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Vance G Nielsen

Publications and source records attributed to Vance G Nielsen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Epsilon-aminocaproic acid inhibition of fibrinolysis in vitro: should the 'therapeutic' concentration be reconsidered?

The therapeutic concentration of epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) has been 130 microg/ml or greater for nearly 50 years. We tested the effects on clot growth/disintegration of EACA with a plasmatic model of hyperfibrinolysis in vitro. Human plasma was exposed to 1000 U/ml tissue-type plasminogen activator containing 0, 13, 65 or 130 microg/ml EACA, with clot growth/disintegration kinetics quantified via thrombelastography. Data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance as appropriate. Exposure of plasma to 1000 U/ml tissue-type plasminogen activator resulted in a brief-lived clot, lasting 2 min. EACA at all concentrations tested significantly increased the rate of clot growth compared with samples with 0 microg/ml EACA. Clot strength was significantly increased by EACA in a concentration-dependent fashion. Similarly, EACA significantly prolonged the time of onset of clot lysis and decreased the rate of lysis. Samples with 130 microg/ml EACA had no sign of lysis present for 30 min. Subtherapeutic to therapeutic concentrations of EACA significantly attenuated or abolished fibrinolysis in the presence of a concentration of tissue-type plasminogen activator more than 2000-fold that encountered systemically during cardiopulmonary bypass. Further clinical investigation is warranted to determine whether smaller concentrations of EACA could provide a reduction in bleeding with a concomitant decrease in thrombotic complications.

Aminocaproic Acid↗

Thrombelastographic measures of clot propagation: a comparison of alpha with the maximum rate of thrombus generation.

The alpha angle alpha (degrees) is a thrombelastographic measure of clot propagation. A parametric measurement of clot propagation [maximum rate of thrombus generation (MRTG), dynes/cm2 per s], however, has recently been utilized. Thus, the relationship of changes in alpha with changes in MRTG were determined. alpha and MRTG values obtained from 859 thrombelastograms was collected from nine studies. Data were analyzed and the relationship between alpha and MRTG defined with commercially available software. Additional comparisons were made retrospectively from whole-blood and plasma data obtained from 33 normal individuals. Data from the nine studies demonstrated that MRTG increased in an exponential fashion compared with increases in alpha (R2 = 0.88, P < 0.001). Whole-blood alpha values were in the range 66.7-74.7 whereas MRTG values were 5.5-10.8, and plasma alpha values were 65.1-77.9 with corresponding MRTG values of 3.5-12.0. Assessment of clot propagation utilizing MRTG provides a more parametric evaluation than the determination of alpha. While normal alpha values may vary by only 12-20%, MRTG values vary by approximately 200-300%. The MRTG should be progressively utilized to a greater extent in both laboratory and clinical settings to parametrically quantify clot growth kinetics with thrombelastography.

Blood Coagulation↗

Hydroxyethyl starch enhances argatroban-mediated decreases in clot propagation and strength by diminishing thrombin-fibrinogen interactions.

Direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) have been administered for anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass for patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. While DTIs prolonged clot initiation and decreased clot propagation, clot strength did not change. Hydroxyethyl starches (HES), however, significantly decreased clot propagation and strength. We hypothesized that DTI with HES could significantly decrease hemostasis more than DTI alone. Plasma was exposed to 0 or 5 microg/ml argatroban with 0 or 30% dilution with 0.9% NaCl, 10% pentastarch or 6% Voluven. Additional argatroban-exposed samples diluted with HES had addition of alpha-thrombin (0.25 U/ml) and fibrinogen (150 mg/ml). Clot kinetics were determined via thrombelastography. While dilution with 0.9% NaCl significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the clot strength by 17% compared with samples only exposed to argatroban, dilution with pentastarch and Voluven significantly (P < 0.05) markedly decreased clot strength (53 and 78%, respectively). Voluven dilution significantly increased the time to clot initiation and decreased the velocity of clot propagation compared with samples only exposed to argatroban. Addition of alpha-thrombin/fibrinogen restored clot strength. DTI/HES administration diminished hemostasis to a greater extent than DTI exposure alone. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether this therapeutic approach can improve the safety of anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Anticoagulants↗

Quantification of the effects of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor and alpha2-antiplasmin on fibrinolysis in normal human plasma.

Two major proteins that inhibit fibrinolysis include thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) and alpha2-antiplasmin. Our goal was to quantify the contribution of TAFI and alpha2-antiplasmin to antifibrinolytic defenses with thrombelastography. Plasma activated with tissue factor/kaolin was subjected to fibrinolysis with tissue-type plasminogen activator (100 U/ml). Prior to activation, TAFI activity was inhibited with either potato carboxypeptidase inhibitor (25 microg/ml) or an anti-TAFI antibody, and alpha2-antiplasmin activity was inhibited with an anti-alpha2-antiplasmin antibody. Data were collected for 30 min, with the time of onset and rate of fibrinolysis determined. Compared with uninhibited samples, TAFI inhibition significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the time of onset of fibrinolysis by 70% and increased the rate of lysis by 70%. There was no difference between potato carboxypeptidase inhibitor and anti-TAFI antibody inhibition. Inhibition of alpha2-antiplasmin resulted in a significantly (P < 0.05) decreased time of onset (85%) and increased the rate of lysis (557%) compared with uninhibited samples. Inhibition of alpha2-antiplasmin activity resulted in a significantly (P < 0.05) greater fibrinolytic response than TAFI inhibition. In conclusion, utilization of standard inhibitors and thrombelastography permitted quantification of the effects of TAFI and alpha2-antiplasmin on fibrinolysis in plasma. Future investigation of diseases involving hypofibrinolysis (e.g. left ventricular assist devices) could be conducted using this assay system.

Antibodies↗

Qualitative thrombelastographic detection of tissue factor in human plasma.

BACKGROUND: Tissue factor (TF) is the principal in vivo initiator of coagulation, with normal circulating TF concentrations reported to be approximately 23-158 pg/mL. However, patients with atherosclerosis or cancer have been reported to have TF concentrations ranging between 800 and 9000 pg/mL. Of interest, thrombelastographic (TEG)-based measures of clot initiation and propagation have demonstrated hypercoagulability in such patients at risk for thromboembolic events. Thus, our goal in the present investigation was to establish a concentration-response relationship of the effect of TF on TEG variables, and determine specificity of TF-mediated events with a monoclonal TF antibody. METHODS: Thrombelastography was performed on normal human plasma exposed to 0, 500, 1000, or 2000 pg/mL TF. Additional experiments with plasma exposed to 0 or 750 pg/mL TF in the presence or absence of a monoclonal TF antibody (1:360 dilution, 10 min incubation) were also performed. Clot initiation time (R) and the speed of clot propagation (MRTG, maximum rate of thrombus generation) were determined. RESULTS: The addition of TF to normal plasma resulted in a significant, concentration-dependent decrease in R and increase MRTG values. The addition of TF antibody to samples with TF significantly increased R and decreased MRTG values compared to samples with TF addition. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, changes in TEG variables in conjunction with use of a TF antibody can detect pathological concentrations of TF in human plasma in vitro. Further investigation is warranted to determine if TEG(R)-based monitoring could assist in the detection and prevention of TF-initiated thromboembolic events.

Blood Coagulation↗

Hemodilution modulates the time of onset and rate of fibrinolysis in human and rabbit plasma.

BACKGROUND: Fibrinolysis has a critical role in the development of bleeding after insertion of a ventricular assist device (VAD). However, chronically, VAD-mediated fibrinolysis may also diminish thromboembolic events. Management of VADs involves fluid administration. It was hypothesized that the fluid administered could modulate fibrinolysis. METHODS: Human plasma was diluted (0% to 30%) with 0.9% NaCl, 5% albumin or Voluven (6% hydroxyethyl-starch [HES], mean molecular weight 130 kD) and exposed to tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA). Plasma obtained from rabbits just before and after 30% dilution with PentaLyte (6% HES, 220 kD), Voluven or Hextend (6% HES, 450 kD) were exposed to tPA. Thrombelastographic clot strength and onset/rate of fibrinolysis were determined. RESULTS: In human plasma, 0.9% NaCl significantly decreased clot strength, but either prolonged or maintained the onset of fibrinolysis, with the rate of fibrinolysis significantly increased only at 30% dilution. Five percent albumin significantly decreased clot strength and did not affect the onset of fibrinolysis, but it did decrease the rate of fibrinolysis. Voluven significantly decreased clot strength to the greatest extent compared with the other fluids, and decreased the time of onset of fibrinolysis. Rabbit plasma after hemodilution demonstrated significantly decreased clot strength and decreased time of onset of fibrinolysis as compared with Voluven in human plasma. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with crystalloid or albumin, HES solutions enhance fibrinolysis by decreasing clot strength and decreasing the time of onset of fibrinolysis. Further studies are warranted to determine whether the fluid administered to patients with VADs can impact hemorrhagic and thrombotic morbidity.

Albumins↗

Argatroban, bivalirudin, and lepirudin do not decrease clot propagation and strength as effectively as heparin-activated antithrombin in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a potentially limb- and life-threatening response to heparin exposure. Direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) have been reported to provide anti-coagulation for cardiopulmonary bypass; however, clot formation within the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit has been reported after the administration of DTIs. We present a case of thrombosis of the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit and, ultimately, death after argatroban administration. An in vitro thrombelastographic assessment of the effects of DTIs on clot kinetics was consequently performed to determine potential causes for this complication. METHODS: Normal human plasma was unmodified or exposed to heparin (1, 2, 3 U/ml), argatroban (5, 10, 50 microg/ml), bivalirudin (12, 20, 120 microg/ml), or lepirudin (3, 6, 10 microg/ml) before activation with tissue factor/kaolin in a thrombelastograph. Clot initiation (R, reaction time), propagation (MTG, maximum thrombus generation), and strength (MG, maximum elastic modulus) were determined. Analysis of variance was performed, with p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Compared with unmodified plasma, heparin significantly prolonged R and essentially reduced MTG and MG to the limits of detection in an activity-dependent fashion. In general, the DTIs tested prolonged R in a concentration-dependent fashion but did not diminish MTG or MG nearly as well as heparin. The only exception was 10 microg/ml lepirudin, which eliminated coagulation. CONCLUSIONS: DTIs demonstrated a significant prolongation of clot initiation but poor attenuation of propagation and strength. Further in vitro and clinical investigations to design a heparin-equivalent regimen to provide anti-coagulation for patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia are indicated.

Anticoagulants↗

Protamine enhances fibrinolysis by decreasing clot strength: role of tissue factor-initiated thrombin generation.

BACKGROUND: Excessive protamine administration to neutralize heparin after cardiopulmonary bypass has been implicated as a cause of postoperative hemorrhage. Protamine directly inhibits thrombin and tissue factor (TF)-mediated activation of factor VII. However, the half-life of protamine is only 4.5 minutes; thus the purpose of this study was to determine if protamine could enhance fibrinolysis, explaining the delayed, protamine-associated hemorrhage observed in the postoperative period. METHODS: Human plasma containing 0, 6.25, 12.5, or 25 microg/mL of protamine (n = 6 per condition) was exposed to 0.01% tissue factor and tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA, 100 U/mL) for 30 minutes, with clot growth and disintegration measured by Thromboelastograph (Haemoscope Corp, Skokie, IL). The TF was increased to 0.1% in additional experiments with plasma containing protamine (25 microg/mL) and tPA. RESULTS: Protamine significantly (p < 0.05) delayed the time to clot initiation, decreased the speed of clot propagation, and diminished clot strength in a concentration-dependent fashion. The onset of fibrinolysis was significantly (p < 0.05) increased only in samples with 25 microg/mL of protamine, and the rate of clot lysis was not different among the conditions. The clot duration time (from initiation to disintegration) was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in a concentration-dependent manner by protamine. Increased TF concentration (0.1%) significantly improved clot growth kinetics and prolonged clot duration in samples with 25 microg/mL of protamine compared with samples activated with 0.01% TF. CONCLUSIONS: Protamine enhanced fibrinolysis by decreasing clot strength by diminishing TF-initiated thrombin generation. Additional, clinical investigation is warranted to mechanistically implicate protamine-mediated enhancement of fibrinolysis to delayed bleeding after cardiopulmonary bypass.

Blood Coagulation↗

Contact activation prolongs clot lysis time in human plasma: role of thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor and Factor XIII.

BACKGROUND: Contact activation system proteins (e.g., Factor XII, kallikrein) have been implicated as direct or indirect activators of plasminogen. However, contact activation and Factor XI have enhanced thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) activation and decreased fibrinolysis, and Factor XIII (FXIII) also delays fibrinolysis via alpha(2)-anti-plasmin deposition on fibrin polymers. Thus, the goals of this study were to define how fibrinolysis is modulated in human plasma by contact or tissue factor (TF) activation, and what role TAFI and FXIII plays in this system. METHODS: Normal, TAFI-deficient and TAFI-deficient/FXIII-supplemented plasma was exposed to tissue-type plasminogen activator and activated with either celite or TF. Clot growth/disintegration kinetics were documented with thrombelastography. RESULTS: Normal plasma activated with celite had significantly prolonged onset and duration of clot lysis compared with samples activated with TF. TAFI-deficient plasma activated with celite was noted to have a duration of clot lysis not different from samples activated with TF, but a significant difference in time to onset of lysis persisted. Celite activation of TAFI-deficient/FXIII-supplemented plasma showed significantly prolonged onset and duration of clot lysis compared with samples activated with TF. CONCLUSIONS: Primarily TAFI, and to a lesser extent FXIII, contributed to contact system protein-mediated attenuation of fibrinolysis. Clinical investigation of these phenomena is warranted in clinical settings involving contact activation (e.g., intra-aortic balloon pumps and ventricular assist devices) to determine whether these devices modulate fibrinolysis and perhaps contribute to thromboembolic morbidity.

Carboxypeptidase B2↗

Elastic modulus-based thrombelastographic quantification of plasma clot fibrinolysis with progressive plasminogen activation.

Thrombelastographic detection of fibrinolysis has been critical in the identification and treatment of coagulopathy in many perioperative settings. However, the fibrinolytic assessments have been at best non-parametric, amplitude-based determinations (e.g. estimated % lysis, clot lysis time or clot lysis rate). Recognizing this limitation, a methodology was developed to measure the onset, speed and extent of clot disintegration by changes in elastic modulus derived from the amplitude. Using this approach, our goal was to characterize the clot disintegration kinetics of progressive plasminogen activation with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and to determine the extent of inhibition of fibrinolysis mediated by tPA with aprotinin and activated factor XIII. While the estimated % lysis and clot lysis time were significantly affected by tPA (0-300 U/ml), elastic modulus-based analyses in a more activity-specific fashion demonstrated significantly decreased onset, increased rate and increased extent of fibrinolysis. Furthermore, aprotinin was found to inhibit the onset, rate and extent of fibrinolysis in an activity-dependent fashion, whereas activated factor XIII was noted to enhance the speed of onset of clot growth and delay the onset of fibrinolysis. In summary, our results serve as the rational basis to utilize this elastic modulus-based approach to quantify the extent of fibrinolysis in clinical and laboratory settings, as well as potentially guiding antifibrinolytic therapy.

Analysis of Variance↗

The impact of tissue factor pathway inhibitor on coagulation kinetics determined by thrombelastography.

BACKGROUND: Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is a 40-kDa, endogenous protein that inhibits tissue factor (TF)-initiated coagulation by bonding with activated factor X (FXa). The TFPI/FXa complex then subsequently binds with TF/activated factor VII (FVIIa) complex, ultimately inhibiting thrombin generation. Heparin administration causes endothelial release of TFPI concentrations up to sixfold normal values. Thrombelastography (TEG) is often used to monitor hemostasis in the perioperative period, and TFPI could potentially affect the diagnostic interpretation of TEG-based data, given its inhibition of both common and TF coagulation pathways. Thus, in this study we characterized the effect of TFPI on coagulation kinetics via TEG. METHODS: Whole blood, Factor VII-deficient plasma, and normal plasma were exposed in vitro to various concentrations of TFPI, after which unmodified, celite-activated, and TF-activated TEG were performed. RESULTS: The addition of 87.5 ng/mL TFPI (twice normal concentration) was required to prolong clot propagation in whole blood, with propagation and strength only significantly affected by the addition of 175 ng/mL concentrations. Experiments with Factor VII-deficient plasma demonstrated that TFPI-mediated suppression of coagulation kinetics at these concentrations was secondary to FXa inhibition. Celite activation markedly attenuated TFPI-mediated effects on coagulation kinetics, whereas TF activation accentuated TFPI-mediated prolongation of clot initiation and diminution of propagation. CONCLUSIONS: In settings involving heparin administration (e.g., cardiopulmonary bypass), TFPI-mediated inhibition of coagulation should be considered during TEG-based hemostatic monitoring.

Blood Coagulation↗

Effects of Hextend hemodilution on plasma coagulation kinetics in the rabbit: role of factor XIII-mediated fibrin polymer crosslinking.

BACKGROUND: Hydroxyethyl starch administration has been associated with decreases in hemostasis and has recently been demonstrated to decrease fibrinogen (FI)-thrombin-(FIIa)-Factor XIII (FXIII) interactions in vitro in human plasma. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of in vivo hemodilution with Hextend (6% hydroxyethyl starch, mean molecular weight 450 kDa) on plasma coagulation kinetics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight male, New Zealand White rabbits were intravenously administered with 20 ml/kg of Hextend. Citrated plasma was obtained before, 1 min after, and 1 h after hemodilution. Thrombelastographic analyses were performed, with clot initiation (R, sec), clot propagation (alpha, degrees), and clot strength (shear elastic modulus, G, dynes/cm(2)) determined over 20 min. Samples were celite-activated and had either with addition or without additions of FI, FIIa or activated FXIII (FXIIIa) to restore protein content to prediluted values. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in R values observed before (229 +/- 30), 1 min after (241 +/- 54), and 1 h after (214 +/- 42) hemodilution. Prediluted alpha values (75.2 +/- 1.9) were significantly decreased 1 min (53.3 +/- 5.9) and 1 h after hemodilution (56.1 +/- 10.2). Prediluted G values (1,992 +/- 434) were significantly reduced 1 min (532 +/- 195) and 1 h after (630 +/- 297) hemodilution. FI, FIIa, and FXIIIa addition significantly decreased R values after hemodilution. alpha and G values were significantly improved by FI and FXIIIa after hemodilution. FIIa addition did not significantly affect alpha or G. CONCLUSIONS: Hextend hemodilution in rabbits maintains clot initiation by diminishing both FIIa-FI and FXIIIa-fibrin interactions, whereas clot propagation and strength were reduced by diminished FXIIIa-fibrin interactions.

Animals↗

Antithrombin efficiency is maintained in vitro in human plasma following dilution with hydroxyethyl starches.

Hemodilution has been associated with changes in hemostasis secondary to modulation of procoagulant activity. However, direct effects of specific fluids on anticoagulants, such as antithrombin (AT), remained undefined. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to determine whether hemodilution with hydroxyethyl starches (HES) directly diminishes plasma AT activity, which would be manifested by decreases in clot initiation time (reaction time, R) with thrombelastography greater than that seen with 0.9% NaCl (NS). Normal plasma and AT-deficient (<1% activity) plasma were diluted 0 or 30% with NS, Hextend (6% HES; average molecular weight, 450 kDa), PentaLyte (6% HES; average molecular weight, 220 kDa), or Voluven (6% HES; average molecular weight, 130 kDa) (n=6-7 experiments per condition). Undiluted, normal plasma had an R value of 796+/-65 s, which was significantly (P<0.05) greater than R values following NS (690+/-50 s) or Voluven (675+/-68 s) dilution. R values of normal plasma diluted with Hextend (831+/-51 s) or PentaLyte (801+/-72 s) were not different from undiluted plasma but were significantly (P<0.05) greater than those observed following NS or Voluven dilution. There were no significant differences between the conditions when AT-deficient plasma was utilized (R range, 404-440 s). Rather than interfere with AT activity, HES with an average molecular weight of 220-450 kDa maintain AT efficiency.

Antithrombins↗

Hemodilution with lactated Ringer's solution causes hypocoagulability in rabbits.

Hemodilution (HD) has been associated with hypercoagulability. It was hypothesized that HD with lactated Ringer's solution (LR) would result in hypercoagulability in rabbits. Sedated rabbits (n = 12) underwent HD with LR (40% estimated blood volume replaced with five volumes of LR) via ear vessels. Key procoagulants and anticoagulant activities were assessed prior to and 3 h after HD. Hemostatic function was assessed with the activated coagulation time and platelet-inhibited thrombelastography. Circulating tissue factor activity was much more diluted (-67.2% from baseline) than tissue factor pathway inhibitor (-45.2%) or antithrombin (-9.5%) activities after HD. HD significantly decreased factor VIII complex activity (-31.5%) more than protein C activity (-5.9%), and factor X activity (-29.2%) was more diluted than antithrombin activity. The activated coagulation time and thrombelastography demonstrated a significant decrease in hemostatic function after HD. Hemodilution with LR caused hypocoagulability in the rabbit. A greater decrease in circulating procoagulant activity than anticoagulant activity appears to be the mechanism underlying HD-mediated decreases in hemostasis.

Animals↗

Peroxynitrite decreases rabbit tissue factor activity in vitro.

UNLABELLED: Tissue factor (TF) is a primary initiator of physiological coagulation in vivo. Peroxynitrite (OONO(-)), a molecule formed from nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (O(2). (-)), decreases human TF activity in vitro. Coagulopathy has been associated with hepatoenteric ischemia-reperfusion known to involve formation of OONO(-). Further, circulating TF activity decreases in rabbits after hepatoenteric ischemia-reperfusion. We hypothesized that exposure of rabbit TF to OONO(-) would result in a decrease in activity. OONO(-) generation was performed with 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), a molecule that produces both nitric oxide and superoxide. Rabbit brain TF was incubated at 37 degrees C for 90 min with 1) 0 mM SIN-1, 2) 5 mM SIN-1, 3) 5 mM SIN-1 and 2000 U/mL recombinant human superoxide dismutase (hSOD1), or 4) 2000 U/mL hSOD1 (n = 8 per condition). TF activity was assessed by addition of TF samples to human plasma and measuring clot formation kinetics with a thrombelastograph(R). TF exposure to SIN-1 resulted in a 48% decrease in activity that was significantly different from the other three conditions (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the other conditions. We conclude that rabbit TF is inhibited by OONO(-), and further investigation to determine the role of OONO(-) in coagulopathies associated with hepatoenteric ischemia-reperfusion is warranted. IMPLICATIONS: Tissue factor (TF) initiates physiological coagulation in vivo. Hepatoenteric ischemia-reperfusion injury is associated with peroxynitrite (OONO(-)) formation, coagulopathy and decreased TF activity in rabbits. We determined that OONO(-) decreased rabbit TF activity in vitro via thrombelastography(R).

Animals↗

Peroxynitrite inactivates tissue plasminogen activator.

UNLABELLED: Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has a prominent role in physiological fibrinolysis in vivo. Thrombosis has been associated with clinical scenarios (e.g., atherosclerotic disease) known to involve local decreases in tPA activity with concomitant formation of reactive nitrogen species such as peroxynitrite (OONO(-)), a molecule formed from nitric oxide and superoxide. We hypothesized that exposure of tPA to OONO(-) would result in a decrease in tPA activity. OONO(-) was generated with 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), a molecule that produces both nitric oxide and superoxide. Recombinant tPA was incubated at 37 degrees C for 60 min with 0 microM SIN-1; 100 microM SIN-1; 100 microM SIN-1 and 4000 U/mL recombinant human superoxide dismutase; or 4000 U/mL recombinant human superoxide dismutase (n = 8 separate reactions per condition). Changes in tPA activity were assessed by addition of tPA samples to tissue factor-exposed human plasma and measuring clot fibrinolysis with a thrombelastograph. Exposure to SIN-1 resulted in a decrease in tPA-mediated fibrinolysis (<1% activity of tPA not exposed to SIN-1) that was significantly (P < 0.001) different from the other three conditions. There were no significant differences between the other conditions. We conclude that tPA is inhibited by OONO(-), and that OONO(-) may have a role in clinical thrombotic scenarios. IMPLICATIONS: Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has a prominent role in fibrinolysis in vivo. Thrombosis has been associated with clinical scenarios involving decreases in tPA activity with concomitant formation of the oxidant peroxynitrite. We determined that peroxynitrite decreased tPA activity via thrombelastography. Peroxynitrite-mediated tPA inactivation may have a role in thrombotic states.

Antioxidants↗

Peroxynitrite decreases hemostasis in human plasma in vitro.

Coagulopathy has been associated with clinical scenarios that involve reactive nitrogen species such as peroxynitrite (OONO-). Further, OONO- decreases tissue factor and fibrinogen function in vitro. Thus, we hypothesized that exposure of plasma to the OONO- generated with 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), a molecule that produces both nitric oxide and superoxide, would result in a decrease in hemostatic function via diminished coagulation protein activity. Hemostatic function of plasma exposed to SIN-1 (0, 1, 5, and 10 mM for 60 min at 37 degrees C) was assessed with thrombelastography, activated partial thromboplastin time, and prothrombin time in the presence or absence of superoxide dismutase (SOD) or an OONO- scavenger. SIN-1 exposure resulted in a significant (P < 0.05), dose-dependent decrease in plasma hemostatic function and concurrent significant (P < 0.05) decreases in activities of factor VII, factor VIII complex, and factor X. Fibrinogen concentration was not affected by SIN-1. Antithrombin and protein C activity also decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Coincubation with SOD or an OONO- scavenger significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated SIN-1 mediated changes in hemostasis and procoagulant/ anticoagulant activity. We conclude that OONO- may decrease hemostatic function in human plasma by nitration of key procoagulants and that OONO- may play a significant role in hemorrhagic states.

Blood Coagulation Factors↗

The impact of factor XIII on coagulation kinetics and clot strength determined by thrombelastography.

Fibrinogen has been shown to be responsible for most protein-mediated clot strength via thrombelastography. However, factor XIII (FXIII) activity also plays a prominent role in the development of clot strength. Thus, we hypothesized that changes in FXIII activity would significantly increase clot strength. FXIII (0%, 1%, 6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, 50%, and 100% normal activity) was placed in a fixed volume of citrated FXIII-deficient plasma with 1% tissue factor and calcium chloride and underwent thrombelastography for 10 min. We measured the variables reaction time (R; a measurement of clot initiation), alpha (a measure of the rate of clot formation), amplitude (A; a measure of clot strength), and shear elastic modulus (G; a measure of clot strength). FXIII activity significantly decreased R in a pattern of exponential decay (R2 = 0.77; P < 0.001). FXIII activity significantly increased alpha, following a sigmoidal pattern (R2 = 0.88; P < 0.001). Finally, increases in FXIII activity significantly increased A and G in a sigmoidal pattern (R = 0.89; P < 0.001). We concluded that FXHI significantly affects R, alpha, A, and G. Thus, transfusion decision making with protein-mediated thrombelastographic patterns must account for the contribution of both fibrinogen and FXIII.

Blood Coagulation↗