Subunit Antigen and Activity Levels of Blood Coagulation Factor XIII in Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Abstract —Factor (F) XIII covalently cross-links and stabilizes the fibrin-clot. Recent evidence suggests a role for FXIII in atherothrombotic diseases, but no information is available regarding the association of FXIII with common risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of FXIII with age, sex, smoking, and hypertension. Plasma levels of FXIII A-subunit antigen, FXIII B-subunit antigen, and FXIII cross-linking activity were measured in 612 healthy individuals (250 men and 362 women). FXIII A- and B-subunit levels were correlated significantly with age in both men ( r =0.21, P =0.001, and r =0.17, P =0.008, respectively) and women ( r =0.20, P r =0.13, P =0.011, respectively). FXIII B-subunit levels and activity were correlated significantly with FXIII A-subunit levels ( r =0.60, P r =0.14, P r =0.26, P r =0.14, P =0.001, respectively). Women had higher levels of FXIII A-subunit (111.8% versus 105.2%, P P P P P P P <0.0005). FXIII B-subunit was significantly related to female sex and fibrinogen, and FXIII activity was significantly related to fibrinogen levels. In conclusion, the FXIII A-subunit level increases significantly with female sex, age, and smoking, whereas FXIII B-subunit and FXIII activity are associated with FXIII A-subunit level and fibrinogen. Although evidence for a causal relationship between FXIII A-subunit and vascular disease is not available, these results might suggest a role for elevated FXIII A-subunit levels in the pathogenesis of vascular disease.