Association of Thrombin Generation Potential with Platelet PAR-1 Regulation and P-Selectin Expression in Patients on Dual Antiplatelet Therapy

We studied the association of thrombin generation potential with platelet protease activated receptor (PAR)-1 regulation and platelet activation in 52 stable coronary artery disease patients on continuous therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel (n = 42) or prasugrel (n = 10). Compared to controls, peak thrombin generation potential was elevated in only 11 patients (p > 0.05), while F1.2 was elevated in 26 patients (p < 0.0001). PAR-1 and thrombin inducible P-selectin expression were significantly elevated in patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). There were no significant correlations between levels of thrombin generation potential or F1.2 and PAR-1 regulation. However, there was a significant inverse correlation between levels of peak thrombin generation potential and in vitro thrombin-inducible expression of P-selectin (p = 0.002), suggesting in vivo depletion of platelet alpha granules due to ongoing platelet activation.