The fibrinolytic system and haemostasis

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Hematology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• The fibrinolytic enzyme system and plasma coagulation pathways are parallel systems involved in hemostasis.
• Both systems share common activation mechanisms, inhibitors, and homologous enzymes.
• Blood cells play a role in both fibrinolysis and coagulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of the fibrinolytic mechanism in normal fibrinogen catabolism.
• To investigate the causes of hemorrhagic tendency associated with systemic fibrinolysis.
• To examine the relationship between fibrinolytic activity and hemostatic defects.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of fibrinolytic and coagulation system components.
• Investigation of fibrinogen catabolism pathways.
• Clinical study of patients treated with streptokinase.

Main Results:

• Systemic fibrinolysis is linked to hemorrhagic tendency.
• Factors contributing to bleeding include degradation of coagulation factors and anticoagulant effects of Fibrinogen Degradation Products (FDPs).
• Streptokinase treatment showed a correlation between decreased plasma fibrinogen, increased serum FDPs, and hemostatic defects.

Conclusions:

• The fibrinolytic system is closely integrated with coagulation pathways.
• Systemic fibrinolysis can lead to bleeding disorders through various mechanisms.
• Fibrinolytic activity, as induced by streptokinase, directly impacts hemostasis by altering fibrinogen and FDP levels.