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Published on: September 9, 2012
In vivo activation and functions of the protease factor XII
Jenny Björkqvist, Katrin F Nickel, Evi Stavrou
1Thomas Renné, MD, PhD, Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany, Tel.: +49 40 7410 58984, Fax: +49 40 7410 57576 and Clinical Chemistry, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna (L1:00), SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden, Tel.: +46 8 517 73390,Fax: +46 310376,
Abstract:
Combinations of proinflammatory and procoagulant reactions are the unifying principle for a variety of disorders affecting the cardiovascular system. Factor XII (FXII, Hageman factor) is a plasma protease that initiates the contact system. The biochemistry of the contact system in vitro is well understood; however, its in vivo functions are just beginning to emerge. The current review concentrates on activators and functions of the FXII-driven contact system in vivo. Elucidating its physiologic activities offers the exciting opportunity to develop strategies for the safe interference with both thrombotic and inflammatory diseases.
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