GLUCOSAMINOGLYCANS ADMINISTRATION DECREASES HIGH FIBRINOGEN PLASMA-LEVELS IN DIABETIC-PATIENTS

High fibrinogen plasma levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. There is evidence that both increased fibrino gen plasma levels and thrombin formation may be present in subjects wi th diabetes mellitus. This study shows that in hyperfibrinogenemic (fi brinogen> 300 mg/dl) diabetic subjects increased fibrinogen plasma lev el is associated with increased thrombin formation evaluated by fibrin opeptide A plasma levels. The administration of four different glucosa minoglycans, vs placebo, reduces both fibrinopeptide A and fibrinogen levels. These data suggest that, in diabetes, hyperfibrinogenemia may be associated with increased thrombin formation, and that elevated fib rinogen and increased thrombin formation may be reduced by glucosamino glycans administration.