Multifunctional interaction of CihC/FbpC orthologs of relapsing fever spirochetes with host-derived proteins involved in adhesion, fibrinolysis, and complement evasion.

Introduction: Relapsing fever (RF) remains a neglected human disease that is caused by a number of diverse pathogenic Borrelia (B.) species. Characterized by high cell densities in human blood, relapsing fever spirochetes have developed plentiful strategies to avoid recognition by the host defense mechanisms. In this scenario, spirochetal lipoproteins exhibiting multifunctional binding properties in the interaction with host-derived molecules are known to play a key role in adhesion, fibrinolysis and complement activation. Methods: Binding of CihC/FbpC orthologs to different human proteins and conversion of protein-bound plasminogen to proteolytic active plasmin were examined by ELISA. To analyze the inhibitory capacity of CihC/FbpC orthologs on complement activation, a microtiter-based approach was performed. Finally, AlphaFold predictions were utilized to identified the complement-interacting residues. Results and discussion: Here, we elucidate the binding properties of CihC/FbpC-orthologs from distinct RF spirochetes including B. parkeri, B. hermsii, B. turicatae, and B. recurrentis to human fibronectin, plasminogen, and complement component C1r. All CihC/FbpC-orthologs displayed similar binding properties to fibronectin, plasminogen, and C1r, respectively. Functional studies revealed a dose dependent binding of plasminogen to all borrelial proteins and conversion to active plasmin. The proteolytic activity of plasmin was almost completely abrogated by tranexamic acid, indicating that lysine residues are involved in the interaction with this serine protease. In addition, a strong inactivation capacity toward the classical pathway could be demonstrated for the wild-type CihC/FbpC-orthologs as well as for the C-terminal CihC fragment of B. recurrentis. Pre-incubation of human serum with borrelial molecules except CihC/FbpC variants lacking the C-terminal region protected serum-susceptible Borrelia cells from complement-mediated lysis. Utilizing AlphaFold2 predictions and existing crystal structures, we mapped the putative key residues involved in C1r binding on the CihC/FbpC orthologs attempting to explain the relatively small differences in C1r binding affinity despite the substitutions of key residues. Collectively, our data advance the understanding of the multiple binding properties of structural and functional highly similar molecules of relapsing fever spirochetes proposed to be involved in pathogenesis and virulence.

Changes and significance of the fibrinolytic system following two pulmonary thromboembolisms in a rabbit model.

In this study, we examined the changes in the fibrinolytic system in a rabbit model of two acute pulmonary thromboembolisms (PTE). Fourteen healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits were divided into three groups: the single PTE group (five rabbits), the double PTE group (five rabbits), and the control group (four rabbits). A rabbit model of acute pulmonary embolism was established, and immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed on tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in plasma, and pulmonary embolism tissue. Plasma results: 1) t-PA levels: one hour following the initial modeling, the levels of t-PA in the modeling groups were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). In addition, the t-PA levels in the double PTE group were found to be lower after the modeling, as compared to the pre-modeling period (P<0.05). One hour after the second modeling, the double PTE group had lower t-PA levels compared to the control group (P<0.05). However, t-PA rebounded two hours after modeling in the double PTE group. One week after the second modeling, the double PTE group had higher t-PA levels compared to the other two groups (P<0.05). 2) PAI-1 results: one hour after the initial modeling, PAI-1 levels in the two modeling groups were lower compared to the pre-modeling period and control groups (P<0.05). Two hours following modeling, PAI-1 levels in both modeling groups were lower compared to the control group (P<0.05). PAI-1 levels were lower in the double PTE group one and two hours after the second modeling compared to the other two groups and pre-modeling period (P<0.05). 3) The immunohistochemistry results: the expression of PAI-1 decreased in the two modeling groups, while t-PA expression increased compared to the control group. 4) PCR results: t-PA mRNA expression did not differ among the three groups. The PAI-1 mRNA expression was lower in the two PTE groups compared to the control group. We conclude that in the early stages of PTE, the local fibrinolytic activity of the thrombus is increased, which is favorable for thrombolysis. However, as the thrombus persists, the activity of the fibrinolytic system is inhibited, contributing to the development of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Tracking Fibrinolysis of Chandler Loop-Formed Whole Blood Clots Under Shear Flow in An In-Vitro Thrombolysis Model.

Thromboembolism and related complications are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and various assays have been developed to test thrombolytic drug efficiency both in vitro and in vivo. There is increasing demand for more physiologically relevant in-vitro clot models for drug development due to the complexity and cost associated with animal models in addition to their often lack of translatability to human physiology. Flow, pressure, and shear rate are important characteristics of the circulatory system, with clots that are formed under flow displaying different morphology and digestion characteristics than statically formed clots. These factors are often unrepresented in conventional in-vitro clot digestion assays, which can have pharmacological implications that impact drug translational success rates. The Real-Time Fluorometric Flowing Fibrinolysis (RT-FluFF) assay was developed as a high-fidelity thrombolysis testing platform that uses fluorescently tagged clots formed under shear flow, which are then digested using circulating plasma in the presence or absence of fibrinolytic pharmaceutical agents. Modifying the flow rates of both clot formation and clot digestion steps allows the system to imitate arterial, pulmonary, and venous conditions across highly diverse experimental setups. Measurements can be taken continuously using an in-line fluorometer or by taking discrete time points, as well as a conventional end point clot mass measurement. The RT-FluFF assay is a flexible system that allows for the real-time tracking of clot digestion under flow conditions that more accurately represent in-vivo physiological conditions while retaining the control and reproducibility of an in-vitro testing system.

Point-of-care testing for tranexamic acid efficacy: a proof-of-concept study in cardiac surgical patients.

BACKGROUND: Low-dose tranexamic acid (TXA) has been recently recommended for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to reduce associated complications. Although point-of-care laboratory tests for TXA concentrations are unavailable, a novel TPA-test on the ClotPro® system can measure TXA-induced inhibition of fibrinolysis. We evaluated the performance of the TPA-test in vitro and in patients undergoing surgery requiring CPB. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from six volunteers for in vitro evaluation of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)-triggered fibrinolysis and the effects of TXA. This was followed by an observational study in 20 cardiac surgery patients to assess clinical effects of TXA on the TPA-test. RESULTS: Hyperfibrinolysis induced by tPA was inhibited by TXA ≥2 mg L-1 in a concentration-dependent manner, and was completely inhibited at TXA ≥10 mg L-1. In patients undergoing CPB, antifibrinolytic effect was detectable on TPA-test parameters after a 0.1 g bolus of TXA at the end of CPB, and complete inhibition of fibrinolysis was obtained with TXA ≥0.5 g. The antifibrinolytic effects of 1 g TXA on TPA-test parameters were gradually attenuated over 18 h after surgery. However, the fibrinolytic inhibition continued in four patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≤30 ml min-1 1.73 m-2. The eGFR had strong correlations with TPA-test parameters at 18 h after surgery (r=0.86-0.92; P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The TPA-test is sensitive to low concentrations of TXA and serves as a practical monitoring tool for postoperative fibrinolytic activity in cardiac surgery patients. This test might be particularly useful in patients with severe renal impairment.

Establishment and verification of a prognostic model based on coagulation and fibrinolysis-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that coagulation and fibrinolysis (CFR) are correlated with Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and prognosis. We aim to build a model based on CFR-correlated genes for risk assessment and prediction of HCC patient. METHODS: HCC samples were selected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases respectively. The Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB) was used to select the CFR genes. RiskScore model were established by single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), multivariate Cox regression analysis, LASSO regression analysis. RESULTS: PCDH17, PGF, PDE2A, FAM110D, FSCN1, FBLN5 were selected as the key genes and designed a RiskScore model. Those key genes were Differential expressions in HCC cell and patients. Overexpression PDE2A inhibited HCC cell migration and invasion. The higher the RiskScore, the lower the probability of survival. The model has high AUC values in the first, third and fifth year prediction curves, indicating that the model has strong prediction performance. The difference analysis of clinicopathological features found that a great proportion of high clinicopathological grade samples showed higher RiskScore. RiskScore were positively correlated with immune scores and TIDE scores. High levels of immune checkpoints and immunomodulators were observed in high RiskScore group. High RiskScore groups may benefit greatly from taking traditional chemotherapy drugs. CONCLUSIONS: We screened CFR related genes to design a RiskScore model, which could accurately evaluate the prognosis and survival status of HCC patients, providing certain value for optimizing the clinical treatment of cancer in the future.

Platelet activity, coagulation, and fibrinolysis in long-term users of anabolic-androgenic steroids compared to strength-trained athletes.

INTRODUCTION: Use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) is associated with adverse cardiovascular (CV) effects, including potential prothrombotic effects. This study aimed to assess platelet activation and aggregation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis, in long-term AAS users compared to non-using strength-trained athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven strength-trained men using AAS were compared to seventeen non-using professional strength-trained athletes at similar age (median 33 years). AAS use was verified by blood and urine analyses. Platelet Function Analyzer 100 (PFA-100) and whole blood impedance aggregometry with thrombin, arachidonic acid, and ADP as agonists, were performed to evaluate platelet aggregation. ELISA methods were used for markers of platelet activation. Fibrinogen, D-dimer, the coagulation inhibitors protein S and C activity, and antithrombin were measured by routine. Fibrinolysis was evaluated by Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in platelet aggregation between the two groups. Von Willebrand factor was lower among the AAS users (p < 0.01), and P-Selectin was slightly higher (p = 0.05), whereas CD40 Ligand, ß-thromboglobulin, and thrombospondin did not differ significantly. No differences were found in the assessed coagulation inhibitors. Higher D-dimer levels (p < 0.01) and lower PAI-1 activity (p < 0.01) were found among the AAS users. CONCLUSIONS: The investigated long-term users of AAS did not exhibit elevated platelet activity compared to strength-trained non-using athletes. However, AAS use was associated with higher D-dimer levels and lower PAI-1 activity. These findings suggest that any prothrombotic effect of long-term AAS use may predominantly involve other aspects of the hemostatic system than blood platelets.

Severe Thrombocytopenia in Decompensated Liver Disease: An Example of Accelerated Intravascular Coagulation and Fibrinolysis.

INTRODUCTION: Advanced liver disease can present with severe thrombocytopenia that can be difficult to delineate and manage. Here we describe a unique entity of accelerated intravascular coagulation and fibrinolysis (AICF) in a patient with decompensated liver disease. CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old male with a history of alcoholic cirrhosis was admitted for weakness, nausea, metabolic derangement, and acute kidney injury determined to be secondary to decompensated liver disease. During admission, his platelet count declined to <10 000/µL requiring 8 total platelet transfusions. Laboratory and clinical evaluation supported a diagnosis of AICF, and the patient gradually improved with supportive management. DISCUSSION: AICF can present similarly to disseminated intravascular coagulation, and careful evaluation of specific laboratory values is required for accurate diagnosis. Appropriate management minimizes the associated increased risk of bleeding and prevents delay in procedural intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the importance of early clinical and laboratory correlation, multidisciplinary care, and supportive treatment in the management of AICF.

High thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor expression in thrombi from stroke patients in elevated estrogen states.

BACKGROUND: The risk of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) associated with high estrogen states, including pregnant patients and those using oral contraceptives, has been well documented. We described the histological composition of thrombi collected in these cases. METHODS: From a prospective tissue registry (STRIP registry) of thrombi retrieved during mechanical thrombectomy for AIS, we identified 5 patients with high estrogen states: 1 post-partum patient, 1 undergoing hormone replacement therapy and 3 consuming oral contraceptive pills. Five male control patients were randomly chosen matched by age. Immunohistochemistry for CD42b (platelets), von Willebrand factor (vWF), thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), fibrinogen and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) was performed. Expression was quantified using Orbit Image Software. Student's t-test was performed as appropriate. RESULTS: Mean TAFI content for the high estrogen state group was higher than controls (25.6 ± 11.9% versus 9.3 ± 9.0%, p = 0.043*). Mean platelet content for the high estrogen state group was lower than controls (41.7 ± 10.6% versus 61.8 ± 12.9%, p = 0.029*). No significant difference was found in vWF, fibrinogen and PAI-1 expression. Mean time to recanalize was higher in the high estrogen state group compared to the control group (57.8 ± 27.6 versus 22.6 ± 11.4 min, p = 0.0351*). The mean number of passes required was higher in the high estrogen group compared to controls 4.6 versus 1.2, p = 0.0261*). CONCLUSIONS: TAFI expression, a powerful driver of thrombosis, was significantly higher in stroke thrombi among patients with high estrogen states compared to controls.

Case report: Complex evaluation of coagulation, fibrinolysis and inflammatory cytokines in a SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnant woman with fetal loss.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy increases the risk of severe obstetrical complications. Detailed evaluation of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy in a pregnancy with stillbirth hasn't been described so far. Besides knowledge gaps in the pathomechanism leading to stillbirth in COVID-19 pregnancies, currently, no prognostic biomarker is available to identify pregnant patients who are at imminent risk of COVID-19-associated maternal and fetal complications, requiring immediate medical attention. Case: Here we report the case of a 28-year-old SARS-CoV-2 infected pregnant patient, admitted to our hospital at 28 weeks of gestation with intrauterine fetal loss. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 placentitis was confirmed by immunohistological evaluation of the placenta. She had only mild upper respiratory symptoms and her vital signs were within reference throughout labor and postpartum. The stillborn infant was delivered per vias naturales. Fibrinogen concentrate was administered before and after labor due to markedly decreased fibrinogen levels (1.49 g/l) at admission and excessive bleeding during and after delivery. Although coagulation screening tests were not alarming at admission, the balance of hemostasis was strikingly distorted in the patient. As compared to healthy age- and gestational age-matched pregnant controls, increased D-dimer, low FVIII activity, low FXIII level, marked hypocoagulability as demonstrated by the thrombin generation assay, together with shortened clot lysis and decreased levels of fibrinolytic proteins were observed. These alterations most likely have contributed to the increased bleeding observed during labor and in the early postpartum period. Interestingly, at the same time, only moderately altered inflammatory cytokine levels were found at admission. Serum ACE2 activity did not differ in the patient from that of age- and gestational age-matched healthy controls, suggesting that despite previous speculations in the literature, ACE2 may not be used as a potential biomarker for the prediction of COVID-19 placentitis and threatening fetal loss in SARS-CoV-2-infected pregnancies. Conclusions: Although based on this case report no prognostic biomarker could be identified for use in pregnant patients with imminent risk of fetal loss associated with COVID-19 placentitis, the above-described hemostasis alterations warrant awareness of postpartum hemorrhagic complications and could be helpful to identify patients requiring intensified medical attention.

Comparison of results obtained using clot-fibrinolysis waveform analysis and global fibrinolysis capacity assay with rotational thromboelastography.

Global fibrinolysis assays detect the fibrinolysis time of clot dissolution using tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA). Two such assays, clot-fibrinolysis waveform analysis (CFWA) and global fibrinolysis capacity (GFC) assay, were recently developed. These were compared with rotational thromboelastography (ROTEM). Healthy donor blood samples were divided into four groups based on tPA-spiked concentrations: 0, 100, 500, and 1000 ng/mL. CFWA and GFC fibrinolysis times, including 4.1 µg/mL and 100 ng/mL tPA in the assays, were determined, denoted as CFWA-Lys and GFC-Lys, respectively. Statistical differences were recognized between tPA concentrations of 0 and 500/1000 ng/mL for CFWA-Lys, and 0 and 100/500/1000 ng/mL for GFC-Lys. The correlation coefficients with lysis onset time (LOT) of extrinsic pathway evaluation and intrinsic pathway evaluation in ROTEM were statistically significant at 0.610 and 0.590 for CFWA-Lys, and 0.939 and 0.928 for GFC-Lys, respectively (p-values < 0.0001 for all correlations). Both assays showed significant correlations with ROTEM; however, the GFC assay proved to have better agreement with ROTEM compared with the CFWA assay. These assays have the potential to reflect a hyperfibrinolysis status with high tPA concentrations.

Impact of very low dose rivaroxaban in addition to dual antiplatelet therapy on endogenous fibrinolysis in acute coronary syndrome: The VaLiDate-R study.

BACKGROUND: Impaired endogenous fibrinolysis is adverse cardiovascular risk factor in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Addition of very low dose rivaroxaban (VLDR) to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) reduces cardiovascular events but increases bleeding. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess whether addition of VLDR to DAPT can enhance endogenous fibrinolysis. METHODS: In a prospective, open-label trial, we assessed endogenous fibrinolysis in whole blood, in 549 patients with ACS using the Global Thrombosis Test (GTT) and Thromboelastography (TEG). Patients (n = 180) who demonstrated impaired endogenous fibrinolysis (lysis time [LT] >2000s with the GTT) were randomised 1:1:1 to (i) clopidogrel 75 mg daily; (ii) clopidogrel 75 mg daily plus rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily; or (iii) ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily, for 30 days, in addition to aspirin. Fibrinolytic status was assessed at 0, 2, 4 and 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in LT from admission to week 4. We also measured thrombotic occlusion time (OT) at high shear, and rivaroxaban level. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups with respect to LT or clot lysis with TEG, and no change in these parameters compared to baseline during study drug allocation. In the rivaroxaban plus clopidogrel group, OT was prolonged compared to the other groups, although rivaroxaban levels were low, suggesting non-compliance. CONCLUSION: Addition of rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily to DAPT does not affect endogenous fibrinolysis of thrombus formed at either high or low shear. Further studies are needed to determine whether higher doses of rivaroxaban can favourably modulate fibrinolysis. CONDENSED ABSTRACT: Impaired endogenous fibrinolysis is a strong risk factor in ACS. We aimed to assess whether adding very low dose rivaroxaban (VLDR) to DAPT can enhance fibrinolysis. Fibrin and clot lysis were assessed in whole blood. ACS patients with impaired fibrinolysis were randomised 1:1:1 to clopidogrel 75 mg daily; clopidogrel 75 mg plus VLDR; or ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily, in addition to aspirin. At 30-days, there was no difference in lysis time between the groups, nor change from baseline. VLDR does not improve fibrinolysis at high or low shear. Further studies are needed to determine whether alternative antithrombotic regimens can enhance endogenous fibrinolysis.

Acute and subacute effects of strenuous exercise on platelet aggregation, coagulation and fibrinolysis in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

INTRODUCTION: Strenuous exercise may occasionally cause coronary thrombosis with myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) (n = 164) and healthy individuals (n = 25) performed strenuous exercise on a bicycle ergometer. Blood was drawn at baseline, immediately after exercise and 2 h later. Platelet aggregation was measured with Multiplate® Analyzer. Thrombin generation was determined using a thrombogram and by measuring prothrombin fragment 1 + 2 (F1 + 2). A clot lysis assay was used to investigate fibrinolysis. RESULTS: From baseline to immediately after exercise, thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP)-induced platelet aggregation increased in CAD patients (Δ77 AU × min, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 46;107) and in healthy individuals (Δ153 AU × min, 95%CI: 75;232). Endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) was unaffected by exercise, whilst F1 + 2 increased (Δ17%, 95%CI: 11;24) in CAD patients. Fibrin clot lysis time increased by 9 % (95%CI: 1-17) in CAD patients and by 26 % (95%CI: 8;45) in healthy individuals. When comparing baseline to 2 h post-exercise, TRAP-induced platelet aggregation remained slightly elevated in both CAD patients (Δ53 AU × min, 95%CI: 22;84) and healthy individuals (Δ140 AU × min, 95%CI: 62;219). In contrast, ETP and F1 + 2 decreased in CAD patients (Δ-6 %, 95%CI: -10;-1 and Δ-8 %, 95%CI: -14;-2). Moreover, clot lysis time decreased (Δ-19 %, 95%CI: -27;-11) in patients with CAD and returned to baseline in healthy individuals. All p-values were <0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet aggregation and F1 + 2 were substantially elevated immediately after exercise in CAD patients, indicating a pro-thrombotic state. After 2 h of recovery, they exhibited a markedly increase in fibrinolysis. Similar results were observed in healthy individuals.

Persistent hypofibrinolysis in severe COVID-19 associated with elevated fibrinolysis inhibitors activity.

Hypercoagulability and reduced fibrinolysis are well-established complications associated with COVID-19. However, the timelines for the onset and resolution of these complications remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in a cohort of COVID-19 patients, changes in coagulation and fibrinolytic activity through ROTEM assay at different time points during the initial 30 days following the onset of symptoms in both mild and severe cases. Blood samples were collected at five intervals after symptoms onset: 6-10 days, 11-15 days, 16-20 days, 21-25 days, and 26-30 days. In addition, fibrinogen, plasminogen, PAI-1, and alpha 2-antiplasmin activities were determined. Out of 85 participants, 71% had mild COVID-19. Twenty uninfected individuals were evaluated as controls. ROTEM parameters showed a hypercoagulable state among mild COVID-19 patients beginning in the second week of symptoms onset, with a trend towards reversal after the third week of symptoms. In severe COVID-19 cases, hypercoagulability was observed since the first few days of symptoms, with a tendency towards reversal after the fourth week of symptoms onset. A hypofibrinolytic state was identified in severe COVID-19 patients from early stages and persisted even after 30 days of symptoms. Elevated activity of PAI-1 and alpha 2-antiplasmin was also detected in severe COVID-19 patients. In conclusion, both mild and severe cases of COVID-19 exhibited transient hypercoagulability, reverted by the end of the first month. However, severe COVID-19 cases sustain hypofibrinolysis throughout the course of the disease, which is associated with elevated activity of fibrinolysis inhibitors. Persistent hypofibrinolysis could contribute to long COVID-19 manifestations.

Urinary protein and coagulation-fibrinolysis indicators in preeclampsia: Expression and significance.

This study investigates the expression and significance of urinary protein and coagulation-fibrinolysis indicators in preeclampsia, categorized into mild preeclampsia (109 cases) and severe preeclampsia (97 cases) based on disease severity. Additionally, 110 patients with gestational hypertension (gestational hypertension group) were included for comparative analysis. General information, laboratory indicators, urinary protein, and coagulation-fibrinolysis indicator levels were collected for each group. Significant differences were observed in blood pressure among groups (P < .05), while uric acid, serum creatinine, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and triglycerides showed no significant differences (P > .05). Total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density Lipoprotein levels in severe preeclampsia were higher than those in mild preeclampsia and gestational hypertension groups, whereas high-density lipoprotein, albumin, and platelet levels were lower in severe preeclampsia. No significant differences were observed in prothrombin time or D-dimer levels among groups (P > .05). Urinary protein, urinary protein quantification, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, and fibrinogen were identified as influencing factors for adverse maternal and infant outcomes in severe preeclampsia patients. The study concludes that urinary protein and coagulation-fibrinolysis indicators are elevated in preeclampsia, particularly in severe preeclampsia cases, suggesting their potential use as diagnostic influencing factors for severe preeclampsia.

Dysregulated fibrinolysis and plasmin activation promote the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.

Joint injury is associated with risk for development of osteoarthritis (OA). Increasing evidence suggests that activation of fibrinolysis is involved in OA pathogenesis. However, the role of the fibrinolytic pathway is not well understood. Here, we showed that the fibrinolytic pathway, which includes plasminogen/plasmin, tissue plasminogen activator, urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), and the uPA receptor (uPAR), was dysregulated in human OA joints. Pharmacological inhibition of plasmin attenuated OA progression after a destabilization of the medial meniscus in a mouse model whereas genetic deficiency of plasmin activator inhibitor, or injection of plasmin, exacerbated OA. We detected increased uptake of uPA/uPAR in mouse OA joints by microPET/CT imaging. In vitro studies identified that plasmin promotes OA development through multiple mechanisms, including the degradation of lubricin and cartilage proteoglycans and induction of inflammatory and degradative mediators. We showed that uPA and uPAR produced inflammatory and degradative mediators by activating the PI3K, 3'-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1, AKT, and ERK signaling cascades and activated matrix metalloproteinases to degrade proteoglycan. Together, we demonstrated that fibrinolysis contributes to the development of OA through multiple mechanisms and suggested that therapeutic targeting of the fibrinolysis pathway can prevent or slow development of OA.

The effects of emicizumab on in vitro coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters in patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation with and without addition of anti-FVIII antibody.

BACKGROUND: Emicizumab (Emi) is used as haemostatic prophylaxis for patients with haemophilia A (PwHA). Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a condition characterized by persistent systemic activation of coagulation, but there is yet no information on coagulation and fibrinolysis potentials in Emi-treated PwHA with DIC. AIM: To examine the effect of Emi on coagulation and fibrinolysis potentials in HA-model DIC plasmas. METHODS: Plasma from a patient with sepsis-DIC (seven patients) was treated with anti-factor (F)VIII monoclonal antibody (HA-model DIC plasma) and incubated with Emi (50 µg/mL). The plasma was then assessed using clot-fibrinolysis waveform analysis (CFWA). Coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters were expressed as ratios relative to normal plasma (|min1|-ratio and |FL-min1|-ratio, respectively). PATIENTS AND RESULTS: In case 1, coagulant potential was slightly high and fibrinolytic potential was extremely low, presenting a coagulant-dominant state (|min1|-ratio/|FL-min1|-ratio: 1.1/.38). In cases 2-5, fibrinolytic potential was not suppressed, but there were marked hypercoagulant potentials, indicating relative coagulant-dominant states. In case 6, coagulant and fibrinolytic potentials were increased but well balanced (|min1|-ratio/|FL-min1|-ratio: 1.38/1.28). In case 7, both potentials were severely deteriorated in not only CFWA but also the thrombin/plasmin generation assay. The addition of Emi into the HA-model DIC plasmas increased |min1|-ratio values in all cases, but the coagulant potentials did not exceed the initial ones (DIC plasma before treatment with anti-FVIII antibody). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of Emi in the HA-model DIC plasma improved coagulation potentials, but did not increase coagulation potentials beyond those of DIC plasma in non-HA states.

Spontaneous reperfusion in STEMI: Its mechanisms and possible modulation.

Patients with transient ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction or spontaneous reperfusion, which occurs in approximately 20% of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), have smaller infarcts and more favorable clinical outcomes than patients without spontaneous reperfusion. Understanding the mechanisms underlying spontaneous reperfusion is therefore important since this may identify possible novel therapeutic targets to improve outcomes in patients with STEMI. In this review, we discuss some of the possible determinants of spontaneous reperfusion including pro-thrombotic profile, endogenous fibrinolytic status, lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]), inflammatory markers, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Effective (rapid) endogenous fibrinolysis, as assessed in whole blood in vitro, using a point-of-care technique assessment of global thrombotic status, has been strongly linked to spontaneous reperfusion. Lp(a), which has a high degree of homology to plasminogen, may impair fibrinolysis through competitive inhibition of tissue plasminogen activator-mediated plasminogen activation as well as tissue plasminogen activator-mediated clot lysis and contribute to pathogenic clot properties by decreasing fibrin clot permeation. NETs appear to negatively modulate clot lysis by increasing thrombin fiber diameter and inhibiting plasmin-driven lysis of plasma clots. There are limited data that oral anticoagulation may modulate endogenous fibrinolysis but antiplatelet agents currently appear to have no impact. Phase III trials involving subcutaneous P2Y12 or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, oral factor XIa inhibitors, interleukin-6 inhibitors, and apolipoprotein(a) antisense oligonucleotides in patients with cardiovascular disease are ongoing. Future studies will be needed to determine the impact of these novel antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering therapies on endogenous fibrinolysis and spontaneous reperfusion.

Fibrinolysis Resistance After Injury Is a Risk Factor for a Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia-Like Disease Pattern.

Background: Pneumonia is associated with increased morbidity and costs in the intensive care unit (ICU). Its early identification is key for optimal outcomes, but early biomarkers are lacking. Studies suggest that fibrinolysis resistance (FR) after major abdominal surgery is linked to an increased risk of infection. Patients and Methods: Patients in a randomized controlled trial for hemorrhagic shock were evaluated for FR. Fibrinolysis resistance was quantified by thrombelastography with exogenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA-TEG) at 24- and 48-hours post-injury and measuring LY30 (%). A receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify a cutoff for increased risk of pneumonia, which was then validated in ICU patients at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Multivariable logistic regression was used to control for confounders. Results: Forty-nine patients in the hemorrhagic shock cohort had tPA-TEGs at 24- and 48-hours (median ISS, 27; 7% pneumonia). A composite tPA-TEG LY30 of less than 4% at 24 and 48 hours was found to be the optimal cutoff for increased risk of pneumonia. This cohort had a seven-fold increased rate of pneumonia (4% vs. 28%; p = 0.048). Eighty-eight patients in the VTE cohort had tPA-TEGs at 24 and 48 hours post-ICU admission (median ISS, 28; 6% pneumonia). The tPA-TEG LY30 of less than 4% was associated with a 10-fold increased rate of pneumonia (19% vs. 1.5%; p = 0.002). In patients with traumatic brain injury, the same association was found (33% vs. 3.2%; p = 0.006). Adjusting for confounders, the tPA-TEG persisted as a substantial risk factor for pneumonia (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 35.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9-682; p = 0.018). Conclusions: Fibrinolysis resistance quantified by tPA-TEG within 48 hours of ICU admission is associated with an increased risk of pneumonia in patients in hemorrhagic shock and those at risk for VTE. Prospective validation of the tPA-TEG LY30 optimal cutoff for pneumonia and further investigation into whether endogenous FR is a cause of an altered immunity is warranted.