Does smoking increase tissue factor expression and thrombogenicity in atherosclerotic plaques?
Increased plaque tissue factor expression provides a mechanistic explanation for higher atherothrombotic risk in smokers, which may be mitigated by aspirin.
Our results suggest increased plaque TF expression and thrombogenicity as a novel mechanism for the increased risk of atherothrombotic events in smokers. Treatment with aspirin may reduce TF expression.
Matetzky et al. (Tue,) studied this question.