Thyroid dysfunction and fibrin network structure: a mechanism for increased thrombotic risk in hyperthyroid individuals

J. M. W. Hooper, D. J. F. Stuijver, S. M. Orme, B. Van Zaane, K. Hess, V. E. Gerdes, F. Phoenix, P. Rice, K. A. Smith, S. H. Alzahrani, K. F. Standeven, R. A. Ajjan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Context: Hyperthyroidism is associated with increased thrombosis risk, and fibrin clot structure determines susceptibility to vascular thrombotic events. 

Objective: Our objective was to investigate clot formation and lysis in hyperthyroidism using observational and interventional studies. 

Design: Ex vivo fibrin clot structure/fibrinolysis and plasma levels of thrombotic/inflammatory markers were investigated in hyperthyroid individuals (n = 24) and matched controls (n = 19), using turbidimetric assays, ELISA, and confocal and electron microscopy. The effects of normalizing thyroid function were analyzed (n = 19) and the role of short-term exogenous hyperthyroidism in healthy volunteers studied (n = 16). 

Results: Hyperthyroid subjects displayed higher clot maximum absorbance compared with controls (0.41 ± 0.03 and 0.27 ± 0.01 arbitrary units, respectively; P < 0.01), and longer clot lysis time (518 ± 23 and 461 ± 18 sec, respectively; P< 0.05), which correlated with free T4 levels. Plasma levels of fibrinogen and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 were significantly higher in patients compared with controls. Normalizing thyroid function in 19 subjects was associated with lower maximum absorbance and shorter lysis time, accompanied by reduction in fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and D-dimer levels. Complement C3, but not C-reactive protein, levels were higher in hyperthyroid subjects compared with controls (0.92 ± 0.05 and 0.64 ± 0.03 g/liter, respectively; P< 0.01), correlated with clot structure parameters, and decreased after intervention. Confocal and electron microscopy confirmed more compact clots and impaired fibrinolysis during hyperthyroidism. Exogenous hyperthyroidism in healthy volunteers had no effect on any of the clot structure parameters. 

Conclusions: Endogenous hyperthyroidism is associated with more compact clots and resistance to fibrinolysis exvivo, related to the degree of hyperthyroidism and C3 plasma levels, and these changes are modulated by achieving euthyroidism. Altered clot structure/lysis may be one mechanism for increased thrombotic risk in hyperthyroidism.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1463-1473
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
Volume97
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Feb 2012
Externally publishedYes

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