Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shiyu Wu, Zhengjie Shan, Lv Xie, Mengxi Su, Peisheng Zeng, Peina Huang, Lingchan Zeng, Xinyue Sheng, Zhipeng Li, Gucheng Zeng, Zhuofan Chen, Zetao Chen
Summary: Research has shown that clot-immune responses can be regulated by tuning the mesoporous pore sizes, which in turn reduces inflammation of macrophages.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Adrianna Klajmon, Jakub Chmiel, Michal Zabczyk, Elzbieta Pociask, Ewa Wypasek, Krzysztof P. Malinowski, Anetta Undas, Joanna Natorska
Summary: The polymorphisms of FGB rs1800790 and F13 rs5985 may affect plasma fibrin clot properties in patients with acute pulmonary embolism. Carriers of FGB rs1800790 A allele and F13 rs5985 T allele demonstrated lower clot permeability, prolonged clot lysis time, and higher endogenous thrombin potential compared to major homozygotes. These effects are strong enough to be observed in the acute phase of PE.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Hak Myong Choe, Biao-Hu Quan, Hyo-Jin Paek, Zhao-Bo Luo, Kai Gao, Sheng-Zhong Han, Zhou-Yan Li, Jin-Dan Kang, Xi-Jun Yin
Summary: Inhibition of myostatin can reduce fibrinogen levels and alter the structure of fibrin clots.
Article
Hematology
Ellen G. Driever, Ton Lisman
Summary: Patients with cirrhosis exhibit hemostatic alterations that affect clot quality and composition. In this review, we discuss in vitro studies on fibrin clot formation and changes in fibrinogen in cirrhosis patients. Additionally, we present recent findings on portal vein thrombi in cirrhosis patients. Thrombin generation capacity and plasma fibrinogen levels are increased in mild cirrhosis, but there is delayed fibrin polymerization and decreased factor XIII levels. As the disease advances, plasma fibrinogen levels decrease, but thrombin generation capacity remains elevated. Fibrinogen undergoes posttranslational protein modifications in cirrhosis patients. Fibrin clot permeability is decreased in cirrhosis patients, possibly due to these modifications. Most patients have normal fibrinolytic potential. Portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis is often a misnomer, as it is often a thickened portal vein wall rather than a true thrombus. Platelet and anemia in cirrhosis may also impact clot stability and composition, but further research is needed. Finally, we summarize abstracts presented at the ISTH 2022 meeting in London on fibrin formation and clot quality.
RESEARCH AND PRACTICE IN THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS
(2023)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Lisa S. Brubaker, Arun Saini, Trung C. Nguyen, Marina Martinez-Vargas, Fong W. Lam, Qizhi Yao, Michele M. Loor, Todd K. Rosengart, Miguel A. Cruz
Summary: This cross-sectional observational study found aberrant fibrin clot structure and function in critically ill patients with COVID-19. These findings may be associated with the poor outcomes observed in COVID-19 patients with widespread fibrin deposition.
CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Michal Zabczyk, Robert A. S. Ariens, Anetta Undas
Summary: Fibrinogen conversion and clot formation are crucial processes in coagulation cascade. Dense fibrin networks that are resistant to lysis have been associated with cardiovascular disease, while hypofibrinolysis is a persistent feature in patients with thrombotic events or stable coronary artery disease. Lifestyle modifications and certain medications can improve fibrin structure and function. Prospective studies have shown that prothrombotic fibrin clot phenotype can predict cardiovascular events. Furthermore, various factors, including mutations in fibrinogen molecules and clot-bound proteins, contribute to the prothrombotic fibrin clot phenotype. This review summarizes the mechanisms underlying unfavorable fibrin clot properties and their implications in cardiovascular disease and its thrombo-embolic manifestations.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michal Zabczyk, Joanna Natorska, Anetta Undas
Summary: FXIII is crucial in the modulation of fibrin clot properties in patients with VTE, impacting clot structure and function. FXIII activity is significantly reduced in acute PE and DVT patients, but gradually increases after the acute phase. Reduced FXIII activity is associated with impaired clot permeability and hypofibrinolysis in acute PE patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Michal Zabczyk, Joanna Natorska, Anetta Undas
Summary: Fibrin accumulation and characteristics play a role in the development of atherosclerosis and arterial thrombosis, with cardiovascular risk factors affecting fibrin clot properties. Effective therapies such as aspirin, statins, and anticoagulant agents can improve unfavorable alterations in fibrin clot characteristics.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Hematology
Jakub Siudut, Teresa Iwaniec, Krzysztof Plens, Marlien Pieters, Anetta Undas
Summary: Apart from PAI-1, TAFI, and α(2)-antiplasmin, several other factors, particularly CRP, can affect the results of global fibrinolysis tests used in research.
THROMBOSIS RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nurul H. Sulimai, Jason Brown, David Lominadze
Summary: This review discusses the role of fibrinogen and its derivatives in inflammatory diseases and their effects on immunomodulation.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Magdalena Pirog, Olga Kacalska-Janssen, Robert Jach, Michal Zabczyk, Joanna Natorska
Summary: The study found that women with endometriosis exhibit differences in fibrin clot properties and thrombin generation compared to those without endometriosis before and after ovarian stimulation. Ovarian stimulation favorably alters fibrin clot properties in women with endometriosis and leads to results comparable to those in women without the condition.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Colleen A. Roosa, Ismaeel Muhamed, Ashlyn T. Young, Kimberly Nellenbach, Michael A. Daniele, Frances S. Ligler, Ashley C. Brown
Summary: A new high throughput method for generating fibrin nanoparticles using probe sonication was reported in this study, which can promote clot formation and cell migration. When combined with fibrinogen, sonicated fibrin nanoparticles can form a fibrin gel and support cell migration, which is relevant for wound healing. The results suggest that sonicated fibrin nanoparticles may be a promising therapy for wound healing that is easy to produce and deliver in a flowable formulation.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Review
Hematology
Leonid Medved, John W. Weisel
Summary: This review summarizes the current understanding of the structure and interactions of fibrinogen's alpha C regions. The alpha C-domain and alpha C-connector play important roles in fibrinogen conversion and clot mechanics, as well as interaction with other proteins during hemostasis and wound healing.
THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Richard J. Fish, Cristina Freire, Corinne Di Sanza, Marguerite Neerman-Arbez
Summary: Thrombosis assays in larval zebrafish can distinguish between quantitative and qualitative fibrinogen disorder models, providing insights into the thrombotic phenotype of novel fibrinogen mutations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yueyi Sun, Oluwamayokun Oshinowo, David R. Myers, Wilbur A. Lam, Alexander Alexeev
Summary: Blood clot contraction plays a crucial role in wound healing and hemostasis. This study investigates the relationship between single platelet forces and macroscopic clot forces, providing insights into blood disorders associated with bleeding and thrombosis. The findings contribute to the development of platelet-based biomaterials and facilitate the understanding of clotting mechanisms.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Helene T. Cronje, Cornelie Nienaber-Rousseau, Josine L. Min, Fiona R. Green, Hannah R. Elliott, Marlien Pieters
Summary: This study investigated five DNA methylation clocks in 120 older black South African men and found that these clocks tend to underestimate the biological age of older individuals. GrimAge more accurately characterizes biological decline in this African cohort compared with PhenoAge, highlighting the importance of studying under-represented populations for robust and useful methylation-derived indicators in all populations.
Article
Pediatrics
Jacomina P. du Plessis, Cornelie Nienaber-Rousseau, Leandi Lammertyn, Aletta E. Schutte, Marlien Pieters, Herculina S. Kruger
Summary: The study found associations between homocysteine (Hcy) and factors like body weight, muscle mass, and fibrinogen concentrations in South African adolescents. Blood pressure showed a U-shaped curve across Hcy tertiles, with differences between middle and upper levels. This suggests that both high and low Hcy levels could contribute to cardiovascular health risks in early stages of life.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Albe Swanepoel, Janette Bester, Yolanda Kruger, Elmarie Davoren, Ilse du Preez
Summary: Metabolome variations induced by combined oral contraceptives containing Ethinylestradiol and Drospirenone were investigated, revealing significant differences in serum amino acids and acylcarnitine levels between user groups and controls. The findings suggest an increase in oxidative stress levels among contraceptive users, potentially alleviated by the concurrent use of antioxidants. Targeted metabolomics could play a crucial role in understanding the underlying mechanisms of drug-induced severe effects.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Maylene Ferreira, H. Toinet Cronje, Tertia van Zyl, Nicola Bondonno, Marlien Pieters
Summary: The study found that rural men consumed the most pro-inflammatory diet, while urban women consumed the least pro-inflammatory diet. Dietary inflammatory potential was associated with age, rural-urban status, and education. Alcohol consumption was positively associated with pro-inflammatory diet potential, but diet was not associated with measured inflammatory markers.
PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ali Daraei, Marlien Pieters, Stephen R. Baker, Zelda de Lange-Loots, Aleksander Siniarski, Rustem I. Litvinov, Caroline S. B. Veen, Moniek P. M. de Maat, John W. Weisel, Robert A. S. Ariens, Martin Guthold
Summary: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is widely used for analyzing fibrin networks, but manual analysis of structural features can be tedious and biased. The DiameterJ algorithm can accurately analyze fibrin fiber diameter under specific imaging conditions, but determining fibrin clot porosity remains challenging.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Herculina Salome Kruger, Zelda De Lange-Loots, Iolanthe Marike Kruger, Marlien Pieters
Summary: Obesity is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk, but some individuals can maintain metabolically healthy obesity (MHO). A study found that about half of the black South African adults with MHO maintained this state over a 10-year period, while some became metabolically unhealthy overweight/obese. The metabolic profiles of MHO individuals were similar to those with normal weight, but had some unfavorable factors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Physiology
Janette Bester, Albe Carina Swanepoel, Ursula Windberger
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Petro H. Rautenbach, Cornelie Nienaber-Rousseau, Zelda de Lange-Loots, Iolanthe M. Kruger, Marlien Pieters
Summary: The study discovered a link between vitamin D and fibrinogen, but the relationship with fibrinogen variants and clot characteristics remains unexplored. The high prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency and insufficiency in women was alarming. 25(OH)D modulated the association of SNPs with fibrinogen concentration and clot structure/properties.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Michel Strauss-Kruger, Tertia van Zyl, Marlien Pieters, Ruan Kruger, Gontse Mokwatsi, Lebo Gafane-Matemane, Hlengiwe Mbongwa, Adriaan Jacobs, Aletta E. Schutte, Roan Louw, Carina Mels
Summary: Excessive salt intake may exacerbate genetic predisposition to hypertension and promote early onset of cardiovascular disease in Black populations. Ethnic differences in the interaction between sodium intake and the metabolome may play a part in the development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
HYPERTENSION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Albe C. Swanepoel, Mari van Reenen, Zelda de Lange-Loots, Marlien Pieters
Summary: The study found that there is an association between Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), with increased PAI-1 activity and longer clot lysis time (CLT) in individuals with MetS. However, this condition did not worsen over a 10-year period compared to controls. Waist circumference, triglycerides, and HDL-C were the main predictors of PAI-1 activity and CLT.
NUTRITION METABOLISM AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Hematology
Ian Mackie, Alessandro Casini, Marlien Pieters, Rajiv Pruthi, Chris Reilly-Stitt, Atsuo Suzuki
Summary: This article introduces tests and methods for assessing fibrinogen function, including thrombin clotting time, Clauss fibrinogen assay, and viscoelastic point of care methods. It also provides precautions and recommendations, such as the cautious interpretation of prothrombin time derived fibrinogen assays and the usefulness of viscoelastic point of care methods in emergency situations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LABORATORY HEMATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Marlien Pieters, Albe C. Swanepoel
Summary: Plant-based diets improve cardiometabolic health and protect against cardiovascular disease, but their effect on thrombosis remains uncertain.
POLISH ARCHIVES OF INTERNAL MEDICINE-POLSKIE ARCHIWUM MEDYCYNY WEWNETRZNEJ
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Felix P. Chilunga, Peter Henneman, Hannah R. Elliott, H. Toinet Cronje, Gagandeep K. Walia, Karlijn A. C. Meeks, Ana Requena-Mendez, Andrea Venema, Silver Bahendeka, Ina Danquah, Adebowale Adeyemo, Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch, Marlien Pieters, Marcels M. A. M. Mannens, Charles Agyemang
Summary: Our study reveals that migration is associated with lower epigenetic-age acceleration among Ghanaians. Cardiometabolic factors have different associations with epigenetic-age acceleration within migrant and non-migrant subgroups. These findings highlight the importance of context-based interventions for cardiometabolic diseases among transitioning populations, considering the impact of biological ageing.
LANCET HEALTHY LONGEVITY
(2021)