Reduced Plasma Selenoprotein P Is Associated With Type I Antithrombin Deficiency and a Prothrombotic State

A positive association between antithrombin activity and selenium level was reported. Selenoprotein P, the most important selenium carrier, was identified within human plasma fibrin clots.

To investigate the relationship between selenoprotein P and antithrombin and its role in modulation of fibrin clot properties in antithrombin-deficient patients.

Proteomic analysis of plasma fibrin clots was performed with mass spectrometry. In 108 patients with genetically confirmed type I (57%) or type II (43%) antithrombin deficiency and in healthy controls (n = 50), we assessed plasma selenoprotein P levels and thiobarbituric acid–reactive substances by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, along with fibrin clot permeability, clot lysis time, and thrombin generation.

Clot-bound antithrombin concentration was 0.46 ± 0.32 mg/g protein, while selenoprotein P level was 30-fold lower (0.015 ± 0.012 mg/g). Type I compared to type II antithrombin-deficient patients had higher clot-bound antithrombin and selenoprotein P levels (both P < .001), associated together (ρ = 0.93, P < .001). Individuals with type I compared to type II antithrombin deficiency or controls had about 40% lower plasma selenoprotein P levels (P < .001). In antithrombin-deficient patients, plasma selenoprotein P was associated with antithrombin antigen (ρ = 0.35, P < .001) and thiobarbituric acid–reactive substances (ρ = 0.42, P < .001). Plasma selenoprotein P correlated also with endogenous thrombin potential (r = −0.33, P < .001), fibrin clot permeability (r = 0.43, P < .001), and clot lysis time (r = −0.40, P < .001) in antithrombin-deficient patients but not in controls.

Patients with type I antithrombin deficiency had higher clot-bound selenoprotein P and reduced plasma selenoprotein P levels. Plasma selenoprotein P was associated with prothrombotic fibrin clot phenotype and enhanced thrombin generation.