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Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay
Published on: September 9, 2012
Low levels of activated factor VII in systemic sclerosis
Alessandro Volpe1, Gian Luca Salvagno, Giuseppe Lippi
1Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Verona, Verona, Italy.
Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis
|September 30, 2006
Summary
Patients with systemic sclerosis have significantly lower activated factor VII levels. This reduction in activated factor VII may contribute to ischemic complications by affecting apoptosis and angiogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Activated factor VII (FVIIa) has known pro-coagulant roles and emerging extra-coagulant functions, including apoptosis and angiogenesis.
- Systemic sclerosis is a severe autoimmune disorder with significant morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate activated factor VII levels in patients with systemic sclerosis.
- To explore the potential association between activated factor VII and the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis and its complications.
Main Methods:
- Plasma activated factor VII levels were measured in 28 systemic sclerosis patients and 28 age- and sex-matched controls.
- Clinical and instrumental investigations assessed disease activity, renal, skin, vascular, and lung involvement.
Main Results:
- Systemic sclerosis patients showed significantly lower plasma activated factor VII activity compared to healthy controls (15.2 U/l vs. 37.7 U/l, p < 0.001).
- No significant correlation was found between activated factor VII levels and clinical parameters like age, disease duration, or organ involvement.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of reduced activated factor VII activity in systemic sclerosis.
- Lowered activated factor VII may play a role in the ischemic complications of systemic sclerosis by influencing apoptotic and angiogenic pathways.
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