Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
13:08
Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay
Published on: September 9, 2012
The effect of acetaldehyde on human plasma factor XIII function.
Elizabeth A Suchocki1, Arthur S Brecher
1Department of Chemistry, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio 43403, USA.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|April 17, 2007
Summary
Acetaldehyde significantly prolongs blood clotting and stabilization times by impacting transglutaminase activity. This finding is relevant to understanding alcohol
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Acetaldehyde is a toxic metabolite of ethanol.
- Transglutaminase activity, particularly Factor XIIIa, is crucial for blood coagulation.
- The impact of acetaldehyde on coagulation factors requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of acetaldehyde on transglutaminase activity in human plasma.
- To determine the sensitivity of Factor XIIIa to acetaldehyde exposure.
Main Methods:
- Pooled normal human plasma was preincubated with varying concentrations of acetaldehyde.
- Factor XIIIa activity was assessed by measuring clotting time and stabilization time.
- Assays were performed using fibrinogen and thrombin, with endogenous Factor XIII/XIIIa activity destroyed.
Main Results:
- Acetaldehyde exposure led to a dose-dependent prolongation of clotting time and stabilization time.
- The observed effects occurred across all tested concentrations of acetaldehyde and plasma.
- Factor XIIIa stabilization time was found to be highly sensitive to acetaldehyde.
Conclusions:
- Acetaldehyde interferes with transglutaminase activity in human plasma.
- The findings suggest that acetaldehyde may impair blood coagulation.
- Factor XIIIa is particularly susceptible to acetaldehyde, with implications for alcohol-related coagulation disorders.
