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Coagulation pathways in atherothrombosis
Alexey V Khrenov1, Natalya M Ananyeva, John H Griffin
1Department of Biochemistry, Holland Laboratory, American Red Cross, Rockville, Maryland 20855, USA.
Insights
Atherosclerosis complications stem from thrombosis. Understanding blood coagulation pathways in atherosclerotic plaques is crucial for developing effective atherothrombosis treatments.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of mortality in industrialized nations.
- Thrombosis is identified as the primary driver of atherosclerosis complications, including myocardial infarction and stroke.
- Effective treatment for atherothrombosis necessitates a deep understanding of coagulation mechanisms at atherosclerotic lesion sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the roles of extrinsic and intrinsic blood coagulation pathways in atherosclerotic plaque thrombogenicity.
- To explore factors influencing the procoagulant/anticoagulant balance in atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on blood coagulation and atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of the contribution of intrinsic and extrinsic pathways to plaque thrombogenicity.
- Examination of factors affecting the coagulation balance.
Main Results:
- Both extrinsic and intrinsic coagulation pathways significantly contribute to the thrombogenicity of atherosclerotic plaques.
- The interplay between procoagulant and anticoagulant factors dictates the overall thrombotic risk.
- Specific molecular mechanisms within the plaque microenvironment influence this balance.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of coagulation pathways is essential for managing atherothrombosis.
- Targeting specific aspects of the coagulation cascade may offer novel therapeutic strategies.
- Further research into the procoagulant/anticoagulant balance is warranted for improved patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is a disease recognized as the main cause of death in industrial countries. The current paradigm establishes thrombosis to be the major reason for complications of atherosclerosis, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, and the major factor responsible for atherosclerosis-related mortality. Development of adequate treatment of patients with risk of atherothrombosis requires the comprehensive understanding of mechanisms underlying coagulation processes at the site of atherosclerotic lesion. The present review discusses contribution of the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of blood coagulation in thrombogenicity of atherosclerotic plaque and factors determining the overall procoagulant/anticoagulant balance.