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Published on: May 24, 2020
Basic mechanisms and pathogenesis of venous thrombosis
1Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Departments of Pathology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, United States. charles-esmon@omrf.org
Blood Reviews
|August 18, 2009
Summary
Virchow
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Vascular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Virchow's triad (1856) identified stasis, vessel wall changes, and blood changes as thrombosis causes.
- Modern understanding includes high coagulation factor levels and anticoagulant defects, like factor V Leiden (5% of Caucasians).
- Genetic variants interact with factors like oral contraceptives, increasing thrombotic risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifactorial causes of venous thrombosis.
- To highlight the roles of genetic factors, age, and cancer in thrombotic risk.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of thrombosis causes.
- Analysis of genetic predispositions and environmental risk factors.
Main Results:
- Factor V Leiden resistance to activated protein C is a common genetic risk factor.
- Cancer and age are significant, more frequent contributors to thrombosis than genetic variants.
- Age is the strongest risk factor, linked to vessel fragility, stasis, and reduced anticoagulant efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Venous thrombosis results from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and physiological factors.
- Understanding these diverse contributors is crucial for risk assessment and prevention strategies.
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