Anti-Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor Activity In Subjects With Antiphospholipid Syndrome Is Associated With Increased Thrombin Generation

Background and Objectives. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) fractions from subjects with antiphospholipid syndrome (aPS) have previously been demonstrated to have inhibitory activity against tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). This may contribute to the development of a prothrombotic state by impaired regulation of the tissue factor (TF) pathway. This study investigated the effect that IgG fractions from aPS subjects containing anti-TFPI activity have on in vitro TF-induced thrombin generation.Design and Methods. TFPI and anti-TFPI activities were determined in normal controls (n = 29) and aPS subjects (n = 57). TFPI activity was determined using an amidolytic assay based on the generation of factor Xa. Anti-TFPI activity was determined after incubating IgG isolated from a control or subject plasma with pooled normal plasma, using the TFPI activity assay. The influence of IgG fractions from controls (n = 10) and subjects (n = 23) on TF-induced in vitro thrombin generation was determined using a chromogenic assay of thrombin activity.Results. TFPI activity in controls (1.13 +/- 0.25 U/mL) was significantly lower than in subjects (1.30 +/- 0.42 U/mL) (p < 0.05). Anti-TFPI activity was significantly higher in subjects than controls (p = 0.0001). TF-induced thrombin generation was positively associated with anti-TFPI activity (p = 0.356; p > 0.05), with increased levels of each demonstrated in 5 subjects.Interpretations and Conclusions. Anti-TFPI activity was confirmed in 65% of aPS subjects. IgG fractions demonstrated a variable ability to interfere with TFPI function and TF-induced thrombin generation. Cross-reacting antiphospholipid antibodies and/or other entities may interfere with TFPI function, resulting in a net increase in thrombin generation and an increased thrombotic risk.