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The role of activated protein C resistance in the pathogenesis of venous thrombosis
1Hematologic Disease Branch, Division of AIDS, STD, and TB Laboratory Research, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Insights
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), a common cardiovascular disease, often results from altered anticoagulant proteins. This review discusses the protein C system and clinical issues linked to activated protein C resistance.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant cardiovascular disease.
- VTE pathogenesis involves acquired or inherited defects in hemostatic regulatory proteins.
- The protein C/protein S pathway is crucial for natural anticoagulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the pathobiology of the natural anticoagulant protein system.
- To review the clinical implications of activated protein C resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of VTE and anticoagulant pathways.
- Analysis of the protein C system's role in hemostasis.
Main Results:
- Deficiencies in the protein C pathway, acquired or inherited, are linked to VTE.
- Acquired deficiencies often stem from conditions like cancer, AIDS, or diabetes.
- Inherited deficiencies can cause VTE in healthy individuals.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the anticoagulant protein system is key to VTE management.
- Activated protein C resistance has significant clinical implications for thrombosis risk.
Abstract:
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third most common cardiovascular disease in the United States. VTE is usually a consequence of either acquired or inherited alterations in hemostatic regulatory proteins. These regulatory proteins are predominantly those of the protein C/protein S natural anticoagulant pathway. Acquired deficiencies in this pathway are frequently a consequence of other clinical entities (eg, cancer, AIDS, and diabetes), while inherited deficiencies can be responsible for venous thrombosis in an otherwise healthy individual. The purpose of this article is to briefly describe the pathobiology of the anticoagulant protein system and to review the clinical implications of activated protein C resistance.