Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Experimental and Imaging Techniques for Examining Fibrin Clot Structures in Normal and Diseased States
Published on: April 1, 2015
Atherothrombosis: role of tissue factor; link between diabetes, obesity and inflammation
P Meerarani1, P R Moreno, G Cimmino
1Zena and Michael A. Wiener Cardiovascular Institute and The Marie-Jose and Henry R. Kravis Cardiovascular Health Center, The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, 10029 NY., USA. meerarani.purushothaman@msnyuhealth.org
Insights
Tissue factor (TF) drives inflammation and coagulation in atherothrombotic vascular disease. Targeting TF offers a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing cardiovascular events like heart attacks.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Hematology
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- Atherothrombotic vascular disease involves complex interactions between inflammation and coagulation.
- Vulnerable plaque rupture, leading to tissue factor (TF) exposure, is central to coronary thrombosis and acute cardiac events.
- TF is a key initiator of coagulation and a modulator of inflammation, expressed in various plaque components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of tissue factor (TF) in atherothrombotic vascular disease.
- To highlight TF as a biomarker for cardiovascular risk and a therapeutic target.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on TF expression, function, and clinical relevance in cardiovascular disease.
- Analysis of TF's role in plaque instability, thrombosis, and inflammation.
- Examination of circulating TF forms and their association with cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Results:
- TF is widely expressed in atherosclerotic plaques and its expression is induced by inflammatory stimuli.
- Blood-borne TF on microparticles and alternatively spliced TF are implicated in vascular injury, coagulation, and thrombus propagation.
- Elevated circulating TF levels are linked to metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and increased cardiovascular risk.
Conclusions:
- Tissue factor (TF) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of atherothrombotic vascular disease.
- Circulating TF serves as a potential biomarker for cardiovascular events.
- Interfering with TF activity presents a viable therapeutic approach for cardiovascular disease treatment.
Abstract:
Atherothrombotic vascular disease is a complex disorder in which inflammation and coagulation play a pivotal role. Rupture of high-risk, vulnerable plaques with the subsequent tissue factor (TF) exposure is responsible for coronary thrombosis, the main cause of unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death. Tissue factor (TF), the key initiator of coagulation is an important modulator of inflammation. TF is widely expressed in atherosclerotic plaques and found in macrophages, smooth muscle cells, extracellular matrix and acellular lipid-rich core. TF expression can be induced by various stimulants such as C-reactive protein, oxLDL, hyperglycemia and adipocytokines. The blood-born TF encrypted on the circulating microparticles derived from vascular cells is a marker of vascular injury and a source of procoagulant activity. Another form of TF, called alternatively spliced has been recently identified in human and murine. It is soluble, circulates in plasma and initiates coagulation and thrombus propagation. Evidence indicates that elevated levels of blood-borne or circulating TF has been associated with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors and is a candidate biomarker for future cardiovascular events. Therapeutic strategies have been developed to specifically interfere with TF activity in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Type II Diabetes I: Introduction
01:24Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
01:26Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
01:38Inflammation
01:24Obesity