Dyslipidemia and the properties of whole blood clot assessed by thromboelastography compared with the properties of plasma clot

Lipid metabolism disorders, such as elevated levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, or lipoprotein(a), promote the development of atherosclerosis. However, their impact on the properties of the blood clot and its susceptibility to endogenous fibrinolysis has not yet been fully elucidated. A better understanding of these relationships may contribute to improved insight into the mechanisms leading to myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. The aim of this project was to investigate whether lipid metabolism disorders are associated with alterations in blood clot properties and to determine whether thromboelastography (TEG), a modern technique used in clinical practice to assess whole-blood coagulation, reflects the properties of plasma clots evaluated using more specialized laboratory methods. This study included 70 participants, enrolled in the Lesser Poland Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program. Lipid profiles were assessed, and a comprehensive evaluation of coagulation was performed using both thromboelastography and specialized plasma clot assays. All participants underwent a standardized clinical assessment, laboratory workup (fibrinogen and lipid profile, including lipoprotein(a) using routine laboratory parameters; performed using Cobas 6000 Roche Diagnostics), and detailed analysis of the fibrin clot phenotype, assessed as described previously [1]. Plasma clot permeability (Ks) and clot lysis time (CLT) were assessed using established protocols with slight modifications [1]. Additionally, thromboelastography (TEG 6s) was used to obtain whole blood clot characteristics, according to the manufacturer instruction; 4 channels were used: kaolin in channel 1 (CK), kaolin with heparinase in channel 2 (CKH), tissue factor and kaolin in channel 3 (RapidTEG channel; CRT), and abciximab and kaolin in channel 4 (functional fibrinogen channel; CFF). Reference: [1] Natorska J, Kopytek M, Gołąb A, Waśniowska A, Konieczyńska M, Undas A, Ząbczyk M. Comparative analysis of whole blood clot viscoelastic properties via thromboelastography and plasma fibrin clot characteristics. Thromb Res. 2026 Feb;258:109582. doi: 10.1016/j.thromres.2026.109582. Epub 2026 Jan 8. PMID: 41544411.