Association of plasma t-PA and PAI-1 with carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

The association of plasma tissue type plasmingogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) with carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes was explored.The subjects with type 2 diabetes (n =91) and control subjects (n =30) were enrolled for this study.According to carotid artery intima media thickness in Color Doppler Ultrasonography,the subjects with type 2 diabetes were divided into four groups:normal carotid group(group 1,n =25),lining thickening group (group 2,n =30),stable plaques group (group 3,n =23),carotid stenosis group(group 4,n =13).Plasma t-PA and PAI-1 levels were measured by ELISA.Compared with the control group,there was no significant change in the levels of plasma t-PA and PAI-1 in group 1 (P＞0.05),plasma t-PA activity was decreased significantly(P＜0.05) and PAI-1 activity increased obviously (P＜0.05) in group 2,group 3,and group 4.Carotid atherosclerosis degree was negatively correlated with t-PA(r=-0.723,P＜0.01) and positively correlated with PAI-1 (r=0.851,P＜0.01).The results suggested that the abnormal fibrinolysis function may take part in the development of atherosclerosis of carotid arteries in patients with type 2 diabetes. Key words: Tissue type plasmingogen activator; Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 ; Carotid atherosclerosis; Diabetes mellitus, type 2