Proteomic Insights into Venous Thromboembolism

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Venous thromboembolism (VTE), encompassing pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), presents significant global health challenges.
• Current diagnostic and risk stratification methods for VTE often lack sufficient specificity and sensitivity.
• Proteomics provides a powerful lens to explore VTE's molecular underpinnings and discover novel biomarkers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize recent advancements in proteomic research concerning VTE.
• To highlight the potential of proteomics in improving VTE diagnosis and prognosis.
• To explore the heterogeneity of VTE through distinct molecular signatures.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across four major scientific databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer Nature, Wiley).
• Inclusion of 30 proteomic studies focused on VTE.
• Analysis of identified protein alterations and pathways.

Main Results:

• Proteomic profiling consistently identified dysregulated pathways in coagulation, inflammation, platelet activation, endothelial dysfunction, and fibrin clot structure.
• Key protein classes, including acute-phase reactants and coagulation factors, show promise for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and prognostic stratification.
• Distinct proteomic signatures were observed between PE and DVT, suggesting biologically diverse VTE phenotypes.

Conclusions:

• Proteomics is instrumental in understanding VTE's molecular complexity and identifying diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers.
• Emerging applications in COVID-19-associated thrombosis, cancer-VTE, and non-invasive samples (exhaled breath) demonstrate expanding clinical relevance.
• Integrating proteomic data with clinical and genetic information is crucial for advancing precision medicine in VTE management.