Aims/hypothesis: The metabolic syndrome is associated with proinflammatory and prothrombotic states. This study was designed to assess the behaviour of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and prothrombin fragment F (1+2), a marker of thrombin generation, in patients with the metabolic syndrome.
Methods: We investigated 106 patients with the metabolic syndrome, diagnosed according to the ATPIII report, and 104 subjects without the metabolic syndrome.
Results: Plasma values of sCD40L and F (1+2) were higher in patients with the metabolic syndrome (4.11+/-1.64 vs 2.61+/-0.89 ng/ml and 1.54+/-0.49 vs 0.87+/-0.21 nmol/l, respectively; p < 0.001) and were significantly correlated (r = 0.925, p < 0.001). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that sCD40L was significantly associated with F (1+2), female sex and waist circumference.
Conclusions/interpretation: Patients with the metabolic syndrome have enhanced values of plasma sCD40L and F (1+2). The study provides further insight into the relationship between metabolic syndrome, inflammation and thrombosis.