Overfatness, stunting and physical inactivity are determinants of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1activity, fibrinogen and thrombin–antithrombin complex in African adolescents

We examined fibrinogen, thrombin–antithrombin complex, factor VIIIc and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity in African children in order to determine haemostatic profile patterning and to identify possible subdivisions at high risk for cardiovascular disease. In a cross-sectional analysis, a convenience sample of 117 girls and 78 boys (15.6 ± 1.35 years) in a South African township was investigated within the Physical Activity in Youth study. Haemostatic variables were investigated in the total group and subdivisions for physical activity levels, maturity (Tanner staging), sex, fat percentage and height for age. Overfatness (53.6%) coexisted with stunting (17.5%). Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity differed significantly between the sexes after adjustments for fat percentage and physical activity levels. Sex explained 10% and muscle mass 1% of the variance in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity. Fibrinogen was significantly higher in girls than in boys (before adjustment for fat percentage), in overfat than in lean children and in stunted than in the nonstunted children (even after adjustment for fat percentage). C-reactive protein, sex and height for age were predictors of fibrinogen. Thrombin–antithrombin complex was significantly higher in girls than in boys, but after separate adjustment for physical activity and fat percentage there were no significant differences. Fitness and muscle mass explained the variance in thrombin–antithrombin complex the best. No significant differences were seen between the groups for C-reactive protein and factor VIIIc. Overfatness, stunting and inactivity negatively influenced plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity, fibrinogen and thrombin–antithrombin complex possibly increased the risk for cardiovascular disease. These factors are modifiable through behavioural changes and optimal nutritional status throughout the early life.