Coagulation and fibrinolytic systems and atherogenesis
Takeya, H.; Suzuki, K.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 51(8): 1998-2003
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 8411663 Document Number: 418031
Normal blood fluidity and perpetuation of the non-thrombogenic state are primarily maintained by the anticoagulant and fibrinolytic systems of vascular endothelial cells involving heparin-like molecule, thrombomodulin, prostacyclin, and the receptor for tissue plasminogen activator. Atherosclerosis perturbes these activities, resulting in arterial thrombosis. On the other hand, recent experimental evidence suggests that the disordered thromboregulation often promotes atherosclerosis. Several known risk factors for development of atherosclerosis, including homocysteine and lipoprotein (a) perturb anticoagulant and fibrinolytic systems of vascular endothelial cells at an early stage of atherogenesis.