Correlation of plasma protein C levels with cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged adults: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.
To evaluate the association of plasma protein C levels with constitutional, socioeconomic, life-style and biochemical factors important in cardiovascular diseases, we measured protein C levels in 12,290 middle aged (45-64 years) subjects participating in the ARIC study. Protein C levels had a normal distribution with a mean value of 3.17 micrograms/ml. They were higher in women than men and in whites than blacks; higher in postmenopausal women and further increased by hormonal supplements. The age influence was inconsistent and was considered to be inconsequential. Protein C levels were positively correlated with body mass index, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides and negatively associated with cigarette smoking. These factors should be taken into consideration when establishing normal protein C levels and when analyzing the relation between protein C and arterial and venous thrombotic disorders.
Conlan
M G
MG
Division of Hematology and Vascular Biology Research Center, University of Texas Medical School, Houston 77030.
Folsom
A R
AR
Finch
A
A
Davis
C E
CE
Sorlie
P
P
Wu
K K
KK
D000367:Age Factors; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors / Q000032:analysis; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011486:Protein C / Q000032:analysis*; D044469:Racial Groups; D012016:Reference Values; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D008055:Lipids; D011486:Protein C