Plasma levels of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor in normal and preeclamptic pregnant women

To explain the pathogenesis of preeclampsia with coagulation induction or a defective fibrinolysis, various hemostatic parameters were studied and different treatment modalities targeting these parameters were evaluated. Considering the role of TAFI in down-regulation of fibrinolysis, in our study we have investigated whether TAFI contributes to impaired fibrinolysis in patient with preeclampsia. Thirty patients with preeclampsia (mean age±SD 25.7±4.53; range 17–36) and 30 normal pregnant women as control group (mean age±SD 28±5.26; range 21–38) were included in our study. TAFI antigen was determined using an ELISA kit for quantitative measurement. The mean TAFI antigen levels were 12.55±1.88 μg/ml in patients with preeclampsia and 12.29±3.0 μg/ml in normal pregnant women. A statistically significant difference was not found between TAFI antigen levels of two groups (p>0.05). In order to clarify the role of TAFI in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, in addition to plasma TAFI levels, its synthesis, activation and metabolism should also be evaluated.