The clinical relevance of altered fibrinogen packaging in the presence of 17β-estradiol and progesterone

Background The effect of endogenous hormone concentrations, specifically 17β-estradiol and progesterone, on fibrin network formation has not been established. Objectives It is essential to understand natural hormone mechanisms since these hormones are still present in circulation while hormonal contraceptives, which are associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism, are used. Methods Due to the fact that these hormones are known to increase hypercoagulability and the prothrombotic state scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), thromboelastography (TEG) and turbidimetry were employed to investigate the morphology, surface roughness, viscoelastic properties and formation and lysis of fibrin. Results 17β-estradiol and progesterone showed hypercoagulable viscoelastic properties and decreased the diameter and surface roughness of fibrin while increasing dense matted deposit occurrence. Our results suggest that the additional burden of hormonal load, together with the presence of endogenous estrogen and progesterone, may result in a prothrombotic and hypercoagulable state in females with an inflammatory predisposition. Conclusion Our results are of clinical importance when considering hormones as either pathological agent or therapeutic intervention as will be assessed in future investigation.