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Asbestos fibers, plasma and inflammation
Environmental Health Perspectives
|September 1, 1983
Summary
Certain asbestos fibers, specifically negatively charged amphiboles, activate Hageman factor, initiating plasma coagulation and kinin formation. Short chrysotile fibers do not produce this effect.
Area of Science:
- Mineralogy
- Hematology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Fibrin clots and kinins are implicated in inflammation and coagulation disorders.
- Asbestos exposure is linked to various health issues, but its direct effect on plasma coagulation is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of different types of asbestos fibers on human plasma coagulation.
- To identify specific asbestos properties that trigger coagulation and kinin formation.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of human plasma with various asbestos fibers (chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite) of different charges and lengths.
- Measurement of partial thromboplastin time to assess plasma coagulation.
- Assay for factor XII (Hageman factor) activation and kinin formation.
Main Results:
- Both negatively and positively charged asbestos fibers shortened partial thromboplastin time, indicating plasma coagulation.
- Short chrysotile fibers were ineffective.
- Negatively charged amphiboles (crocidolite, amosite) activated factor XII.
- High molecular weight kininogen enhanced the effect of amphiboles, leading to kinin formation.
Conclusions:
- Specific asbestos types, particularly negatively charged amphiboles, can directly initiate the intrinsic coagulation pathway by activating factor XII.
- This activation is potentiated by high molecular weight kininogen, leading to kinin production.
- Fiber length and charge are critical factors in asbestos-induced plasma coagulation.
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