Enhanced fibrinolysis in Nigerians--probable contributory factor to low prevalence of atherosclerosis in the Nigerian.

Results of more detailed study of the fibrinolytic enzyme system in Nigerians is reported. A relatively short euglobulin lysis time (ELT, range 75.87-196.08 units) in the males was observed, while a longer time (49.50-98.04 units) was observed in females aged 19-35 years. The mean concentrations of fibrinogen (0.41+/-14 g/100 ml) and plasminogen (2.45+/-1.03 Casein units) which are reported, the latter for the first time in this population are similar to values in other populations. Although plasminogen/plasmin inhibitors were not separately determined in this study, results of the ELT suggest that this was probably due to increased activator activity, and supports a previous suggestion that this increased activator activity may be a mechanism of the enhanced ELT in the males examined.