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

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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<0.0005, and 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<0.0005, and r=0.14, P<0.0005, respectively) and fibrinogen (r=0.26, P<0.0005, and r=0.14, P=0.001, respectively). Women had higher levels of FXIII A-subunit (111.8% versus 105.2%, P<0.01) and B-su...