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Beta2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) is a naturally occurring antithrombotic protein. The basis for its anticoagulant activity resides in its attachment to von Willebrand factor (vWF), thereby restricting vWF-mediated adherence of platelets to vascular surfaces. Antibodies to β2GPI have been found in patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, an intensely thrombogenic condition. Evidence suggests that levels of vWF and β2GPI relative to one another might contribute to the development of thrombotic events such as myocardial infarction (MI).
To investigate the effects of these two proteins, Dutch investigators measured plasma levels of β2GPI and vWF in 539 men who suffered first MIs and 611 age-matched controls (median time between MI and blood…