Comparison of Plasma Levels of Natural Anticoagulants (Protein C and Protein S) among Jordanian Smokers and Non-Smokers

Abstract

Background: Protein C (PC) with its cofactor free protein S (FPS) are important anticoagulants. Any defect in the PC system is a risk factor for venous thrombosis. Aims: To assess the effect of intensity of smoking, and the dose-response for the number of cigarettes smoked on PC and FPS plasma levels. Methods: A comparative study was designed and carried out on a convenient sample of 50 healthy non-smokers and 150 non-symptomatic Jordanian male smokers. PC and FPS levels were measured using an automated system (Stago Analyzer, USA). Results: The plasma level of PC among smokers was 7.2% lower than that among non-smokers (p = 0.02). Moreover, smokers had 15.6% lower circulating FPS than non-smokers (p = 0.001). Furthermore, data showed significant negative correlations between both PC and FPS levels and the intensity of smoking (r = –0.21%, r = –0.23%, respectively; p = 0.01) and the period of smoking (r = –0.15%, r = –0.23%, respectively; p = 0.01, 0.12, respectively). Conclusions: The PC and FPS plasma levels were significantly lower in smokers than non-smokers. Both PC and FPS levels correlated inversely with the period and intensity of smoking, and FPS was more sensitive to smoking than PC.

Regular smoking is not associated with increased thrombin generation in young adults

“…Furthermore, elevated fibrinogen levels and decreased levels of protein C and activated protein C have been observed. These changes can be attributed to endothelial damage and the subsequent inflammatory reaction, and sometimes occur in a dose-dependent manner [2,3].…”

“…Recent studies indicate that fibrinolysis may be a significant component of TIC in the most severely injured patients [3] and the CRASH2 study [4] has stimulated worldwide interest in this arena. Although treatment is available to prevent plasmin-induced hyperfibrinolysis in the forms of aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid, it is important to confirm the diagnosis of systematic hyperfibrinolysis before subjecting a patient to a potentially…”