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[Thrombomodulin: physiology and clinical applications (excluding systemic diseases)]
1Service de médecine interne, hôpital de la Croix-Saint-Simon, Paris, France.
La Revue De Medecine Interne
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Plasma thrombomodulin (TM) is a marker of endothelial cell damage. Elevated levels indicate diffuse endothelial damage in various disorders, reflecting its role in anticoagulation and cell processes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Thrombomodulin (TM) is a proteoglycan on endothelial and mesothelial cells, crucial for anticoagulation.
- TM is also found in other cell types, potentially influencing differentiation and inflammation.
- Endothelial cell damage releases TM fragments into circulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of plasma TM as a biomarker.
- To assess TM levels in various disease states characterized by endothelial damage.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of plasma TM levels.
- Analysis of TM levels in patients with different disorders.
Main Results:
- Plasma TM levels increase with diffuse endothelial damage.
- Elevated plasma TM is observed in several investigated disorders.
Conclusions:
- Plasma TM serves as a sensitive indicator of endothelial cell injury.
- TM quantification can aid in diagnosing and monitoring conditions involving widespread endothelial damage.