Coagulation factors IX and XI activities are significantly enhanced in type 2 diabetic patients

Objectives: The aim was to examine whether plasma coagulation factors activities are increased in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). Also, we aimed to assess whether any association exists between plasma coagulation factors and cardiometabolic risk factors in these patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 30 DM2 patients and 30 healthy subjects as control group. Plasma fibrinogen concentration and activities of coagulation factors II, V, VII, IX, X, XI and XII were measured. Results: The activities of coagulation factors IX (145.51±5.27 % of norm; p <0.0005) and XI (136.38±5.08 % of norm; p=0.001) and fibrinogen concentration [10.5 (9.3-13.25) mmol/L; p=0.001] were significantly higher in DM2 patients compared to control (IX - 116.44±3.86 % of norm; XI - 109,27±5,95 % of norm; fibrinogen – 8.8  (7.9-10.2) mmol/L). Plasma activities of factors II, V, VII and X were higher, whereas factor XII activity was lower in diabetic patients than in control subjects, but not statistically significant. A significant positive correlation between fasting blood glucose and factors IX, X and XI, was observed in DM2 patients. In the same group significant positive correlation was determined between factors II, VII, IX, X and triglycerides and between factor II and total cholesterol. Conclusion: Procoagulant state in DM2 as evidenced by enhanced activation of coagulation factors IX and XI and elevated fibrinogen concentration, may contribute to the increased risk of thrombosis and vascular complications in DM2 patients. Furthermore, in the prevention of thrombotic complications in patients with diabetes mellitus it is necessery to keep blood glucose and lipids under control. Key words: coagulation factors, patients with DM2, thrombosis, lipids