded that acute stroke is not associated with platelet reactivity platelets circulate less activated during the disease. It is evident that the mechanisms reflecting platelet reactivity and activity being investigated in this study play minor roles in stroke pathophysiology. New powerful platelet inhibitory drugs are currently introduced. To avoid major bleeding studies on platelet, behavior in acute stroke are necessary before including these medications in stroke treatment protocols.

Hydroxyethyl starches and dextran during hip replacement surgery: effects on blood volume and coagulation.

BACKGROUND: Colloid fluids influence the coagulation system by diluting the plasma and, potentially, by exerting other effects that are unique for each fluid product. We hypothesised that changes in the coagulation measured at the end of surgery would be mainly governed by differences in half-life between the colloid fluids. METHODS: Eighty-four patients were randomised to receive one of four colloids: HES 130/0.42/6:1 (Venofundin(®)), 130/0.4/9:1 (Voluven(®)), 200/0.5/5:1 (Haes-steril(®)) and 6% dextran 70 (Macrodex(®)). Blood samples were taken just before and after a preoperative 500 ml bolus, and also after subsequent elective hip replacement surgery. Volume expansion was estimated from the blood dilution and coagulation assessed by ROTEM, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin international normalised ratio (PT-INR), D-dimer and thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT). RESULTS: The blood volume expansion amounted to approximately 600 ml for all four colloids directly after infusion. Voluven(®) and Haes-steril(®) prolonged the aPT time and Venofundin(®) increased TAT. Although all colloids increased PT-INR and D-dimer, the ROTEM analyses showed that they consistently shortened the clotting time and weakened the clot strength. These effects were mainly unchanged after surgery, during which the haemorrhage averaged 500-600 ml. Macrodex(®) produced a stronger volume support at the end of the surgery (91% of infused volume; P<0.001) than the three starch solutions (42-60%). CONCLUSIONS: All tested colloid fluids induced a mild hypercoagulable state with faster clotting, but with weaker clot strength. The additive influence of surgery was relatively small, and postoperative changes in coagulation were mainly due to differences in the half-life of each colloid.

Effects of the oral, direct factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban on commonly used coagulation assays.

INTRODUCTION: Rivaroxaban is an oral direct factor Xa inhibitor developed for prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic disorders. Laboratory monitoring is not necessary but the dose-dependent effects on common reagents and assay procedures are largely unknown. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of rivaroxaban on commonly used coagulation assays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rivaroxaban was added to plasma from healthy subjects in the concentration range 0-1000 µg L(-1) and analyzed using different reagents for activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), antithrombin, fibrinogen and activated protein C (APC) resistance assays. RESULTS: At an expected peak concentration of rivaroxaban in clinical use, the APTTs were almost invariably prolonged but at lower concentrations the effect was weak. The concentration needed to double the APTT varied between 389 ± 106 and 617 ± 149 µg L(-1) for different reagents. The PT assays showed a marked degree of difference. In general, the Quick PT type assays were more sensitive compared with the Owren type PT assays. The results from antithrombin assays were dependent on the type of reagent, with the Xa-based assay being sensitive for rivaroxaban with an estimated increase of 0.09 IU mL(-1) per 100 µg L(-1) rivaroxaban. There were only minor effects on fibrinogen assays based on thrombin reagents. The APTT-based assay for APC resistance is affected in a dose-dependent manner whereas an assay based on the activation of coagulation at the prothrombinase level was unaffected. CONCLUSIONS: Different assays, and even different reagents within an assay group, display variable effects by therapeutic concentrations of rivaroxaban.

The periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis sensitises human blood platelets to epinephrine.

Recent studies indicate connections between periodontitis and atherothrombosis, and the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis has been found within atherosclerotic lesions. P. gingivalis-derived proteases, designated gingipains activate human platelets, probably through a "thrombin-like" activity on protease-activated receptors (PARs). However, the potential interplay between P. gingivalis and other physiological platelet activators has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to elucidate consequences and mechanisms in the interaction between P. gingivalis and the stress hormone epinephrine. By measuring changes in light transmission through platelet suspensions, we found that P. gingivalis provoked aggregation, whereas epinephrine alone never had any effect. Intriguingly, pre-treatment of platelets with a low, sub-threshold number of P. gingivalis (i.e. a density that did not directly provoke platelet aggregation) resulted in a marked aggregation response when epinephrine was added. This synergistic action was not inhibited by the cyclooxygenas inhibitor aspirin. Furthermore, fura-2-measurements revealed that epinephrine caused an intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization in P. gingivalis pre-treated platelets, whereas epinephrine alone had no effect. Inhibition of the arg-specific gingipains, but not the lys-specific gingipains, abolished the aggregation and the Ca(2+) response provoked by epinephrine. Similar results were achieved by separate blockage of platelet alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors and PARs. In conclusion, the present study shows that a sub-threshold number of P. gingivalis sensitizes platelets to epinephrine. We suggest that P. gingivalis-derived arg-specific gingipains activates a small number of PARs on the surface of the platelets. This leads to an unexpected Ca(2+) mobilization and a marked aggregation response when epinephrine subsequently binds to the alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor. The present results are consistent with a direct connection between periodontitis and stress, and describe a novel mechanism that may contribute to pathological platelet activation.

Low molecular weight heparin impairs tendon repair.

Thrombin has many biological properties similar to those of growth factors. In a previous study, we showed that thrombin improves healing of the rat tendo Achillis. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) inhibits the activity and the generation of thrombin. We therefore considered that LMWH at a thromboprophylactic dose might inhibit tendon repair. Transection of the tendo Achillis was carried out in 86 rats and the healing tested mechanically. Low molecular weight heparin (dalateparin) was either injected a few minutes before the operation and then given continuously with an osmotic mini pump for seven days, or given as one injection before the operation. In another experiment ,we gave LMWH or a placebo by injection twice daily. The anti-factor Xa activity was analysed. Continuous treatment with LMWH impaired tendon healing. After seven days, this treatment caused a 33% reduction in force at failure, a 20% reduction in stiffness and a 67% reduction in energy uptake. However, if injected twice daily, LMWH had no effect on tendon healing. Anti-factor Xa activity was increased by LMWH treatment, but was normal between intermittent injections. Low molecular weight heparin delays tendon repair if given continuously, but not if injected intermittently, probably because the anti-factor Xa activity between injections returns to normal, allowing sufficient thrombin stimulation for repair. These findings indicate the need for caution in the assessment of long-acting thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors.

Detection of surface bound complement at increasing serum anticoagulant concentrations.

Surface mediated immune complement activation can be detected by a variety of antibody utilizing methods such as ELISA, fluorescence- or radiolabelling techniques, QCM, and ellipsometry. In the present work we investigated how the common anticoagulants heparin, dalteparin, fondaparinux and sodium citrate affected the binding of anti-complement factor 3c (anti-C3c) on a model complement activator surface, immobilised IgG, after incubation in human blood serum. The results show, as expected, that different anticoagulants affect the antibody binding differently. Increasing amounts of heparin, dalteparin and sodium citrate in normal serum resulted in a decreasing anti-C3c binding. The antibody deposition was not sensitive for the fondaparinux concentration. Surprisingly high concentrations of anti-coagulantia were needed to completely eradicate the antibody binding. Experiments in EGTA-serum showed that anticoagulants interfered directly with both the classical and alternative pathways. Control C3a-des arg ELISA measurements show that the lowered antibody surface binding was not a result of complement depletion in serum. Kallikrein generation by hydrophilic glass surfaces was not affected by high anticoagulant concentrations.

Main haplotypes and mutational analysis of vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKORC1) in a Swedish population: a retrospective analysis of case records.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKORC1) is the site of inhibition by coumarins. Several reports have shown that mutations in the gene encoding VKORC1 affect the sensitivity of the enzyme for warfarin. Recently, three main haplotypes of VKORC1; *2, *3 and *4 have been observed, that explain most of the genetic variability in warfarin dose among Caucasians. OBJECTIVES: We have investigated the main haplotypes of the VKORC1 gene in a Swedish population. Additional objective was to screen the studied population for mutations in the coding region of VKORC1 gene. PATIENTS/METHODS: Warfarin doses and plasma S- and R-warfarin of 98 patients [with a target International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 2.0-3.0] have been correlated to VKORC1 haplotypes. Controls of 180 healthy individuals have also been haplotyped. Furthermore, a retrospective analysis of case records was performed to find any evidence indicating influence of VKORC1 haplotypes on warfarin response in the first 4 weeks (initiation phase) and the latest 12 months of warfarin treatment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Our result shows that VKORC1*2 is the most important haplotype for warfarin dosage. Patients with VKORC1*2 haplotype had more frequent visits than patients with VKORC1*3 or *4 haplotypes, higher coefficient of variation (CV) of prothrombin time-INR and higher percentage of INR values outside the therapeutic interval (i.e. 2.0-3.0) than patients with VKORC1*3 or *4 haplotypes. Also, there was a statistically significant difference in warfarin dose (P < 0.001) and R-warfarin plasma levels (P < 0.01) between VKORC1*2 and VKORC1*3 or 4 haplotypes. Patients with VKORC1*2 haplotype seem to require much lower warfarin doses than other patients.

Evaluation of platelet function, a method comparison.

Platelet function can be studied using many different methods why it is of interest to understand how data from different assays relate to each other. In the present study we compare two methods suitable for screening purposes with two established although laborious methods, impedance aggregometry and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) aggregation. The alternative assays tested were: (i) exposure of active alphaIIbbeta3, in diluted whole blood and (ii) whole blood aggregation assessed by residual platelet counting. The fibrinogen receptor activation assay was found to have the lower variability, higher sensitivity to ADP, and higher signal to noise ratio compared with residual platelet counting. The sensitivity and response profile of the fibrinogen receptor activation assay and residual platelet counting were more similar to PRP aggregation than to impedance aggregometry, whereas impedance aggregometry displayed lower sensitivity to ADP. The two alternative assays correlated well with PRP aggregation as well as with each other. The fibrinogen receptor activation assay displayed the highest potency for AR-C69931MX, possibly due to a lower protein content compared with residual platelet counting. The two studied assays compare well with the more established assays, and are thus both good alternatives for platelet function testing and evaluation of new potential platelet antagonists.