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Biomedical subjects

M C Alessi

Publications and source records attributed to M C Alessi.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Measurement of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 in biologic fluids with a murine monoclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in biologic fluids was developed on the basis of two murine monoclonal antibodies raised against PAI-1 purified from HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells. The lower limit of sensitivity of the assay in plasma is 2 ng/mL. The assay is 12 times less sensitive toward the PAI-1/human tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) complex as compared with free PAI-1. The intraassay, interassay, and interdilution coefficients of variation are 5.2%, 8.0%, and 7.1%, respectively. The level of PAI-1 in platelet-poor plasma of healthy subjects is 18 +/- 10 ng/mL (mean +/- SD, n = 45). In platelet-rich plasma after freezing and thawing, 92% of PAI-1 antigen is released from platelets, whereas only 8% is found in the corresponding platelet-poor plasma. In platelet-poor plasma from healthy subjects, a linear correlation (r = 0.80) was found between PAI activity and PAI-1 antigen. In plasma approximately two thirds of the PAI-1 antigen was functionally active, whereas only 5% of the PAI-1 antigen released from platelets was active. During pregnancy a progressive increase of PAI-1 antigen levels up to three- to sixfold the control value was observed. In plasma of patients with recurrent deep vein thrombosis, PAI-1 levels were 44 +/- 20 ng/mL (mean +/- SD, n = 7), during a clinically silent phase. Four of these patients had a level above 38 ng/mL (mean +/- 2 SD of normal). The present assay, based on stable and reproducible reagents, allows the specific determination of PAI-1 antigen in biologic fluids. It may facilitate interlaboratory comparisons and be useful for further investigations of the role of PAI-1 in clinical conditions associated with impaired fibrinolysis and/or a tendency to thrombosis and investigations of the role of PAI-1 in platelets.

Animals↗

Potentiation by heparin fragments of thrombolysis induced with human tissue-type plasminogen activator or human single-chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator.

The effect of heparin and of two low molecular weight (low Mr) fractions of heparin on thrombolysis with recombinant human tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA, Genentech Inc., So. San Francisco, CA) or human single chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator (scu-PA, Sandoz AG, Basle, Switzerland) was measured in a rabbit jugular vein thrombosis model. Four bolus injections of 200 anti-Factor Xa units/kg body weight of heparin (Liquemine, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basle, Switzerland), of 90 units/kg of CY 216 (Choay, Paris, France) or of 90 units/kg of CY 222 (Choay, Paris, France) were given intravenously, immediately after the start of the infusion of rt-PA or scu-PA and at hourly intervals during their intravenous infusion over 4 hours. The bolus injections resulted in anti-Factor Xa levels in plasma of 5.7 +/- 1.2 units/ml just before the repeat bolus injections of heparin with corresponding values of 3.9 +/- 0.2 units/ml for CY 216 and 1.6 +/- 0.2 units/ml for CY 222. Thrombolysis with 0.25 mg/kg rt-PA was 36 +/- 1 percent (n = 9) in the absence of anticoagulant, 40 +/- 1 percent (n = 7, p less than 0.05) in the presence of heparin, 49 +/- 5 percent (n = 7, p less than 0.02) with CY 216 and 62 +/- 5 percent (n = 7, p less than 0.01) with CY 222.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Metformin decreases the high plasminogen activator inhibition capacity, plasma insulin and triglyceride levels in non-diabetic obese subjects.

We have previously observed a positive correlation between Plasminogen Activator Inhibition capacity (PA Inhibition), Body Mass Index (BMI) and plasma insulin levels in a population of non diabetic subjects. The anti diabetic biguanide Metformin which decreases insulin resistance has been reported to increase the blood fibrinolytic activity. Therefore we have studied the effect of Metformin on PA Inhibition levels in obese subjects with normal glucose tolerance. Eighteen obese women (O) (BMI: 31.4 +/- 1.13, m +/- S.E.M.) were compared to age matched controls (C) (BMI: 20.2 +/- 0.8) and randomized to a 15 days treatment by Metformin (M) (1.7 g/day) or placebo (P) in a double blind study while on a weight maintaining diet. O compared to C had higher levels (m +/- S.E.M.) of PA Inhibition (9 +/- 1.8 IU/ml, versus 2.88 +/- 0.29 p less than 0.01), lower euglobulin fibrinolytic activity (EFA) (4.95 +/- 1.17 mm versus 9 +/- 0.29 p less than 0.05), higher plasma insulin (24.1 +/- 2.1. uU/ml), versus 12 +/- 1 p less than 0.01) and triglyceride (1.32 +/- 0.16 mmol/l, versus 0.8 +/- 0.08 p less than 0.05). After 15 days of treatment, in group M a significant decrease in PA Inhibition (5.51 +/- 1.4, versus 9.48 +/- 2.1 p less than 0.05) in plasma insulin (18.5 +/- 0.1, versus 24.5 +/- 3.5, p less than 0.05) and plasma triglyceride (1.08 +/- 0.1, versus 1.47 +/- 0.3 p less than 0.05) and an increase in EFA (6.50 +/- 0.28, versus 5.25 +/- 0.35 p less than 0.05) were observed. No significant variation was observed in group P.

Adolescent↗

Deficient t-PA release and elevated PA inhibitor levels in patients with spontaneous or recurrent deep venous thrombosis.

The fibrinolytic system was investigated in 120 patients with spontaneous or recurrent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) without any known organic disease able to explain by itself the occurrence of a thrombosis and without any known defect of antithrombin III, Heparin Cofactor II, Protein C, or Protein S. The assays included: Euglobulin fibrinolytic activity (EFA), tissue-type plasminogen activator related antigen (t-PA-Ag) and plasminogen activator inhibitor activity (PA inhibitor), which were measured before and after 10 min of venous occlusion (V.O.). On the basis of the results, the patients could be classified in 3 groups: good responders with an at least two-fold increase of EFA after venous occlusion (n = 76), poor responders with a lesser increase of EFA due to deficient release of t-PA (n = 12), and poor responders with a normal t-PA release but an increased level of PA-Inhibitor (n = 32). The poor responders due to deficient t-PA release (10% of total) had a higher incidence of recurrence of deep vein thrombosis, than the other groups (p less than 0.01). An overall correlation was found between the level of PA-Inhibitor activity and the triglyceride level (r = 0.40, p less than 0.01), suggesting that these elevations may be due to a common cause, at least in some of the patients. It is concluded that a poor fibrinolytic response to venous occlusion occurs in 35 percent of DVT patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

[Low molecular weight heparin CY 222 (Choay) potentiates the thrombolytic effect of 1-PA in rabbits with experimental thrombosis of the jugular vein].

The effect of a low molecular weight heparin CY 222 (Choay) on t-PA induced thrombolysis was investigated in the rabbit jugular thrombosis model. The compound CY 222 was administered as 1.4 mg/kg (group A) by IV injection immediately after start of t-PA infusion (0.125 and 0.250 mg/kg) and then hourly during the 4 hours of infusion of the thrombolytic; results were compared with those obtained in the absence of CY 222 (group B). A significant increase in percent thrombolysis was noted in the presence of CY 222: A versus B = 31 +/- 1/22 +/- 2 (p less than 0.02) (tPA = 0.125 mg/kg; 72 +/- 4/36 +/- 3 (p less than 0.01) (tPA = 0.250 mg/kg). Anti-Xa activity 60 minutes after 1.2 u/ml IV of CY 222 was comparable with that observed in patients with venous thrombosis treated with high-dose CY 222. The conclusion is reached of the interest of CY 222 in combination with t-PA, the CY 222 acting not only on coagulation by also on thrombolysis by potentiating the effect of t-PA.

Animals↗

[Anti-activator inhibitors of plasminogen].

Plasminogen Activator Inhibitors (PA Inhibitor) have recently been identified in plasma. They are directed against t-PA and Urokinase. Two PA Inhibitors have been described: PA Inhibitor 1 from endothelial cells, hepatocytes and platelets and PA Inhibitor 2 from placenta. Enzymatic assays have been developed. They show that plasma levels of PA Inhibitor are very low under normal conditions, but a considerable increase (X10 or 20) is found in several pathological conditions (thrombo embolic disease, atherosclerosis, thrombotic risk factors (obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes) inflammatory syndrome, post operative period for PA Inhibitor 1, and in some physiological conditions (pregnancy for PA Inhibitor 2). These results plead for a pathogenic role of PA Inhibitor 1 in the development of thrombosis. Pharmacological products able to decrease the plasma level of PA Inhibitor are as yet scarce. Stanozolol, an anabolic steroid, some biguanides such as Metformin possess this property.

Female↗

Relationships between plasma insulin triglyceride, body mass index, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1.

Low fibrinolytic activity, as measured by euglobulin (EFA), has been observed in obese subjects, and hypofibrinolysis may play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its complications. Blood fibrinolytic activity is regulated through a complex system of activators and inhibitors, especially plasminogen activator inhibitors (PA Inhibitors). In a group of 35 non-diabetic subjects with a wide range of body mass index (BMI), EFA was negatively correlated, and PA Inhibitor activity positively correlated, with BMI and plasma insulin levels. In a population of 49 non-diabetic obese women (differing from a control group of normal weight by lower EFA and higher level, of PA Inhibitor activity, plasma insulin and triglyceride), the PA Inhibitor activity was positively correlated with BMI, insulin and triglyceride. The increase in PA Inhibitor activity was associated with a high value of PA Inhibitor 1 antigen measured by an immuno-radiometric assay, indicating that the increased activity was due to a high level of circulating PA Inhibitor 1. Plasma insulin was lowered in obese non-diabetic subjects, without modification of the body weight, by a 24 hour fast or by treatment with Metformin. After 24 hours' fast, ten obese subjects had lower levels of insulin and PA Inhibitor activity and an increase in EFA. Treatment for 15 days by 1.75 g Metformin (or placebo), on a weight maintaining diet, induced, in the Metformin group, a decrease in plasma insulin, triglyceride and PA Inhibitor activity and an increase in EFA, while no change was observed in the placebo group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Increase in plasma concentration of plasminogen activator inhibitor, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, factor VIII:C and in erythrocyte sedimentation rate with age.

Elderly patients have previously been shown to have an increased plasma concentration of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) antigen (t-PA Ag). Since the concentration of t-PA Ag depends on both free t-PA and t-PA complexed with inhibitors, mainly plasminogen activator inhibitor (PA inhibitor), we have investigated the relationship between the plasma concentration of PA inhibitor and age in 20 elderly and 20 young individuals. Elderly individuals showed a slight increase in PA inhibitor, in parallel with increase on others, acute-phase proteins, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, factor VIII:C, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The increase in PA inhibitor as well as other acute-phase proteins in the elderly may be significant in relation to the increased incidence of thrombotic disease.

Adult↗

Correlation between blood fibrinolytic activity, plasminogen activator inhibitor level, plasma insulin level, and relative body weight in normal and obese subjects.

This study was undertaken to obtain further information on the mechanism by which blood fibrinolytic activity, a balance between plasminogen activators and inhibitors, is lowered in obese subjects. Fasting blood samples were collected from 35 subjects, aged 15 to 45 years, with normal glucose tolerance and a Body Mass Index (BMI) varying widely between 16 and 45 (normal, 19 to 25). Euglobulin Fibrinolytic Activity (EFA) did not correlate with the level of tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA) related antigen but exhibited a negative correlation with the level of PA inhibitor (r = -.609, P less than 0.01). EFA was negatively and PA inhibitor positively correlated with both BMI (r = -.381, P less than 0.02 and .664, P less than 0.01, respectively) and plasma insulin level (r = .410, P less than 0.02 and .521, P less than 0.01, respectively). Stepwise analysis showed that these correlations were independent. As expected, plasma insulin was correlated with BMI (r = .512, P less than 0.01) and triglyceride level (r = .38, P less than 0.02), total cholesterol with age (r = .379, P less than 0.02). Ten obese subjects were submitted to a 24-hour fast. While body weight did not change appreciably, plasma insulin decreased from 22.3 +/- 2.2 to 16.3 +/- 1.1 microU/ml, EFA increased from 3.6 +/- .8 to 4.9 +/- .67 mm, and PA inhibitor decreased from 4.52 +/- .76 to 3.44 +/- .63 IU/mL. All these differences were significant. T-PA-related antigen did not change.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

[Thromboembolic disease and anomalies of fibrinolysis].

Quantitative abnormalities of fibrinolytic system factors (tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PA-inhibitor) are often found in the patients exhibiting an idiopathic thromboembolic pathology. Exploration of fibrinolytic system is performed by taking blood samples prior and after stimulation (after venous occlusion or DDAVP injection). Patients can be "good responders" (that is presenting with an increase of fibrinolytic activity after stimulation) or "bad responders". Among these latter (that is 30 p. 100 of cases), there are two groups: patients exhibiting an increase of PA inhibitor level, this concealing fibrinolytic role of t-PA released by stimulation (20 p. 100 of cases), patients failing to present any t-PA release through endothelial cells stimulation (10 p. 100 of cases). Furthermore, an hypofibrinolysis was demonstrated a long time ago, in certain thrombogenic conditions (post-operative period, obesity, elderly patients). Hypofibrinolysis was recently demonstrated, according to such conditions, as liable to an increase in the PA inhibitor levels. As pathogenic role of hypofibrinolysis is then demonstrated, therapeutic studies reducing the PA inhibitor level or increasing the t-PA rate produced and released by endothelial cells are to be developed.

Fibrinolysis↗

Increased PA-inhibitor levels in the postoperative period--no cause-effect relation with increased cortisol.

It has been reported that the level of PA-inhibitor increases in postoperative patients and on the other hand that glucocorticoids increase the PA-inhibitor level in cell culture. Because surgery is associated with increased plasma cortisol level, a relation between the postoperative increase in plasma cortisol and PA-inhibitor levels was looked for. Blood samples were collected from 8 patients undergoing extensive abdominal surgery, before operation and postoperatively at 2 hr, 4 hr, 24 hr and daily for 7 days. Plasma cortisol and PA-inhibitor were increased 2 hr after surgery, when there was a significant correlation (p less than 0.05). The maximum increase was at 24 hr and the values fell to normal on day 6. An increase in t-PA related antigen (t-PA R:Ag) and a decrease in euglobulin fibrinolytic activity (EFA) also occurred. In 7 controls 0.25 mg ACTH was given intravenously and blood was collected after 1/2, 1, 2, 4, 6 hr. Although the increase in plasma cortisol level following ACTH was comparable to that observed after surgery the increase was not associated with significant change in PA-inhibitor level, t-PA R:Ag or EFA. A cause-effect relationship between the increased plasma cortisol and PA-inhibitor level could not be shown. The mechanism of the postoperative increase in PA-inhibitor thus remains unknown.

Abdomen↗

Fat cell function and fibrinolysis.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is a specific inhibitor of plasminogen activators and may be the principal regulator of plasminogen activation in vivo. PAI-1 levels are elevated in insulin-resistant subjects and are associated with an increased risk of atherothrombosis. After adjustment for metabolic parameters, increased PAI-1 levels were no longer considered as a cardiovascular risk factor. The mechanisms underlying the strong association between PAI-1 levels and the metabolic disturbances found in insulin resistance are still not understood. Several studies have suggested that visceral adipose tissue may be a major source of PAl-1. Accordingly, adipose tissue PAI-1 production particularly that from visceral fat, was found to be elevated in obese human subjects. Within human adipose tissue, stromal cells appear to be the main cells involved in PAI-1 synthesis. This review discusses the potential mechanisms linking adipose tissue to plasma PAI-1 levels such as the intervention of cytokines (TNFalpha and TGFbeta), free fatty acids and hormones (insulin and glucocorticoids). Moreover alteration of adipose tissue cellular composition induced by the modulation of PAI-1 expression opens a novel field of interest.

Adipocytes↗

Formation, inhibition and clearance of plasmin in vivo.

A 5 microg/kg bolus of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) was infused into 11 healthy subjects followed by measurement of t-PA activity and antigen, PAI-1 activity and antigen, t-PA/PAI-1 complex, plasmin/antiplasmin (PAP) complex and D-dimer over 4 h. Infusion of t-PA resulted in a rise in PAP levels in all subjects from a baseline of 2.4 +/- 1.1 nmol/l to a peak of 5.1 +/- 2.3 nmol/l, but had no effect on plasminogen, antiplasmin or D-dimer levels. Using a kinetic model of plasminogen activation in vivo, the second-order rate constant for t-PA binding to plasminogen was estimated to be 3,100 +/- 1,300 mol(-1)l x s(-1), 200-500 times slower than t-PA accelerated by fibrin. The half-life of PAP was 4.5 +/- 1.6 h. In healthy subjects, the PAP level in plasma represents the average rate of plasminogen activation over the last 2-8 h.

Adult↗

Stimulating effect of oxidized low density lipoproteins on plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 synthesis by endothelial cells.

Oxidized low density lipoproteins (ox-LDL) are thought to accelerate atherogenesis. It was recently demonstrated that patients with coronary heart disease have defects in plasma fibrinolysis due to increased plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels. Investigation of PAI-1 synthesis by endothelial cells may allow insight into the effect of native LDL (N-LDL) and ox-LDL on endothelial cells. In the present study, secretion of PAI-1 by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in culture was evaluated after incubation with N-LDL and ox-LDL. Ox-LDL were obtained by peroxidation under ultraviolet radiation, which induced compositional changes in LDL, namely, a decrease in the levels of arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and alpha-tocopherol and an increase in the malondialdehyde content. Ox-LDL induced a dose-dependent increase in PAI-1 secretion by HUVEC as assayed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. After a 24-hour incubation, a twofold increase in the PAI-1 content was observed with 50 micrograms/ml ox-LDL protein. Studies with inhibitors of protein synthesis and metabolic labeling with [35S]methionine confirmed that PAI-1 synthesis was stimulated by ox-LDL. N-LDL had no detectable effect on PAI-1 secretion. Binding studies with radiolabeled lipoproteins showed that the effect of ox-LDL was independent of the B/E receptor. Our experiments indicate that ox-LDL stimulate PAI-1 secretion from HUVEC and that this effect may involve a scavenger receptor.

Binding, Competitive↗

Plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in angina pectoris. Influence of plasma insulin and acute-phase response.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is an important physiological inhibitor of fibrinolysis. It circulates in blood both in free active form and in inactive form complexed with tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA). Control mechanisms for its synthesis and release from hepatocytes and endothelial cells are important in the pathogenesis of thrombosis. Possible risk factors for myocardial infarction include high insulin and PAI-1 levels, which correlate with one another in healthy subjects, and fibrinogen, which together with PAI-1, is an acute-phase reactant. We therefore studied the interrelationships between PAI-1, plasma insulin, and acute-phase proteins in 67 patients with angina pectoris. Plasma insulin correlated strongly (r = 0.59, p less than 0.001) with PAI activity, free PAI-1 antigen (r = 0.60, p less than 0.001), and total PAI-1 antigen (r = 0.58, p less than 0.001). The acute-phase proteins, fibrinogen and C-reactive protein, correlated significantly with t-PA antigen, total PAI-1 antigen, and PAI-1/t-PA complexes but not with PAI activity or free PAI-1. The results suggest that insulin stimulates synthesis and release of free PAI-1 (probably via hepatocytes as previously shown with cell culture) and that endothelial cell synthesis and release of t-PA, together with PAI-1, reflects a nonspecific acute-phase response to chronic vascular disease. Hyperinsulinemia found in patients with angina pectoris could play a role in the development of myocardial infarction via the induction of high plasma PAI-1 activity.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 and insulin levels in various insulin resistance states.

Among obese insulin resistant subjects plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI 1) levels are closely associated with fasting insulin levels in cross sectional as well as intervention studies. Insulin concentration by itself does not seem to modulate PAI 1 levels at least in acute conditions. PAI 1 levels could be more directly related to the insulin resistant state than to hyperinsulinaemia. To elucidate further this phenomenon we compared insulin, triglyceride and PAI 1 levels in twenty control subjects and in three groups of patients presenting insulin resistance 14 obese subjects, 6 patients with Cushing disease and 7 with acromegaly. None of the tested subjects was diabetic. Fasting insulin levels were elevated in obese (21.4 +/- 8.0) hypercortisolic (20.3 +/- 11.0) and acromegalic patients (16.1 +/- 5.0) compared to controls (9.2 +/- 3.0 microU/ml, m +/- SD). PAI activity and PAI 1 antigen levels were elevated in the obese group only (34.3 +/- 13.0 for PAI 1 activity) and not in the others: 10.2 +/- 10.0, 7.0 +/- 4.6 I U/l for hypercortisolic and acromegalic patients respectively (normal controls 9.7 +/- 5.4). Triglyceride levels were also elevated among obese subjects 2.2 +/- 1.3 vs 1.1 +/- 0.4 mM/l in the controls; they were slightly higher than normal but not significantly in the hypercortisolic (1.5 +/- 0.6) and acromegalic (1.43 +/- 0.6 mM/l) patients. The mechanism of insulin resistance is different in the three conditions studied here. This may explain why elevated PAI 1 concentration are restricted to the common form of insulin resistance as seen in obese subjects. Therefore insulin resistant state per se is not associated with elevated PAI 1 levels.

Acromegaly↗