The haplotype-tagging TF A-603G polymorphism and C-IMT were determined in 611 subjects referred to cardiovascular risk prevention. Subjects were aged 59.7 (58.1–61.1) years (mean (95 % C.I.)), 79 % were male, and 74 % in secondary prevention with a history of coronary, cerebrovascular, or peripheral atherosclerotic disease. TF plasma levels were measured in 120 subjects.
Significant dose-dependent associations were found between A-603G genotype and both IMTmax and IMTmean-max after adjusting for potential confounders. IMT values were highest in A/A (n = 173), intermediate in A/G (n = 312) and lowest in G/G (n = 126). IMTmax values (average and 95 % C.I., in mm) for A/A, A/G and G/G, were 2.22 (2.11–2.34), 2.09 (2.01–2.18) and 2.02 (1.90–2.15), respectively (ptrend = 0.019), and IMTmean-max values were 1.28 (1.23–1.32), 1.25 (1.22–1.28) and 1.21 (1.16–1.26), respectively (ptrend = 0.041). A significant interaction between A-603G genotype and prevention status was found (p = 0.046 and p = 0.042 for IMTmax and IMTmean-max, respectively). TF plasma levels did not differ between genotypes and were not determinants of C-IMT.
The haplotype-tagging TF A-603G polymorphism is associated with C-IMT, independently of TF levels in plasma. These findings provide clinical evidence of an involvement of TF in atherosclerosis, in addition to its well-known roles in hemostasis and thrombosis.