Impaired fibrinolysis and increased fibrinogen levels in South Asian subjects

The potential role of haemostatic risk markers is largely unexplored in Sou th Asians, who have increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular d isease and an increased prevalence of insulin resistance. To investigate di fferences in thrombotic risk markers between South Asian and White populati ons, 42 Asian and 50 White males and 96 Asian and 80 White females, clinica lly free from vascular disease, were recruited. Venous blood samples were t aken for measures of haemostasis and determination of blood lipids. South A sian females showed lower fasting blood glucose than White females (4.6 vs. 4.8 mmol/l, P < 0.008). In the South Asian population, total cholesterol w as lower in females, with a similar trend in males (females 5.0 vs. 5.5 mmo l/l, P < 0.001; males 5.1 vs. WM 5.5 mmol/l, P = 0.09), but no difference i n triglyceride levels. South Asian subjects of both genders had markedly hi gher levels of fibrinogen (females 3.3 vs. 2.8 mg/dl, P < 0.0005; males 3.0 vs. 2.5 mg/dl P < 0.002) and PAI-I activity (females 14.6 vs. 8.7 ng/ml, P < 0.0005, males 21.3 vs. 12.2 ng/ml,) P < 0.0005). Factor VII:C was lower in both South Asian groups (females 110.9 vs. 122.4%, P < 0.005; males 103. 3 vs. 125%, P < 0.0005). Factor XII was lower in South Asian females and th ere were no differences in Factor XII levels in male populations. These res ults suggest that elevated PAI-1 and fibrinogen in Asians of both genders m ay contribute to the increased vascular risk experienced in this population ; however, the role of dyslipidaemia and Factor VII are not clear in these processes. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.