Molecular and cellular biology of blood coagulation

Article Abstract:

Blood-clotting cells and proteins, or enzymes, are normally inactive in the body. Following injury to a blood vessel, they undergo biochemical changes to convert to their active forms. Inactive blood-clotting enzymes circulate freely in the blood stream, but they stay in the area of tissue damage after activation. A complex sequence of biochemical events leads to the formation of a blood clot after injury to a blood vessel. These events can follow one of two pathways. The body regulates the activity of blood-clotting cells and proteins. They can coagulate blood in areas of tissue damage, but not in other parts of the body. Patients with the hereditary disease hemophilia cannot coagulate blood because they lack certain blood-clotting proteins. Some blood-clotting proteins need vitamin K to coagulate blood. Individuals with a rare hereditary disorder can have a deficiency of vitamin K-dependent proteins. Patients who accidentally ingest the chemical warfarin can also have this type of deficiency. Patients who are at risk for developing blood clots are often treated with drugs that interfere with the blood coagulation process. This type of therapy causes bleeding complications, and should be administered with care.

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Disseminated intravascular coagulation

Article Abstract:

Research on disseminated intravascular coagulation has led to some promising treatments. Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a condition characterized by the formation of blood clots throughout the body. These blood clots block small blood vessels, which reduces the blood supply to organs. The widespread formation of blood clots depletes the supply of platelets and other coagulation factors, which can cause severe bleeding. Disseminated intravascular coagulation can be triggered by infection, trauma, cancer, childbirth, toxins and immunologic diseases. Consequently, these underlying disorders must be treated. Innovative anticoagulants are also being tested.

Analysis, Disseminated intravascular coagulation

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Treating thrombosis in the 21st century

Article Abstract:

A brief history of the discovery of the blood clotting process and ways to block it is presented. Heparin and warfarin are the most common anticoagulants, but patients who take either must be closely watched and even hospitalized in some cases. Researchers are developing newer anticoagulants that are safer and do not require extensive patient monitoring.

Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical preparations, Anticoagulant Preparations, Editorial, Innovations, Anticoagulants (Medicine), Anticoagulants

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