Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
05:51
A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology
Published on: May 6, 2014
Tissue factor in atherosclerosis
E Tremoli1, M Camera, V Toschi
1Institute of Pharmacological Sciences, E. Grossi Paoletti Center, University of Milan, Italy. Elena.Tremoli@unimi.it
Atherosclerosis
|July 17, 1999
Summary
Tissue factor (TF) is crucial in atherosclerosis and thrombosis, leading to heart attack and stroke. Understanding TF
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Thrombosis Research
- Atherosclerosis Pathogenesis
Background:
- Thrombosis is central to atherosclerosis development and complications like myocardial infarction and stroke.
- Vessel wall thrombogenicity, blood components, and lipid interactions influence thrombotic events.
- Acute thrombosis can complicate arterial interventions such as bypass surgery and stenting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of tissue factor (TF) in atherogenesis.
- To highlight current knowledge on TF's involvement in plaque thrombogenicity.
- To focus on potential pharmacological strategies targeting TF in atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on tissue factor and atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of studies investigating TF presence in human coronary artery specimens.
- Discussion of pharmacological interventions targeting the coagulation pathway.
Main Results:
- Tissue factor (TF) is a key cellular cofactor initiating coagulation.
- Active TF is found in human coronary arteries, associated with lipid areas, macrophages, and smooth muscle cells.
- These findings suggest TF significantly contributes to atherosclerotic plaque thrombogenicity.
Conclusions:
- Tissue factor plays a critical role in the thrombotic nature of atherosclerotic plaques.
- Further research into TF's function is essential for developing targeted therapies.
- Pharmacological inhibition of TF represents a promising therapeutic avenue for atherosclerosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:38Inflammation
Overview
01:20Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis
Blood clotting or coagulation involves extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, which ultimately merge into the common pathway, forming a fibrin clot.
The Extrinsic Pathway
The extrinsic pathway of coagulation is typically initiated by tissue damage that exposes blood to tissue factor (TF), a protein released by the damaged tissue cells outside the blood vessels—this interaction with TF triggers biochemical reactions involving specific clotting factors. The key player here is Factor VII, which forms a...
The Extrinsic Pathway
The extrinsic pathway of coagulation is typically initiated by tissue damage that exposes blood to tissue factor (TF), a protein released by the damaged tissue cells outside the blood vessels—this interaction with TF triggers biochemical reactions involving specific clotting factors. The key player here is Factor VII, which forms a...
01:16Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis
After a fibrin clot is formed, the next step is clot retraction, a vital process facilitated by platelet contractile proteins, such as actin and myosin. These proteins pull the fibrin strands closer together and condense the clot. This action reduces the size of the clot, creating a smaller, denser structure that effectively seals off the damaged vessel. Clot retraction consolidates the clot and helps with wound healing by bringing the edges of the damaged blood vessel closer together.
01:26Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
01:30Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
01:30Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...