Effect of combining aspirin and rivaroxaban on atherosclerosis in mice.

Background And Aims: The platelet inhibitor aspirin reduces inflammation and atherosclerosis in both apolipoprotein E deficient (apoE) mice and low-density lipoprotein receptor deficient (Ldlr) mice. Similarly, the factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban reduces atherosclerosis in both apoE and Ldlr mice. We tested the hypothesis that the combination of aspirin and rivaroxaban reduces atherosclerosis in mice to a greater extent than either agent alone.

Effects of storage and leukocyte reduction on the concentration and procoagulant activity of extracellular vesicles in canine packed red cells.

Objectives: To characterize the size and procoagulant activity of extracellular vesicles (EV) that accumulate in canine packed red blood cells (pRBCs) over time and the effect of leukocyte reduction on these characteristics.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: Private small animal specialty referral hospital and university research laboratories.

Targeting Coagulation Factor Xa Promotes Regression of Advanced Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein-E Deficient Mice.

Atherosclerosis is a progressive inflammatory vascular disorder, complicated by plaque rupture and subsequently atherothrombosis. In vitro studies indicate that key clotting proteases, such as factor Xa (FXa), can promote atherosclerosis, presumably mediated through protease activated receptors (PARs). Although experimental studies showed reduced onset of atherosclerosis upon FXa inhibition, the effect on pre-existing plaques has never been studied.

Protease-activated receptors are potential regulators in the development of arterial endofibrosis in high-performance athletes.

Objective: High-performance athletes can develop symptomatic arterial flow restriction during exercise caused by endofibrosis. The pathogenesis is poorly understood; however, coagulation enzymes, such as tissue factor (TF) and coagulation factor Xa, might contribute to the fibrotic process, which is mainly regulated through activation of protease-activated receptors (PARs). Therefore, the aim of this explorative study was to evaluate the presence of coagulation factors and PARs in endofibrotic tissue, which might be indicative of their potential role in the natural development of endofibrosis.