Tissue factor and urokinase-type plasminogen activator system are related to the presence of cardiovascular disease in hemodialysis patients

Introduction: The disturbances of haemostasis and enhanced oxidative stress (SOX) appear to contribute to the cardiovascular disease (CVD) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate if the disorders of coagulation/fibrinolysis system are associated with the presence of CVD in these patients. Materials and methods: We compared pre-dialysis levels of uPA, suPAR, tissue factor (TF) and its inhibitor (TFPI), prothrombin fragment F1+2 (F1+2); a marker of SOX-Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) and a surrogate of inflammation-high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs CRP) in HD patients with and without CVD. Results: The uPA/suPAR system and hs CRP values were significantly greater in patients with CVD than in those without CVD; whereas TF, TFP1, F1+2 and Cu/Zn SOD levels were comparable in both patient groups. TF was positively correlated with both uPA (p<0.001) and suPAR levels (p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated Levels of suPAR, TF and uPA were independently associated with the presence of CVD in HD patients. Conclusions: The association between TF and upA/suPAR system is significantly related to the presence of CVD in HD patients. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.