Reduced FVII and FVIII levels and shortened thrombin-generation times during a healthy diet in middle-aged women with mild to moderate CVD risk.

No experimental study has investigated the effect of whole-diet therapies on a wide panel of haemostatic parameters, and their relationship with metabolic and inflammatory markers. These information were sought in middle-aged women with moderate CVD risk subjected to an integrated healthy diet. Research design: Forty-nine pre-menopausal women were screened for C-reactive protein levels >/=1 mg/L and at least one additional cardiovascular disease risk factor. Sixteen women (age: 43-54 years) were selected and received a 12-week diet (four phases) integrating National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel-III recommendations with components of Mediterranean-style diet. Results: We observed a reduction in body mass index (P=0.001), waist circumference (P=0.005), total (P=0.011) and LDL cholesterol levels (P=0.035). Antigen levels of coagulation factor VII (P=0.003) and VIII (P=0.005) were clearly reduced by dietary intervention, which also appeared to decrease circulating tissue factor but not fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor antigen levels. Levels of factor VIII and tumour necrosis factor-alpha, among the inflammation markers, showed the best correlation, particularly before the intervention (r=0.55, P=0.032). Only this cytokine affected FVIII variation over time, thus highlighting new relations between coagulation and cellular components of inflammation. The functional effect of diet on coagulation was indicated by markedly prolonged thrombin generation initiation and propagation times (lag time, P=0.002; time to peak, P=0.005). Conclusions: The changes observed in coagulation initiation and amplification phases, body composition and lipid profile would translate into a remarkable decreased risk for cardiovascular disease. Our observations suggest novel relationships between coagulation and inflammatory components.