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INTRODUCTION: A novel variant in the thrombomodulin (TM) gene, c.1487delC,p.(Pro496Argfs*10), referred to as Pro496Argfs*10, was identified in a family with an unexplained bleeding disorder. The Pro496Argfs*10 variant results in loss of the transmembrane and intracellular segments of TM and is associated with an increase in soluble TM (sTM) in the plasma. The aim of this study was to characterise the effect of elevated sTM on thrombin generation (TG) and fibrinolysis, and to evaluate therapeutic strategies to manage the patients. METHODS: Plasma samples were obtained from two patients carrying the variant. TG was triggered using 5 pM tissue factor and measured using the Calibrated Automated Thrombogram. A turbidity clot lysis assay was used to monitor fibrinolysis. TM antigen was quantified by ELISA. RESULTS: Patients with the Pro496Argfs*10 variant had significantly elevated plasma sTM compared to controls (372.6 vs. 6.0 ng/ml). TG potential was significantly lower in patients but was restored by inhibition of activated protein C (APC) or addition of activated Factor VII (FVIIa) or platelet concentrates. In vitro experiments suggested that activated prothrombin complex concentrates (APCC) posed a risk of thrombosis. The time to 50% lysis was significantly prolonged in patients compared to controls, 69.7 vs. 42.3 min. Clot lysis time was shortened by inhibition of activated thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFIa). CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that increased sTM enhances APC generation and reduces TG. Simultaneously, the rate of fibrinolysis is delayed due to increased TAFI activation by sTM. Treatment with platelet or FVIIa concentrates may be beneficial to manage this rare bleeding disorder.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.thromres.2020.11.002

Type

Journal article

Journal

Thromb Res

Publication Date

01/2021

Volume

197

Pages

100 - 108

Keywords

Blood platelets, Factor V, Protein C, Thrombin, Thrombomodulin