Contact System Activation and Bradykinin Generation in Angioedema: Laboratory Assessment and Biomarker Utilization

Sandra C Christiansen1, Bruce L Zuraw2

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0732, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.

The role of contact system activation has been clearly established in the pathogenesis of hereditary angioedema due to C1 inhibitor deficiency (HAE-C1INH). C1 inhibitor (C1INH)-protease complexes, levels of functional C1INH, plasma kallikrein activation, and cleavage of high-molecular-weight kininogen have each been associated with disease activity. More recently, HAE with normal levels of C1INH (HAE-nl-C1INH) has been recognized. Six genetic mutations have been identified which are linked to HAE-nl-C1INH phenotypes. The majority of individuals with HAE-nl-C1INH fall into the unknown category. There is substantial evidence that bradykinin generation underlies the recurrent attacks of swelling in some of these cohorts.

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