Tissue factor and tissue factor pathway inhibitor in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Background. The inflammatory process in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) interferes with the normal function of respiratory lung. There is strong evidence indicating that inflammatory process in patients with COPD may activate blood coagulation. However, little is known about the role of tissue factor (TF) pathway in the coagulation system activation in COPD.

Objectives. The aim of the study has been to evaluate the concentration of selected parameters of coagulation process, including TF and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), in plasma of patients with COPD. Patients and methods. The study included 66 patients with COPD at different stages of disease according to GOLD 2006, mean age of 60.4 years. The control group consisted of 25 healthy volunteers (non-smokers). Total TF and TFPI concentrations and other haemostatic parameters were measured using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

Results. Significantly higher concentrations of TF and TFPI (p = 0.03; p = 0.004, respectively) were observed in patients with COPD. The level of fibrinogen was also higher in the study group than in controls (p = 0.002). However, the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was shortened in COPD patients as compared with the control group (p = 0.0001).

Conclusion. The study showed that in patients suffering from COPD, the stimulation of the tissue factor- -dependent activation of coagulation is observed.