Fibrinogen concentrations in ischaemic stroke patients with metabolic disorders

Abstract

Background. Hyperfibrinogenemia plays a crucial role in the coagulation cascade leading to the formation of clots. It is involved in the process of platelet aggregation, primary haemostasis, and leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions. The aim of our study was to assess the correlations between fibrinogen concentration and particular risk factors for vascular diseases and atherosclerotic changes in stroke patients. Methods. The study group consisted with 94 patients with acute ischaemic stroke with normo- or hyperglycaemia and normo- or hyperlipidemia. 21 healthy subjects served as a control group. Fibrinogen level, HbA1c, and lipid profile were measured in all patients. Using a flow cytometer, we assessed CD61-positive microparticles which were defined as platelet-derived microparticles (PDMPs). The level of sP-selectin in serum was measured using the ELISA method. Results. A significant positive correlation was observed between fibrinogen concentration and sP-selectin (p = 0.001), HbA1c (p < 0.05) level, and percentage of PDMPs (p < 0.05) in the study patients. Furthermore, we noticed a significant negative correlation between fibrinogen concentration and the level of HDL (p < 0.05). No correlation was observed between fibrinogen and TC, LDL and TG levels. Conclusions and clinical implications. Our findings suggest that an elevated fibrinogen level may represent a marker of prothrombotic condition exacerbated in the state of hyperglycaemia and activation of platelets and endothelial cells. This suggests an important role played by fibrinogen in the process of thrombogenesis.